Beyond the Porch, Beneath the Lights: Outlets for Self-Expression in the Aging--Theatre for Seniors.

Senior theater programs can act as catalysts for involvement of senior citizens, promoting self-confidence and fostering creativity. Myths about older people (concerning enility, incompetence, decline in intelligence, learning, rigidity, any retirement) should be recognized as inaccurate stereotypes and as barriers to active and productive lives. Theatrical experiences for seniors can be rewarding, offering an outlet for creative expression, increasing self-confidence and feelings of self-worth, offering new peer networks, and enhancing emotional and physical well-being. The direction and production of senior theater P;;;ductions requires some special considerations, including: factors affecting listening and hearing, reinforcement of short term memory, commitment to the production, transportation, socializing and rehearsals, rehearsal space, schedules, flexibility regarding seniors' other commitments, sets, costumes, prompters, blocking, and purpose. (SR) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ****************************************************************x****** BEYOND THE PORCH, BENEATH THE LIGHTS: OUTLETS FOR SELF-EXPRESSION IN THE AGING--THEATRE FOR SENIORS Marilyn Shaw University of Northern Iowa Cedar Falls, Iowa Presented at the Speech Communication Association Annual Convention, San Francisco, California November 20, 1989 BEST COPY AVAILABLE 2 "PERMISSION TO REPROCUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY getfi I? A 56,1) TO THE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC). " U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Othce of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) O This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organuation originating it 0 MinOr Changes have been mate to Improve reproduction Quality P oints of v low or op,mons stated sn this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy BEYOND THE PORCH, BENEATH THE LIGHTS: OUTLETS FOR SELF-EXPRESSION IN THE AGING--THEATRE FOR SENIORS Youth is a work of Nature, Old Age is a work of art. Anonymous What can we, as professionals in the field of Communication and Theatre Arts, do to promote self-confidence among our Senior citizens and foster creativity? Research indicates that the life span of our society is increasing. With that increase, arises the need for continued involvement and activity among Senicrs. Senior theatre programs can provide the needed catalyst for involvement and creativity. This paper will first examine myths that surround our older citizens and communication. Secondly, a review of the role of theatrical experiences for Seniors will be discussed. Finally, we will look at considerations when implementing a*Senior theatre program. Carl V. Carmichael, Carl H. Botan and Robert Hawkins in their book, Human Communication and the Agincr Process, borrow from gerontologist Anthony Traxler (1980) in summarizing fifteen representative myths which society holds toward the older citizen (83-87). Of these fifteen, we will examine six which reflect upon the communication and performance abilities of these citizens and look at the effect these myths have upon society and the older performer. These myths include: (1) senility, (2) incompetence, (3) decline in intelligence, (4) learning myth, (5) rigidity and (6)the retirement myth.