Bonnie L. Vorenberg

Last month, I went to the Aging in America conference in San Diego to learn the latest trends and to see if our efforts are still on target. Attending a conference without speaking or taking our exhibit was a treat. I had time to explore all of the new ideas that emerge when 2500 aging professionals get together.

The good news is that yes, we are still on target. So many speakers talked about the need for older adults to “re-imagine” and seek fulfillment in their later years. I smiled in agreement because fostering personal growth is what we do all day, every day.

It was also re-assuring to hear that researchers have discovered that because older adults value fulfillment, they are willing to pay for it. Indeed, seniors dedicate a portion of their hard-earned dollars to education and recreation, two basic components of a theatrical experience.

Older adults are jumping on the technology bandwagon in a big way. Cell phones, computers, email, and tablets get more popular every year. In addition, researchers predict that older adults will also enjoy ‘wearables.’ These watches, jewelry, and other forms are smart phones on your wrist. You can use them to connect with family and friends, or link to medical services.

I returned from San Diego knowing that we are on the right path because we help older adults live fuller lives. Whether you call Senior Theatre education or recreation, it’s so challenging and fun that you will share it on email or on your new ‘wearable!’

Yours in theatre,

Bonnie
ArtAge Senior Theatre Resource Center, President

Please join us for a four-week teleconference course on How to Start a Senior Theatre! These in-depth one hour classes will provide all the guidance you need to get your own Senior Theatre company up and running!

Cost: $100 for four hours
Dates to be determined by participants' availability.

It's not too late to be an important part of the Senior Theatre USA Festival & Conference this June 8 – 12 in Atlantic City!

Senior Theatre USA is calling for Workshop Facilitators. Please submit your proposal by April 30. If you are selected to present or perform, your registration fee will be waived. Get your application in early to secure best times and venues for performances.

Rooms are still available at Bally’s Hotel & Casino. Call 1-609-340-2000 to reserve yours now and we'll see you on the Boardwalk!

Fun at one of the ATHE 2013 workshops

The Senior Theatre program at the 2014 ATHE Conference is a great opportunity to connect with other Senior Theatre enthusiasts as you learn more about the field. Join us in Scottsdale, AZ at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess from July 24-27, 2014 for ground-breaking workshops, performances, and more!

Playwrights Anonymous in a recent performance

We love to hear about the shows you perform! Recently, Playwrights Anonymous in Bloomington, IL performed staged readings of 8 short comedies themed "It's All About Me." Featured were Afternoon Antiquing and First Time from the collection Seniors Still Acting Up. Proceeds benefited the downtown Bloomington art community.

Playwrights Anonymous is a group of local writers from Bloomington-Normal who write primarily for the Young Heartland Senior Acting Group. The writers submit works to local and national competitions. They enjoy writing for themselves and have fun sharing with fellow playwrights. The group was formed in 2010 and stemmed from a need for age and audience-appropriate plays for Young at Heartland. You'll enjoy reading the many shows in their first collection, see the below link.

The Playreading Conference Calls get more popular every month! They are a fun way to learn about useful shows. When asked why the readers enjoy the sessions, they talked about the group camraderie and:

• "Hearing the show is important."
• "It's great to discuss the show after we read it. I love hearing the other reader's comments and reactions to the show."
• "I love the Playreading Conference Call. It's fun and clever."

Join us in April for a live reading of three comedies The Appraisal, A Moving Experience, and The License followed by a discussion of the shows. The playwright will be present to hear your comments and answer your questions.

You get a FREE script and stimulating discussion, for only $10. It's easy to take part--you dial the special phone number, enter the access code, and join the conversation. So sign up now. It is a lot of fun!

• Thursday, April 24, 2014
• 1:00PM PST (2:00PM MST, 3:00PM CST, 4:00PM EST.)

As a special bonus, register before April 11 and save $5!

We look forward to reading with you!

Timeless at a recent performance

The vocal quartet Timeless brings together the fine talents of Linda Hutchens, Joanna Suzuki, Dale Hammers, and Bob Armstrong of Grants Pass, Oregon. They peform music from nearly every genre with a repertoire of over 200 songs and growing. Their timeless music spans across the decades of the 30's to the hits of today!

The quartet's popularity has expanded beyond their local community. Recently Jeff Goldblum, the well-known performer, invited the group to sing with him at The Rockwell nightclub in Hollywood, California!

Their love of singing and performing music leads to standing ovations time after time. Book them today!

While one finds company in himself and his pursuits, he cannot feel old, no matter what his years may be. — Amos Bronson Alcott

The Senior Theatre Resource Center catalog

Our catalog is filled with all things Senior Theatre--from short plays to full length shows and three-act musicals. Anything in Senior Theatre, we have it!

Check out our Facebook page.

Facebook: Have a more extended conversation by using our facebook page. Become a 'fan,' then send in information to keep the connection and the movement growing!