June 9, 2010

DO YOUR HEALTHY AGING AT HOME RETIRED SENIOR PARENTS ENJOY THE THEATER, WELL FAMILY MEMBERS AND PERSONAL CARE ASSISTANTS SHOULD SUGGEST AND CONTACT THEIR LOCAL SENIOR THEATER GROUP

By Carol Carbutti

Are your  healthy aging parents ready to let their talent shine? If they are, they’re in luck. Our owner Carol Carbutti of Comfort Keepers in Wallingford, CT would like to mention that there are many senior theatre groups around the country and are growing in numbers. In 1999 there were only 79 elderly theater companies, and today the number tops 530 companies across the nation. Here family caregivers and private companions can find the basics about what these groups do, and how to find one in your area.

It’s okay if your interactive parents don’t have any experience and don’t know where to go. Groups range from amateur to professional and are often sponsored by local retirement communities, educational institutions, senior centers, and community theater groups.

Each senior theater group has a different aim and style to their work. Many companies do what’s called “reader’s theater”. This is a script-in-hand performance that alleviates the fear of memorization. They can also find playwriting, play-viewing, TV commercial acting, and play-reading groups.

Do your at home babyboomers have something to teach to the world? They can look for specific theater groups with performances geared toward educating the public about senior issues like fall prevention and concerns related to diseases and illness in their golden years. Such “edudramas” find funding more easily than other theatrical events.

Not all shows are full-length. Some theater groups find it easier to do shorter 10 to 30 minute plays, allowing for an easier rehearsal schedule. These plays are also less expensive to put on.

A great resource for learning more about senior theater is Arthur Strimling’s book, Roots & Branches: Creating Intergenerational Theatre. It’s a great tool for learning to blend the young and old alike in the theater.

Your active retired parents may also want to start their own senior theater group, or find one to join. If they are looking for an existing senior group, try going online or talking to your local senior center. If they want to start their own, get some fun and courageous friends together and have a play-reading party. Invite guests and read a short or full-length play. If the group seems like a good fit, start rehearsing something and shop around for venues to perform.

If performing just isn’t mom or dad’s cup of tea, but they have a love for the theater, they can call their local playhouse or Theater Company and ask for a senior discount package. Almost all regional theaters have special prices and packages for seniors, including passes to see matinees. If they have trouble with seeing or hearing, notify the people in the box office. They can usually move your parents to a closer seat and almost all theaters provide complimentary headsets to seniors with hearing difficulties.

Most regional theaters in the nation have special accommodations for wheelchairs and other disabilities. Phone ahead to inform the box office and they should be able to assist you.

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