Bonnie L. Vorenberg

Like any passion, theatre becomes more interesting when you immerse yourself in it. That's how I like to live my life--immersed!

For example, last Thursday I was immersed. I began my day by workng with a playwright who has completed the music for his new show. Then I taught a drama class at a local retirement community. When I returned to my office I worked on a new playwright project, submitted a proposal, began preparation for a workshop at the Festival, and closed the day by taking our 'office dog,' Zeus, to get his nails trimmed. Whew!

But what joy comes from immersing yourself in theatre. There's something you can learn from every element of our fascinating field. So try it--usher, take classes, work backstage, sell tickets, read plays, audition, and attend as many shows as you can.

In this newsletter you'll find several great ways to explore Senior Theatre--The Festival in June, the Learning Series in August, and Performing the World in October. Dive in, immerse yourself!

Bonnie L. Vorenberg
ArtAge Senior Theatre Resource Center, President

Interactive session at Performing the World 2011

Please join participants from across the globe for the 7th biannual Performing the World Conference, October 4-7, 2012 in NYC. The Senior Theatre community is invited to take part in this multidisciplinary, multicultural 3-day exploration of performance as a means of individual, community, and world transformation.

Anyone who practices and/or studies performance is invited to submit proposals – for panels, workshops, performances, etc. – that address the question, “Can performance save the world?”

If you would like to collaborate or talk about ideas, email Susan Massad,MD.

Submission deadline is March 19.

While in New Orleans, enjoy a carriage ride through the French Quarter

Laissez les bon temps rouler! In the language of the Big Easy, “Let the good times roll!”

Plan on attending Senior Theatre USA’s 2012 Festival and Conference in the heart of New Orleans June 3-7 at Harrah’s New Orleans Hotel & Casino. Discover performances and workshops representing the very best in Senior Theatre designed to help you perform at your highest level.

The Festival is an opportunity to connect and have fun with others who share your passion. Experience America’s best food, best music, and best times as well as the opportunity for you and your company to perform in the casino’s elegant theatre. You’ll leave this vibrant festival with lots of new ideas, new insights, and new friends.

Lorelei Goldman and Joy Reilly lead a workshop at the 2011 conference

Senior Theatre comes to Washington DC this August. All things Senior Theatre are featured in our sessions at the ATHE conference. You'll learn and enjoy:

• Using Personal Story to Make History Come Alive: WWII From Those Who Were There
• Senior Theatre Focus Group Meeting
• Using Theatre to Educate, two performances
• Sometimes A Rainbow--Old, Homeless, and Musical Comedy!
• Using Theatre in Health Care, Dementia Care, and Civic Engagement
• Singing, Dancing, Telling Your Story
• Equal Rights, Civil Rights, Bullying--Using Theatre to Empower Issues
• Directing Intergenerational Casts

Plan to be in Washington DC this summer!

At the Border, what a fun show!

Around the world, actors have been performing our shows. Audiences have been entertained, thrilled, and asking for more! Here's a brief list of some of them:

This River is Gold is being performed throughout February in Texas,
Old Hams is being staged this week in Arizona and Texas with more shows coming this Spring!
At Half Time and Gin and Tonic will be presented in early March in Texas,
The Last Day at W.O.R.K. was performed in Colorado,
Grand Moves was performed in Texas,
Clyde, Is that You? was staged in Colorado,
Senior Moments is appearing in several places in Colorado,
Love Conquers the Wild West was staged in Washington,
The Quibbles Radio Show is being staged in California,
Now Hear This was performed in Germany,
The Committee was a huge hit in Australia,
At the Border was staged in Canada and has more productions scheduled for Arizona and California this spring.

Send us your production photos and show dates so we can feature YOU!

Scene from recent show, Hooray for Hollywood

Saying they are the "finest senior community theatre group in Michigan," Heart of the Hills Players brings 28 years of experience to their work. They began performing melodramas but now have moved to a full schedule. They present three major shows a year...a music, comedy skit and dance show in February, a Broadway musical in the spring, and a musical story variety show in the fall. Throughout the year they perform mini shows to senior housing facilities, senior centers, clubs and churches where they perform songs of yesterday, country, comedy, and dancing.

Now 100 members strong, Heart of the Hills Players takes pride in providing special opportunities for experienced and aspiring singers, actors, and dancers. They say that "Age is only a number to us; it’s what is in your heart that counts."

See how your company can be the Group of the Month