Senior theatre
'Senior theatre' is a form of drama designed specifically for older adults, where seniors are actively involved. In 1999, there were 79 companies in the US. As of 2016, there are over 800 groups with many around the world. Many theatre performers want to be on stage when they are older. A good number have never acted before, others have performed when they were young and want to do it again. Some have acted all their lives and they know the joy of performing. Seniors have time to explore the theatre. Different types of Senior Theatre There are many different types of Senior Theatre including acting classes, live theatre viewing, play reading, improvisation, storytelling or theatre productions that are readers theatre, short plays, variety shows, plays from life stories of participants, musical theatre, and topics facing seniors, among others. Offstage, seniors also work as solo performers, playwrights, or they act in films and commercials. Many help backstage, as ushers, or in the box office. They also take classes in all elements of theatre in colleges, universities, and in the community. Techniques of Senior Theatre Senior Theatre uses techniques that accommodate the abilities of older adults. The most popular techniques in the field are readers theatre and script-in-hand performances. They allow actors to have easy access to their lines and blocking without having to be concerned about the fear of forgetting. Also, Senior Theatre can be intergenerational by including actors of all ages on stage or in the audience. Benefits The performers range from professional to amateur in both rural and urban settings. Ages usually span between 50 and 90 years but most are in their late 60s and 70s. There are many benefits derived from Senior Theatre including physical, mental, psychological, social, and cultural growth. It builds vital social connections for often isolated seniors. Vintage Improv as a means to create intergenerational communication Vintage Improv is a term coined by Miki Manting and refers to Improv performed by people who are at least 50 years old. In Improv theater, it is often difficult for vintage improvisers to compete for opportunities to perform. At Improv theaters where casts are largely made up of improvisers in their 20s and early 30s vintage improvisers often experience the phenomenon of invisibility. Where other underrepresented groups are actively accommodated, age over 50 is not seen as a demographic of concern. The phenomenon of invisibility often carries over into the considerations around casting. Although there are notable exceptions with regard to specific improv theater policies, many Vintage improvisers have been they are poor listeners and do not respond appropriately in improv scenes. Seeing this important improv skill as lacking results as being dismissed as less competent. In truth is very different and the phenomenon disappears when Vintage improvisers perform together. Their broader life experience allows vintage improvisers to draw and make connections that are more nuanced and informed. Nonetheless, it can be difficult for older people to be accepted in younger-oriented theaters. One way of overcoming