Pigs Do Fly Productions Set for Empire Stage, 5/1

Ellen Wacher noticed a distinct and specific lack when she worked on a project for the SAG-AFTRA National Women's committee recently. The multi-faceted actress, teacher, and Miami local SAG-AFTRA vice president was tasked with presenting a live screening of a report on Women over 50 within the organization. Her findings indicated not only a lack of roles for women of a 'certain age', she discovered there aren't that many leads for their male counterparts either. The project clearly brought into focus for her the need to better recognize actors - and audiences- over 50, from theatre, to television, and film.

Wacher, who has had successful careers in a number of fields, including teaching and lobbying, decided to do something about the situation.

On May 1st, 2014, the first performance by her brand new theatre company, Pigs Do Fly Productions, will take place at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale. The company's mission is to produce plays that highlight the actor over 50 as a viable, fully involved, full-of-life character. And its goal is to tap into the 100 million plus Americans who are over age 50 and are under recognized by the marketers of products, entertainment, etc., with theatre that reflects their world and resonates with them.

The company's first production, Fifty Plus - A Celebration of Life... As We Know It is a collection of seven or eight short plays by playwrights from across the United States. Wacher, along with director Marjorie O'Neill-Butler, put out a call for 10 minute plays whose themes match the new company's directive. They received over 350 scripts. "We immediately discarded any that dealt with nursing homes, death's door situations, or other stereotypical or depressing subject matter," says Wacher. "We looked for scripts that resonated with us; for situations that will strike a chord with our audiences; and of course, for humor. I had a terrific group of script readers," she continues, and we rated the scripts very carefully. We're still in the process of honing our choices, but we're really pleased with the quality of what we received, and we can't wait to see and hear our audiences' reactions."

Script choices will be finalized on March 3rd, and casting will be completed on March 17th.

Marjorie O'Neill-Butler and Beverly Blanchette will share directing duties. Wacher will not act in any of the plays - her focus is on getting the fledgling company up and running.

Tickets for Fifty Plus - A Celebration of Life... As We Know it are $25 and will be on sale as of Monday, February 24th. Tickets can be purchased on line at www.pigsdoflyproductions.com, or by calling 866-811-4111.

For more information about Pigs Do Fly Productions, visit www.pigsdoflyproductions.com.

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