Bonnie's Column

The theme for this year's Older Americans Month is "Age My Way." I suggest that it be called, "Stage My Way" and I encourage you to make Senior Theatre yours.

Older adults have always been a vital source of resilience and creativity in America. And this is even more true these past few years when many seniors kept dramatic expression moving forward despite the need for social distancing. Now that the restrictions of the pandemic are easing, we must ensure that older actors have an even stronger voice on stage.

To celebrate Older Americans Month, the organizing agency proposes four elements to enhance the quality of life. It's easy to view these goals from a theatrical perspective.

• Planning: Look at your current participation in Senior Theatre and ask yourself where would you like to go: Do you want to improve your skills, do more performances? Should you increase your theatre company’s outreach? Maybe it's time to shift away from comedies and advance to meatier topics. Remember, when a theatre company always does the same thing, it gets boring and predictable. Now is the perfect time to think strategically about trying something new and generating fresh excitement.
• Engagement: Theatre is a dynamic, multi-faceted field. There are so many options. You could explore scenery, costume, or sound design. Read about a specific playwright and explore their works, watch their plays. Sign up to volunteer at your local community theatre. Or join an improv class—they are always so much fun!
• Access: Make changes so that more older actors can participate. If actors are hesitant to memorize, perform script-in-hand or readers theatre. Be sure to perform on raised platforms using microphones so audience members with hearing difficulty can enjoy the performance.
• Connection: Take emotional risks. Reach out to other performers and share yourself with the audience. Aim for joy.

President, ArtAge Publications
The Senior Theatre Resource Center

Our Plays are Being Performed!

May Sale

Miss Ida's Man-in-the-Moon Yard Sale
45 minutes, 1 woman
It’s July, 1969 and Miss Ida Lemmie is on a mission! Her yard sale prompts a wonderful recap of her life's adventures.

They Also Serve
10 minutes, 3 women
A story of wartime and waiting a lifetime for the love of your life. Available in the hard copy, Age on Stage: 10 Minute Plays. $5 off.

Griddle Cakes
10 minutes, 2 women
It's a warm day and 2 sisters are on the porch, chatting, in rocking chairs. The only thing that they can agree on is that they're like griddle cakes: "Warm and floppy, and as old as the hills."

The License
10 minute comedy, 3 either
After the county clerk's probing questions, the engaged couple questions their decision to marry. Will they say "I do"?

Dream Camper
10 minute comedy, 3 women
Rose and Dottie accidentally discover their dreams with the help of crusty Wilma at the KOA campground. Like many of Linda LaRoque's plays, it strikes the perfect charming balance between funny and thoughtful.

The Stick Up
15 minute comedy, 2 men 1 woman
It's tough pulling off a robbery when the friendly cashier knows your name.

Life Guard on Duty
25-30 minute comedy, 2 either
Two friends come out of retirement to work as lifeguards in a deceptively light comedy. 

Under a Magical Moon
25 minute romance, 1 man, 1 woman; or 3 men, 3 women
Award-winning show that blows a fresh breeze across the hearts of two friends. ($5 off hard copy, too!)

Alliance Stage Company

Who's Who in Senior Theatre