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Bonnie's Column
We have been thinking a lot about staying healthy in
the last few days. Smoke from West Coast wild fires has pushed our
air quality off the charts, at times the worst in the world. It's
an experience we don't want to repeat anytime soon. As a timely
reminder to take care of ourselves, September is Healthy Aging
Month.
One of the best ways to age healthfully, is to do theatre, which I
suggest is "better than a trip to the doctor." It touches
our physical, mental, emotional, and cultural needs. Participants often
point to the social benefits as being the most important to them
and the reason they keep coming back for more. If you've ever felt
the esprit de corps, the group feeling, and the rush of adrenaline
that comes with applause--well, there's almost nothing like it!
During these strange and stressful times, whether you are still
socially isolating or distancing, we encourage you to look at all
the many ways you can still be involved. Watch a Zoom performance,
attend our class, then get busy doing theatre! Your health depends
on it.
Click here to learn more about Healthy Aging
Month
Best in theatre,
Bonnie L. Vorenberg
President, ArtAge Publications
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Survey says...
"Here's
what Senior Theatres are doing"
In our last newsletter, we asked you to check-in and tell us
how you are doing. We received nearly eighty responses. In
short, this is a tricky time. The good news is that
28.9% are resuming their Senior Theatre activities this fall
with an equal number starting in January, 2021. Almost 10% of you
never paused and have been going strong in some form or another.
Many respondents expressed frustration and boredom at having
their normal theatre work interrupted. Most of you have continued
by using a mix of activities, such as having
online classes and socializing with the group members while
keeping a safe distance. One writer said, "Boredom has set in
and we miss our theatre group and all we do."
Here are some ideas to keep you going:
- Stay connected. Even if you’re not rehearsing or
working on a production, find ways to continue to stay in
touch with your troupe. You can socialize safely by using
Zoom or other free online meeting platforms or meet
in person while staying socially distant.
- Have a backup plan. If you’re planning on
holding classes, rehearsals, or performances in person,
it pays to have a backup plan that involves moving some
or all of your activities online. If you're curious how to do
this, call us and we can help you.
- Sign up for our classes. Nearly one third of you stated that
you’d like tips for how to keep things going as well as
online classes to keep up your creative energies. See our
upcoming class listed below.
Click here for more
information about Streaming and Online Theatre
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Upcoming class:
Adapt Senior
Theatre to the new 'normal'
The Prize
was performed
socially distant this summer
Photo courtesy of Patrick Cook Expressions
We know that performing the traditional way, in
front of an audience, is best. But, since that's not possible now,
other techniques are proving to be very successful. This session
will teach you how to adapt your Senior Theatre shows and classes
to socially distant, streamed, and virtual formats.
This session will be led by Bonnie L. Vorenberg who
brings her many years in Senior Theatre to help you get up and
running quickly. We'll also hear other's success stories for
encouragement. Learn how to:
- Choose the best format for you
- Adapt your activities and classes
- Select scripts for different formats
- Navigate the policies that govern theatre
After the session, you will feel confident that you
can keep your Senior Theatre members safe while still having fun
doing theatre.
When:
Wednesday, September 30 at 1PM Pacific
(2PM Mountain, 3PM Central, 4PM Eastern)
Where: On
Zoom. After you register, we will send the link to you. We look
forward to working with you!
Cost:
$20
Click here to learn more
and to register
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Watch this online show!
Watch Just a Song at Twilight on Zoom
Playwright Marcia Savin tells the story of an
attractive woman in her 60s who moves into a senior apartment
complex. While sitting on a park bench, she’s welcomed by another
tenant who offers banter and a sip of toddy from his thermos.
Twenty years after writing this story, it came true!
The show is produced by Silver City Community Theatre. They say,
“Producing plays on Zoom is challenging—artistically and
technically—and this third production is the most complex
yet. We are really having a good time and hope our audiences will
too,” says MaryAnn Marlar, SCCT Board Member.
When you watch the performance, think about:
- the acting and directing techniques that
make this show a success
- how to get a feel for what works with
online plays
- how the music by talented tenor
saxophonist Michael McQuaide adds to the show
- how you can stage a show online!
Here are the Just a Song at Twilight
Zoom
links:
See other plays by Marcia Savin:
Can I Put
You on Hold?, Special
Screening Today, and Sunny Room in Charming House
Coming Soon:
A streamed performance of Not Kate or
Leo will air on October 8 at 7PM Eastern. Contact
us for the Zoom link.
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Short play, perfect for the season:
Get Your Flu Shot
With vaccinations in the news every day, we wanted to direct you to
a fun play you can use to convince your friends and neighbors about
the importance of getting a flu shot. Using theatre to convey a
message is a superb way to have people listen so that they will
take action.
Written by Bob Naquin, one of our most
popular playwrights, the show dispels common myths, all with his
good humor that you've come to love. Take a look at Get your Flu Shot!
Save $5 on the
e-script until October 2, 2020
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How to help ArtAge
In these difficult times, we are so grateful for
your continued support of our work. You can help us when you:
- Buy and perform plays
- Sign up for "Who's Who in Senior Theatre"
- Order the book and plays below because the
playwrights are donating their sales to ArtAge:
We so appreciate you!
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Visit our
ever-changing website!
Download
our catalog:
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