Senior Theatre Connections (review)

Senior Theatre Connections. By Bonnie L. Vorenberg. Portland: Art Age Publications, 1999; pp. 144. $24.95.

There have been many challenges in developing and formalizing Senior Adult Theatre, but perhaps one of the greatest challenges is helping practitioners to communicate and exchange ideas and, indeed, simply to learn who is out there doing Senior Adult Theatre. Bonnie L. Vorenberg's directory, Senior Theatre Connections provides a much-needed tool in documenting the "who, where and what" that is occurring in Senior Theatre. According to the cover, this book is "the first directory of Senior Theatre performing groups, professionals and resources." Vorenberg offers a comprehensive menu of listings that cover "Performing Groups," "Professionals in Senior Theatre," "Publishers, Playwrights and Scripts," "Opportunities in Senior Theatre," "Community Theatre with Senior Programs," "Associations in Arts and Aging," "Senior Theatre Films and Videos," "Funding for Senior Theatre," and "Bibliography of Books, Play Anthologies and Articles."

Prior to these listings, Vorenberg's introduction provides a helpful overview of types of companies, academic programs and performance pieces that are currently in existence. The discussion is particularly good in defining types of performance pieces. It might also have been useful, however, to present a breakdown of how the listings were acquired and how the directory is organized because groups and individuals that are listed bought space in the directory, which is not necessarily unusual for being listed in a directory. It should be noted in the introduction that there may be a number of companies and programs in existence in one's area that are not listed in the directory. Two major companies not listed, for example, are Roots and Branches, an intergenerational oral history theatre company in New York City and the Senior Theatre program and company at Northlight Theatre in Chicago.

Following the introduction, there are five sections of listings of "Performing Groups," divided into entries for groups in Canada, Europe, the United States, and other countries. In addition, these sections provide comprehensive listings of performing artists and presenting organizations. The details provided for each group or performer depend upon the amount of space purchased. Thus, the amount of space and the number of photos devoted to a particular group do not necessarily indicate level of quality. Within the Performing Groups listings, Vorenberg is careful to note whether or not the company is a dance troupe, a theatre troupe, or both. There are many photos that depict the companies' work effectively. Vorenberg also quotes from reviews and publications which helpfully expands upon the information provided.

Following the sections on performing groups and performers is a section on playwriting and playwrights. If a company is looking for Senior Theatre plays to produce, this listing is an excellent resource. In addition to presenting the major publishers in Senior Theatre, such as Dramatic Publishing and Encore Performance Publishing, this section lists a number of anthologies and individual playwrights.

The section on "Other Opportunities in Senior Theatre" range from academic programs to agents to educational programs in Senior Theatre. It was a bit unclear as to why academic programs were not simply listed under educational programs, but both listings are helpful, nonetheless. The remaining listings range from film and videos for Senior Theatre to a fairly comprehensive bibliography. This offers a smorgasbord of information that will provide much-needed direction to people who are just starting out in the field or those practitioners who are seeking to expand upon what they are doing. Furthermore, Senior Theatre Connections is exciting because it should advance the scope and number of programs and companies by affording networking opportunities. Vorenberg's work will help to legitimize and formalize the movement.

Ann Mcdonough
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

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