Synopses & Reviews
Demographics prove that senior citizens are a growing percentage of our society - and that goes for theatre as well. With more than fifteen years experience working with both senior and student actors, Martha Haarbauer offers a practical guide to all aspects of establishing and maintaining a senior adult theatre. Readers will discover information on organizing, recruiting, and working with older actors; choosing appropriate material; making technical decisions; locating a place to work; attracting audiences; and generating funds to support the theatre group.
Full of resources, examples, information, and guidelines, Seasoned Theatre is an essential book for:
- those thinking of creating a senior adult theatre
- established organizations interested in developing and sustaining their senior programs
- theatre professionals eager to explore the possibilities of senior adult theatre work
- theatre students wanting to learn about theatre management and professional opportunities
- senior centers, retirement communities, and church groups inspired to develop their own senior adult theatre troupe.
The extensive appendices and bibliography offer additional resources, plays for seniors, sample theatre bylaws, and a sample grant proposal.
Synopsis
With more than fifteen years experience, Martha Haarbauer offers a practical guide to all aspects of establishing and maintaining a senior adult theatre.
About the Author
Martha Haarbauer has directed The Seasoned Performers senior adult theatre since 1984 and has taught in the Department of Theatre at the University of Alabama at Birmingham for more than twenty-five years. Her experiences teaching classes and leading workshops, acting, designing costumes, writing theatre reviews and scripts, touring theatre productions, fundraising, and running a business have enabled this award-winning director and actress to establish one of the nation's most vibrant senior adult theatre programs.
Table of Contents
1. Organizing
A Mission Statement * Nonprofit Status * Alliances with Established Organizations * Boards, Advisory Committees, and Friends * Staff * Business Plans
Funding
How Much Will It Cost? * Where Will the Money Come From? * Starting Small and Growing
Attracting and Accommodating Senior Adults
Motivation * Attracting Older Participants * Training New Thespians * Special Considerations and Accommodations * Keeping Participants in the Theatre * Special Audiences
Programming and Performance Material
The Range of Existing Programs * Short Plays and Monologues Especially for Seniors * Creating Performance Material Within the Group * Commissioning Scripts * Using "Nonperformance" Material for Performing * Subject Matter * Other Programming
Space and Technical Matters
Space Considerations * Technical Considerations
Marketing
Naming Your Senior Adult Theatre * Analyzing Your Market * Direct Contact * Media * A Marketing Campaign
Managing the Office
Planning and Organizing * Communications * Record Keeping * Staff
An Encouraging Word
Appendix I
One-Act Plays Commissioned by The Seasoned Performers
Appendix II
Resources
Appendix III
Sample Grant Proposal Narrative and Response to Evaluation Criteria
Appendix IV
Sample Bylaws of a Nonprofit Senior Adult Theatre