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There is so much is happening in Senior Theatre, right now, it was difficult to decide what to write about this month. Companies are back at work, classes are beginning, and plays are being performed. And folks are lovin’ our stuff! In the midst of all of this, we have issued our first call for scripts since the pandemic. Every day, it's a huge thrill to open our mailbox and see the many envelopes of scripts.
The only downside is that we've noticed ageism is still rearing its ugly head. It's disappointing to see so many plays that depict growing older with negative connotations. I shouldn't be surprised. Ageism and how to refer to older people has been a topic of concern from my very first days in Senior Theatre. Ageism is reflected in how we talk about those who are older and these negative terms influence policy, attitudes, and even the health of older people. The debate rages on.
Recent studies prove that some terms are better than others. Here’s a summary:
Terms to avoid: seniors, elderly, the elderly, the aged, aging dependents, old-old, young-old, and similar “othering” terms connote a stereotype.
Preferred terms: older persons, older people, older adults, older patients, older individuals, persons 65 years and older, or the older population are preferred.
Bonnie's Opinion: I also dislike the terms widow and widower. The derivation of widow comes from an Old English term meaning "empty." As in, we are only whole human beings when our spouse is alive. I have always wanted to have a better term. What do you think?
I decided early in my career that I wanted to use theatre to create a positive image about aging. I urge you to do the same. Consciously switch to preferred terms in your writing, speaking, and especially, in your thinking. Spread a positive aging message. To help me incorporate the positive aging terms, I turn to the materials from organizations like ReFrame Aging. Their materials, handouts and videos are quick, easy, and effective. I think you’ll really enjoy them.
Wouldn’t it be nice if we didn’t need to revisit this topic again and again? Help spread the word about Ageism Awareness Day on October 7 to draw attention to the existence and impact of ageism on our society and how to change it.
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Yours in Theatre,
Bonnie L. Vorenberg
President, ArtAge Publications' Senior Theatre Resource Center
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"A Good One"
We are so excited to share with you a new play by Curt Strickland, A Good One.
15 minute comedy, 1 man, 1 woman
It has everything we love. The show is fast, witty, draws you in immediately, and then switches to sweet and touching.
Great characters, and an audience favorite! Trust us, we know "a good one" when we see it!
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Our Plays are Being Performed!
Summer closes with a flurry of shows.
Here are just a few highlights.
Radio KRZY is always a hit, but the "bravos" from a recent production made it across the airwaves from Pennsylvania to Oregon.
Audiences in West Virginia are still talking about Action and Reaction. While many of our plays are comedies, this is a harrowing drama that packs a wallop.
Staging an outstanding production of Pam Loyd's That's Not the Problem in Montana seemed to pose no problems at all. Everyone loved it!
The performances of Forget Me Not in Maryland are not going to be forgotten soon, with audiences still chuckling about Maevelyn, a character who diagnoses everything that's wrong with a married couple but in the end, isn't so perfect herself.
Radio comedies are timeless favorites and in Arizona, performances of The Last Day at W.O.R.K got rave reviews. So fun!
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A group in South Carolina produced Gin and Tonic (left), and Navy Bean Soup (right) in an outdoor venue. The director shares, "Performing outdoors presented interesting challenges. We needed a backdrop, a second amplifier/speaker system to link with our other one, and the actors needed to enlarge their expressiveness. The audience loved the experience. Instead of our limiting the house to 50, we were able to have 80 per performance!"
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This photo of the audience laughing during a performance of The Challenge of Bureaucracy in Oregon says it all. The director shares, "Thanks for your help with our plays. They were a huge success." We're looking forward to see what they produce next!
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Send in your Scripts!
Do you have a play that you think older actors and their audiences will love? If so, we'd love to read it! Before sending your work in, please read our Writers' Guidelines.
A few things to note:
- We require hard copies. Not only does this protect your intellectual property, it's easier for our reviewers to read printed documents.
- The ArtAge Senior Theatre Resource collection spans everything from short skits to full-length musicals. However, our most popular shows are short comedies featuring a cast of mainly women, and holiday shows are always in demand.
- Avoid a quick rejection and send in plays with older characters pursuing their passions, living life fully.
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Teaching Senior Theatre Classes
September Sale
Fall is a natural time to "go back to school" and hold Senior Theatre Classes.To encourage you, we're offering $5 off the downloadable version our most popular TipSheet, Teaching Senior Theatre Classes.
Don't hesitate!
Sale ends October 7
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