From
Issue #2, Summer 2003
Have Script, Will Travel
by Gordon Bigalke
"The
Recyclables" is a senior reader's
theatre troupe serving as a community outreach program of
the Bay City Players. The Bay City Players is Michigan's oldest community
theatre serving the Bay City Community since early in the last century.
"The
Players" produce a program of five productions each year ranging
from recent Broadway shows to the classics and from musicals to drama
and comedy. They are currently working on the Pulitzer Prize winning
play "Proof" and will present Michigan's first production
of the play in November.
Other important
parts of "The Players" program include "Youtheatre"
and "Stages of Discovery" programs for aspiring actors and
actresses. Dorothy Arnett had started each of these programs. After
establishing these programs Dorothy saw a need to take theatre out to
the community, to those who were either unable to come to "The
Players" theater or who were not yet acquainted with this form
of entertainment.
Five years
ago Dorothy, who recently passed away, formed "The Recyclables"
as a Senior Theatre Group. The troupe has been extremely successful
as an outreach to the community and also provides an outlet for our
"recyclables" seasoned performers.
Why Reader's
Theatre? There were many reasons including: (1) There were a number
of 'non-royalty' short scripts available, (2) Reader's Theatre allowed
her to use all ages of seniors as the requirements, other than a desire
to act, were minimal, (3) Almost no staging was required and the group
could be adapted for performance to almost any size stage from a classroom
to a full proscenium stage, (4) for special effects almost any kind
of small pros could be used (or not used) as the situation required,
(5) stools and music stands were available from the orchestra pit (long
since replaced by our own more easily transportable equipment!) (6)
the seniors did not have to move about the stage, finally and importantly,
no memorization was required.
"The
Recyclables" combine traditional acting skills with lots of fun.
Scripts are used and the action takes place in the minds of the audience.
Typical audiences include: Senior Centers, reunions, schools, banquets,
conventions, nursing facilities and anyone and everyone who would enjoy
their clean, lively skits and songs.
In bringing
live theatre to those who can't come to it "The Recyclables"
prove that life after fifty has a humorous and talented side. The troupe
meets each week at "The Players" theater to rehearse and organize
material for upcoming shows. They do not charge for performances but
do accept donations and ask that transportation costs be covered for
trips outside the Tri-City area.
The response
has been so strong that some bookings are made more than a year in advance
and their calendar is constantly filled. For the most part scripts are
used that do not require royalties. They started primarily with material
from Robert Redd of Grand Rapids, Michigan who has published two collections
of skits and playlets for senior groups. Recently they have begun writing
some of their own material but also present classics and adaptations
of dramatic themes. The group recently won an award for their dramatic
reader's theatre presentation at the CTAM convention in Troy, Michigan.
Anyone
who is interested in more information about "The Recyclables"
senior reader's theatre program can contact "The Bay City Players"
(989) 893-5555. More information is also available on "The Players"
website: http://www.angelfire.com/bc/baycityplayers/recyclables.html.
If you send a stamped self-addressed envelope to: The Recyclables, The
Bay City Players, 1214 Columbus Ave., Bay City, Michigan 48708, they
will send you their brochure and, on request, include the "Rules
of Operation" that shows how they operate.
Gordon
P. Bigalke, Chairperson