Senior theatre is also taking on a myriad of performance styles. One of the most popular forms is “readers’ theatre” or “script in hand” performances. Performers take the stage with greater confidence since memorization is no longer an issue, making time on stage less threatening.
While senior theatre grows rapidly, a lot of creativity is being shown by industry and academia to reach this important audi- ence. For instance, a travel agency specializing in trips for mature adults has sponsored a senior theatre troupe that performs for targeted groups. And a unique program at New York’s Dorot University brings theatre to homebound individuals to read plays by conference calls each week.
Wanting more involvement
The upsurge of interest in senior theatre stems from several factors, according to experts. “There is a larger population of people 50 and older,” says Ann McDonough, director of gerontology and senior adult theater at UNLV. “These people are healthy and active and want to either return to something they did earlier in their lives, or take up something that they always wanted to try,” she says.
Experts in health and aging agree that participation in the arts is a powerful answer to the negative stereotypes of aging. “Historically, we looked at aging as a ‘medical model,’” says Susan Perlstein, executive director of the National Center for Creative Aging.
“Now we look at it as an ‘assets model.’ People l have much to contribute to society, and what keeps them healthy is the ability to be engaged,” she says.
Impact of cultural activities
The National Endowment for the Arts is cosponsoring a three-year study conducted by Dr. Gene D. Cohen, director of Aging, Health and Humanities at The George Washington University, in Washington, D.C., and author of The Creative Age. His hypothesis: engagement in cultural activities like theatre can promote independence, thus lowering the risk factor for long-term care. “Unless we look at the potential in the aging population, we won’t be very creative with social policy,” Cohen says.
But being part of a theatre group has plenty of benefits besides good physical health. Because it’s a collaborative effort, there tends to be abounding camaraderie. For some people, it’s like having a second family.
“Often people’s first reaction to joining a theatre group is ‘I’m too old to memorize lines,’” says Joy Reilly, associate professor of theater at Ohio State University. “And I tell them, ‘You are never too old to memorize; it may just take a little longer. And it’s good for your brain.’ Then they proceed to memorize their lines, amazing themselves along the way.”
“For today’s seniors, there’s more to life than ‘bible, bingo, and birthdays,’” says ArtAge’s Vorenberg. Communities throughout the country have started senior theatre groups, including many of those built and managed by Erickson Retirement Communities.
“At ArtAge, we help participants find success in senior theatre by providing education, information and inspiration,” Vorenberg says. “We distribute the largest collection of senior theatre materials; publish ArtAge Connects, an award-winning newsletter; and operate www.seniortheatre.com, the largest senior theatre website. People can call us at 1-800- 858-4998 or e-mail us at bonniev@seniortheatre.com.”
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