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ArtAge Publications
Newsletter
September, 2019
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Bonnie's Column: Ageism
This image of young girls could easily have been replaced by one of
older people--you know with grouchy, unkempt oldsters on the left,
and bright, intelligent, positive elders on the right. This is what
ageism looks like--stereotypes, not real people with hopes, dreams,
and goals. It's as though ageism is one of the last acceptable ways
to discriminate. Yet, if all goes well, we all hope to age, to grow
old with grace and charm after a life well lived. Why discriminate
against yourself?
Here are some of the facts:
- People who reach age 65 have an average
life expectancy of an additional 19.4 years
- Older women outnumber older men with 126
women for every 100 men. At age 85+, there are 187 women to
100 men
- One in every seven Americans is 65+
From the start of my career, I wanted to use theatre
to help older adults explore theatre so they could continue or
discover the thrill of performing on stage. I work with seniors
because it's my art form. Yet, I also wanted to use it to show that
growing older can be a great time of life. What can be more
positive than older adults in a well-performed show! I want to see
real seniors, not ones that are botoxed and fake. Wrinkles are
well-earned and should be worn with distinction.
Use theatre to create more positive, realistic images of older
people. Use their 19.4 years of seniorhood to bring theatre to them
and to their audiences!
Best in theatre,
Bonnie L. Vorenberg
President, ArtAge Publications
More facts about older adults are at the Older Americans Profile
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How to Start a Senior Theatre
Fall is a great time to start a Senior Theatre.
Begin with classes and only move onto productions when you're
ready. We have many resources for classes and for people who are
starting Senior Theatre. Take a look at:
We are
always here to help you in any way. Just ask!
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Autumn and
Halloween Shows
Get in the mood for the new season with these fun
and spooky plays! Save
$5 on the following e-scripts until September 30th!
A Will to Murder: A NEW Play
by Bob Naquin
45 minute mystery
5 women, 2 men, 1 either
William "Billy Bob" Thornburg has died in his sleep. A
cast of unsavory relatives, a corrupt lawyer, a sexy maid, and a
devious butler circle the body to divide the spoils of Mr.
Thornburg's wealth.
Angel in
Disguise (or how to get your husband to wear a costume)
10 minute comedy
1 man, 1 woman
What’s a woman to do if she can’t get her husband to dress up like
an angel for a costume party? The answer will have the audience
laughing!
Witch One
10 minute comedy
2 women
Life is always about the unintended consequences, even if you're a
witch! When an unsuspecting bride makes a rude remark about Trudy’s
hat, the spell is cast.
Jus’ Tus
10 minute murder mystery
1 man, 1 woman
Mystery surrounds the death of Nell’s husband and Sheriff Wally is
suspicious.
Who Shot Fred?
10 minute mystery comedy
1 man, 3 women, 1 either
Who could have shot Fred at the Moon Over Poughkeepsie Hotel? This
hilarious 1940s-style whodunit takes place in a residential hotel
catering to seniors. Sure to keep audiences guessing!
Head First of Feet First?
10 minute mystery comedy
1 man, 3 women, 1 either
Did Malachi Throckmorton accidentally fall from the balcony of The Copa
Coconut Hotel or did he commit suicide? A hysterically zany
1940s-style mystery-farce.
Do you
Believe in Magick?
12 minute comedy
3 women
How do you get someone to ask you on a date when you're a witch?
Love potions? Magic charms? Or, just a carefully dropped hint.
A Profusion
of Roses
10-15 minute mystery
2 women
A seriously wonderful play! With strong women’s roles, this show
features a mother, daughter, and an absent “sister” in
a mysterious relationship.
Never Wear a
Dead Man’s Shoes
15 minute comedy
1 man, 2 women
Sometimes it may be wise to listen to superstitions, but when an
Aunt offers you her late husband’s shoes, run!
Murder at
the Movies
40 minute murder mystery spoof
6 men, 5 women
Charlie Chin the Three’s misadventures are hilarious as he tries to
find the villain. Slapstick fun from the beginning to the
final curtain!
The Haunted
Holiday Hotel
5 men, 9 women, 6 either
75 minute comedy
Jam-packed with zany characters and mysteries to solve. The fun and
laughter can be enjoyed at any time of year!
Save $5 on
the above e-scripts until September 30th!
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Use Benefit Performances
to make a
difference in the community
We know that Senior Theatre benefits performers
and audiences, but what about the community? A few Senior Theatres
around the U.S. have been making a bigger impact than
usual with each performance.
Audience members enjoying dinner with Just a Song at Twilight
- Just a Song at Twilight was performed along with a yummy dinner in
August to benefit the Robertson County Senior Center. So many
people showed up to support this important focal point in the
community that effort brought in $2,650!
- Jack
Benny's Not 39 Anymore's lead character spends
his retirement creating one scheme after another. His latest
involves socks and makes him a "sock magnate!" When
the producers discovered that homeless individuals ask for
socks more than any other item, they knew they could both help
the community and bring focus to the production. After the
show was over, the producers delivered over 600 pairs of socks
to StreetReach. What a great way
to help the community.
Audience
members donated 600+ pairs of socks at Jack Benny's Not 39 Any More
Need some fundraising inspiration? Check out these
plays matched with organizations that can always use
extra help. The sky is the limit!
The Cat Lady Christmas, a NEW Play
by Allison and Margaret Engel, can benefit the Humane Society or
your local animal shelter
- This fun show about a cat-loving
lady would be a great fit with a donation to a
humane society or animal shelter. For more ideas, visit our Animals, Cats, and Dogs page!
- The Glove is about two grandparents and their
feelings about their grandchild changing their gender
identity. Promoting awareness about this issue is the perfect
time to raise money for the organizations above. For more,
visit our page of LGBTQ+ plays!
Sometimes a Rainbow can benefit your local
homeless shelter
- Sometimes a Rainbow is a musical about Cordy, an older woman
who discovers the meaning and joy of life while living on the
streets in Washington, D.C. Pair this show with donations to
your local homeless shelter or homeless advocacy group for a
huge impact.
- This poignant show about aging awareness
could make an even bigger difference when paired with
donations to the above charities or to Alzheimer's and
dementia research funds.
- This fun and honest comedy shines a light
on the importance of self-acceptance and body positivity.
Check out the above organizations to make an
inspiring statement at your next performance!
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Who's Who in Senior Theatre:
Wise Owl
Players
The Wise Owl Players offers adults 50+ the
opportunity to act before live audiences by producing dramatic
staged readings and offering classes to create these performances.
As part of the Avenidas Senior Center and organization, their
mission is to encourage social connections, personal growth, and
self-esteem. The plays and classes are a cultural benefit to the
greater community and demonstrate the richness that older adults
bring to the society.
Click here to read more about The Wise Owl
Players
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Visit our
ever-changing website!
Download
our catalog:
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