Bonnie's Column
Senior Theatre Unbound
This year’s theme for Older American’s Month, “Aging Unbound," is nothing new to those of us in Senior Theatre. We step out of boundaries frequently, using our unique skills to help older people remain engaged, independent and, most of all, entertained! Still, we can broaden our theatrical lives even more. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- What boundaries are limiting you? Before writing his most recent book, Ten Plays Without Boundaries, playwright Arthur Keyser shared, “My plays remained within comfortable boundaries.” While maintaining the dramatic style we’ve come to expect from him, he raised the stakes with this new collection (which is on sale this month!)
- When was the last time you tried a new form of performing arts? Maybe take an improv class, or begin dance lessons. You’re never too old to become a “triple threat."
- Turn your life story into a monologue. It's such an interesting way to share your many experiences with an audience. Use our helpful book, Age on Stage®: Lifewriting Your Monologue to guide you through the process.
- Reach out to a Senior Theatre friend who you haven't spoken to recently. Encourage others to participate. Spread the group feeling, the theatrical esprit de corps.
- If you’re a director, decide to produce a show that is outside of your usual boundaries. Dare to try something edgy, challenging, or different from what you usually do.
For us, we promise to push the boundaries of Senior Theatre literature, bringing you the broadest selection to meet your needs while delivering the prompt, personalized service you value so much.
Honestly, when you think about it, all of us in theatre are already “unbound.” Together, we show the world the amazing creativity of older actors!
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Yours in Theatre,
Bonnie L. Vorenberg
President, ArtAge Publications' Senior Theatre Resource Center
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Our Plays are Being Performed!
April 2023 a Re-bounding Month
We've been saying for some time that since the pandemic, Senior Theatre is bouncing back. But this past April saw a record number of older actors on stage across the US and Canada! It's been simply wonderful hearing from all of the many directors and actors recently. Once again, we're seeing the full range of productions: monologues, skits, productions created from plays on a theme, full productions and musicals — such a delight to see!
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"We performed Chatterton Country Club. There wasn't an empty seat in the house. It was fabulous! The laughter never stopped.
And it felt so good to have all of those people together,
laughing together!"
— R. Morse, Director, Pennsylvania
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Even though "Rabbititis" is a serious disease, no one could keep a straight face in a recent production of Splitting Hares. As the North Carolinians left the show, one question on people's minds was, "is it contagious?"
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In Texas, The Day They Kidnapped Blanche stole the hearts of audience members while Grand Moves had them laughing at Evelyn, a real estate agent, who is expecting the "same old grind" of an open house and gets anything but!
Audiences in Wisconsin are still talking about the recent performances of The Wish by Sherry Churchill, chuckling about the husband who said, "Oh, don't put football on again, let's talk!"
Several monologues were performed with great acclaim, including, Finding Me in Michigan, and Sara Plays her Game in California. Both are award-winners and both with great women characters!
A Senior Theatre group in South Carolina did a marvelous job of playing the roles of bored, wealthy friends who entertain each other by playing A Wicked Little Wager on each other every year.
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"Our audiences have said this was the best production we have ever performed! We are still getting emails and comments from our community members. I don’t know how I’m going to top this!"
— J. Malinowski, Director and Actor
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In Pennsylvania, audiences thoroughly enjoyed watching the efforts of three Dumpster Divers. Retrieving a bridge game has never been so funny!
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The same Theatre group staged Coconut Crème Pie - a hilarious story of a man who's just trying to help his son-in-law's business but just ends up creating a mess of things.
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$5 Off Sale
Ten Plays Without Boundaries
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Are you looking to go past your group's usual boundaries and try something new? If so, we encourage you to purchase Arthur Keyser's latest book, "Ten Plays Without Boundaries."
While each play still demonstrates Arthur's talent for dialogue, plot twists, and well-developed characters, this collection is more challenging than his previous plays, with several exploring the deeper side of human nature.
Act Now - to get 10 plays for $24.95!!
Sale ends May 26!
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"These plays are dramatic, fun and wise."
— Gary Garrison, playwright, screenwriter, educator, and former Executive Director of Creative Affairs for the Dramatists Guild of America
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AACT is excited to help you
reconnect, re-energize, and revitalize!
Louisville Takes Center Stage 
AACTFest 2023 National Community Theatre Festival
June 12-17, in Louisville, Kentucky
Shows will be at Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts; AACTFest events will be held at the Hyatt Regency Louisville.
Act Now and Save on Your Registration. Advance Rates good through June 1.
Festival registration includes: 12 AACTFest Shows, 5 YouthFest Shows, Workshops, Broadway Keynote, exhibitors, monologue and design competitions, awards show and social/networking events.
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About AACT: AACT Helps theatres thrive. A 501(c)(3) corporation, they serve both individuals and organizations by providing expertise, assistance and support, so that community theatres can provide the best possible theatrical experience for participants and audience alike. AACT Is a member of ArtAge Senior Theatre's "Who's Who in Senior Theatre."
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Linda LaRocque
A Readers Theatre Group created by playwright Linda LaRocque received national recognition for a performance program that was developed as a teaching tool to help students in healthcare professions to better understand the issues patients face as we age. Congratulations, Linda!
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If you're looking for modern, charming, shows 15 minutes or less with a cast size of 2, 3 or 4 and strong dialogue, her materials are a great choice.
Love's Language, pictured right.
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