An appropriate mug for the times

You would have to be brain dead not to know what is happening to the economy. You could run screaming into the night, forsaking all of your goals. Instead I urge you to remain calm. So, how will the economy affect us in Senior Theatre?

I think the outlook is good. We need to remember that in down times, entertainment becomes so much more important. Audiences crave an escape from reality so they turn to the arts. Those who come to a Senior Theatre show will appreciate that we bring entertainment that touches them and their lives. Meanwhile, our actors will value our work even more, now. What's better than getting applause to help you forget daily struggles. Use comedies, bright and colorful costumes. Do sharp, well rehearsed shows and I predict that your company will do well.

Here at ArtAge, we predict good things also. One reason is because we've always been sensitive to our customers' ability to pay. Our philosophy is that we would rather sell more at a lower price than a few items at a higher price. We never scrimp on quality. We offer materials that will work for actors, from beginning to advanced--ones that speak to an older person's life.

Our services are also reasonably priced because our main goal is to help people be successful in Senior Theatre. We promise to provide personalized, prompt service that will meet your many needs. 

One of the most cost effective products are our many e-scripts. If you buy an e-script you only need to get one copy and you don't have to buy cast copies for one performance. In addition, they're delivered by email so you can get a play almost immediately!

We get a lot of questions about royalty because it is a budget item that fluctuates. However, at ArtAge all of our scripts have either no or really-low royalties. Once again, our rates are set with our cost-conscious customers in mind. 

Adjusting to the economy will not be without challenges. But we think personalized service, sensible prices, and high quality will carry us through. We appreciate our customers so let us know how we can help you. Stay positive!

Bonnie L. Vorenberg
ArtAge Senior Theatre Resource Center, President 

Try this one!

There's still time to get a holiday play and stage it for the season. Our plays work well because many are short and they can be performed using a readers theatre or script-in-hand format. No memorization is required.

The characters are charming, the plots entertaining, and the result is so positive. Get a holiday play today and have it up and running in no time!

Alan Kitty's unique, spellbinding take on Mark Twain

“Not your common Mark Twain,” is how people describe Alan Kitty as Mark Twain, the famed American humorist and storyteller.

In 2009, the popular show will tour throughout the country. A limited number of dates are still available for shows in Florida this February.

Alan Kitty, who has spent 30 years researching and performing as Mark Twain, is now appearing in his new show, Mark Twain’s Last Stand. Twain’s wit and insights are skillfully portrayed by this veteran actor/writer. The result is a show filled with socially and politically charged commentary on today's life and times. It electrifies audiences!

Schedule your performance of Mark Twain’s Last Stand. The production is successful with audiences in libraries, theatres, clubs, and retirement communities. It has also been a hit at trade shows, fundraisers, and special events.

“Mark Twain’s Last Stand” has minimal technical requirements and the fee is reasonable. The result is phenomenal. It’s been called “The best Twain ever!”

Many people turn to ArtAge for high quality scripts for older performers but we also regularly perform many other services for the field, including:

• Promotion and Marketing Projects
• Consultations
• Play Search Services
• Speakers Bureau
• and anything else in Senior Theatre.

We've been very successful with the many promotion and marketing projects we've done over the years. We've worked with companies and individual performers to bring attention to their work. We've also connected those in Senior Theatre with major media to help them appear on NBC, VH-1 and The Onion, in Broadway plays, films, and commercials. We can help you get the word out.

We consult on thorny problems. Whatever your problem, we apply our 30 years of experience in the field to help you be successful. Our guidance has helped start-up Senior Theatres as well as those groups which are at risk of closing down. Together we create a plan, then working in regular meetings, we help you tackle difficult issues.

Many people turn to our Play Search Service when they are building their season. We research script options and help you find materials that will work for you.

Our Speakers Bureau supplies speakers for local, state, and national meetings. We combine theory and practice for energetic talks that are filled with participation and encouragement. 

The Class Act Theatre's recent production of In The Restroom at Rosenbloom's

The Class Act Senior Theatre Company began in October 2007 in SunRiver St. George, Utah. It’s CEO and Artistic Director, Alfie Deming, an actor of ‘no-renown,’ was looking for some scripts for senior actors, when he contacted Bonnie at ArtAge's Senior Theatre Resource Center and told her of his dream to open a Senior Theatre.

With Bonnie’s encouragement, Alfie found a senior community in St. George, Utah which was looking for a production company for their facilities. “We started small,” says Alfie. They produced 1940’s radio scripts and performed some readers theatre in their first year.

"We didn’t charge for our shows, only asking the patrons for donations when they left the theatre," says Alfie. They got additional operating income from grants and business sponsorship. 

Their first show of the 2008-2009 season was a wonderful run of In the Restroom at Rosenbloom’s. They received a $2000 dollar sponsorship grant from a local doctor to produce Twelve Angry Men in April 2009. They will wrap up their season with the blockbuster, A Bag Full of Miracles. Alfie is pleased, saying, "The response from the community has been very gratifying."