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From Issue #13, Summer
2006
RT
for Seasoned Citizens
What
is "Senior" Reader's Theatre?
by Gordon Bigalke
"Dzien Dobre!"
As you might guess we are preparing
for a trip to Poland in September. So, Judy and I are religiously studying
the Polish Language in hopes that we may be able to use it at some point.
Exciting! More of that when we return.
Just when you think that everyone
understands "Reader's Theatre" the questions start coming
all over again. In "pure" Readers' Theatre the players are
seated, scripts must be present and referred to and the action takes
place in the minds of the audience. Beyond that core, the players may
be costumed or costumes may be suggested with various accessories. Facial
expressions and gestures can be employed as may some restricted movements,
although many would argue that would violate the concept. Small props
are sometimes used and stands are generally present to hold the scripts.
Well, how does "senior"
readers' theatre differ? First the obvious; all of the roles are taken
by individuals in the "senior" age category. We have members
from the "mid-fifties" to almost ninety! I rather imagine
that soon we can add that decade, too. Beyond that restriction there
is really little difference. However, we have modified our performances
to fill the demands and expectations or our audiences.
We rarely perform from the stage
of a legitimate theater. Although we can do that and find it very successful.
Because we want to perform on a much more regular basis we generally
travel to our audiences. They are found in every imaginable place that
people gather; Senior Centers, Public Halls, Schools, Churches, Libraries,
High Rises, Nursing Homes, Conventions Centers and even on occasion
in private homes for small groups. This month we have agreed to provide
the entertainment at a 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration.
Our equipment consists of folding
music stands, portable folding stools and 3-ring binders to hold our
"books." The books are rotated over our season and each contains
a variety of readings. We have found that for the most part our audiences
want to be entertained and by that they mean predominantly humorous
material, but with some "thought" or classic material included.
Instead of costumes we use a uniform
consisting of trousers (black through Fall-Winter-Spring; white for
summer) and our trademark purple polo's with the "BCP" and
"Recyclables" logo imprint. We do sometimes add small items
when appropriate, i.e. a Dr. Seuss hat or maracas for our "rap"
numbers.
Our players are introduced at the
beginning of each performance after which each turns away until he or
she is "on-stage." Performances generally consist of several
smaller skits that are often humorous and one larger piece using the
entire group. The shorter skits are often written by our own members
using themes we know our audiences will enjoy. (Look in the archives
for an article on how to do this for yourselves.)
Are we 'real' readers' theatre?
Indeed we are. Readers' Theatre today is a vital, growing, adapting
genre that is evolving in the best tradition of an art we all love so
much.
Any questions? We would love to
answer them for you or even perform for you if you are in our area.
You can contact me through RTD or by the Internet at: bcplayers@chartermi.lnet
or write: Recyclables, The Bay City Players, 1214 Columbus Ave, Bay
City, MI 48708.
"Do widzenia!"
Break-A-Leg!
gb
gbigal@aol.com or
bcplayers@chartermi.net
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