ACTivate Community Through Theatre (ACT) is proud to announce it will be offering summer acting classes exclusively for senior citizens, aged 55 and up starting May 31st at 6pm. Two classes; ‘Life Stories and ‘Short Attention Span Theatre' will run ten weeks finalizing with a showcase for the community.
A recent May 1st production of Our Life Stories, produced in partnership with Matthews Playhouse and directed by ACT's Artistic Director, Dr. Wrenn Goodrum, received rave reviews and a standing ovation from over two hundred audience members signifying the importance of theatre arts programming for, by and with senior citizens. Our Life Stories, stories written and performed by fifteen seniors, aged 59 - 80, is available for performances at senior centers, schools and retirement facilities through the end of June. Due to the popularity of this program, Goodrum is now offering another ‘Life Stories' class for seniors this summer.
An additional acting class, ‘Short Attention Span Theatre' uses theatre games, improvisation, character creations and ten minute plays to help develop acting skills for the stage. Most important - No experience or memorization is required. Both ten week classes will culminate with a showcase for the community.
"Senior Theatre - Theatre specifically for, by and with senior citizens is relatively new to this area" says Goodrum. "The benefits of participation are more than mere entertainment. Statistics have proved that participation in theatre arts has significant health benefits - physical, mental, psychological and cultural as well as social." Marti Duncan, age 73, of Matthews and a performer in Our Life Stories, says of her experience, "My involvement with ‘Life Stories' turned out to be one of the best things I have ever done." Dave Smyk, age 62, of Weddington adds, "Having never taken such a class I didn't really know what to expect. What I found were great people and in the process of writing my life stories, reliving happy memories that nourished my soul. Every senior needs to do this! Loretta Banner, age 68 of Cornelius, a former student says, "I had forgotten how much fun acting can be. Becoming another character even for a few minutes enlightens the soul. Learning to improvise keeps your mind and limbs limber and active. Meeting new friends and laughing keeps the heart light. It was a truly rewarding experience."
The ten week ‘Life Stories' class starts on May 31st at 6pm and the ‘Short Attention Span Theatre' class starts on June 1st at 6pm. Both classes are ninety minutes long and cost $150. Classes are held at the Matthews Playhouse, 100 McDowell Street in Matthews. For more information and to register, contact Dr. Wrenn Goodrum at 704-707-6757 or email: actartisticdir1@gmail.com
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