Bonnie with commemorative tote bag from Evelin Seay, Director of SOAP Troupe.

We love to work with playwrights, connecting their scripts with Senior Theatre companies around the world. But most of all we love to see our shows being staged. So it was a treat to travel to Ft. Collins, Colorado to watch The Pie Ladies and the The Pie Ladies Make Bail in production.

The show was extra special because my mother, at 92, goes to the Fort Collins Senior Center several times a week. She works in the kitchen, takes classes, and has enjoyed the writers group for years. It's her lifeline.

It was no surprise to learn that the actors felt that the drama group is their lifeline, also. They are proud of how they use their creativity, imagination, and skills to create theatre that thrills their audiences every single show. Moreover, they told me, they are "a family."

It's true. Theatre builds 'family,' an esprit de corps that fosters better mental and physical health while entertaining audience members. What could be better.

So invite us to your shows!

Bonnie L. Vorenberg
ArtAge Senior Theatre Resource Center, President

Wrenn Goodrum spoke at the 2011 ATHE Conference.

Join us in Washington D.C. from August 2-5, 2012 for the ATHE conference where the Senior Theatre Focus Group presents a dynamic program of workshops, discussions, and performances! You'll leave stimulated and refreshed after attending these sessions:

• WWII From Those Who Were There
• Using Theatre to Educate
• Performance: Sometimes A Rainbow
• 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

Join us in the Exhibit Hall where Senior Theatre folks meet, chat, and connect. Click here to see all the Senior Theatre Sessions.

Attend...you'll be glad you did!

Just a reminder that we're in the process of selecting new plays, books, and materials for our next catalog. Send in scripts you have written along with ideas about materials others will find useful.

To get a good idea of what we offer, take a look at our catalog, review our Writer's Guidelines, and read the Tipsheet, Writing Plays for Senior Theatre.

Please send your materials in hard copy to:

ArtAge Senior Theatre Resource Center
7845 SW Capitol Hwy Ste 12
Portland OR 97219

We look forward to reading your work!

Fort Collins production of The Pie Ladies.

Under the direction of Evelin Seay, The SOAP Troupe of Fort Collins, CO performed The Pie Ladies and The Pie Ladies Make Bail to a full house on May 4 and 5.

"Directing The Pie Ladies was a great experience," says Evelin. "It was so much fun directing this play because the show is so funny! I had a great time casting the show and helping the actors create characters. The S.O.A.P. (Slightly Older Adult Players) Troupe did a wonderful job and not only did we enjoy it, but so did the audience!"

With donations of pies from local restaurants and bakeries, the Ft. Collins Senior Center served coffee and pie during intermission and the Senior Center chorus performed between acts. ArtAge's very own Bonnie Vorenberg was in attendence for this terrific performance, and spoke briefly about the benefits of Senior Theatre. "It was a hit!," continues Evelin, "All the characters touched my heart and my funny bone."

The SOAP Troupe of members 50+ was formed in 1991 and is sponsored by the Ft. Collins Senior Center.

You're the Jury: The State vs Max Cooper performance in Medford, Oregon.

Over the last few months audiences from Canada to Colorado, California and beyond have enjoyed many productions. Here are a few of our shows that have been performed recently: Old Hams in Virginia; Chatterton Country Club and SS Shipenshore in Tennessee; Gin and Tonic in Washington and Wisconsin; No Frills Airline in Ontario, California, and Washington; What's on TV? in Ontario and Oregon; Sometimes a Rainbow in Virginia, and You're the Jury: The State vs. Max Cooper was performed in Oregon.

Click the links above to find out more about each show. We're always looking for reports on how you use our materials so feel free to send us photos and brief descriptions of your successes...and your challenges.

Three examples of our new Emotion Cards.

Introducing the Emotion Cards, a great tool to spark imagination and improvisation! Use the 80 cards in your classes and workshops to help actors portray feelings and emotions. The cards show males and females of all ages from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. On the front of the card are images of a clearly depicted facial expression or of people in realistic emotion-provoking situations. The backs of the cards suggest scenarios, questions and improv starters.

The Emotion Cards will be a treasured addition to your improv collection!

Past Prime Players in performance

Past Prime Players, Inc. is a performing arts organization whose 55+ year-old members bring laughter, entertainment, and senior involvement to the Atlanta community. Having performed to packed houses for nearly all engagements, PPP, Inc. says the key to success is having fun!

After a successful week at the Senior Theatre USA conference in New Orleans, LA, Past Prime Players, Inc. discovered they had been selected to perform in the “Arts on the Atlanta Beltline” and had also been chosen from hundreds of applicants to participate in the inaugural “Atlanta Black Theatre Festival” alongside such greats as Tony Award winner, Melba Moore, Taurean Blacque, and Rain Pryor.

Believing that being on stage keeps you young PPP, Inc. has performed for senior centers, performing arts theaters, churches, nursing homes, women’s conferences, dinner theaters, and fundraisers. PPP, Inc. now offers classes in the metro Atlanta community to share their knowledge with other seniors.

Director Monciella 'Sugar' Elder, and the 18 member ensemble, look forward to whatever doors open for them. Their motto is, “We may be PAST our PRIME but we still love to PLAY.”

Check out our facebook page.

Facebook: Now we can 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!