The St. Louis community is vibrating with creative energy. The region is home to many theatrical gems that connect local audiences and performers through world-class productions. Stray Dog Theatre is dedicated to ensuring that everyone can have the chance to tread the boards, regardless of age. Each year, the Silver Stage program provides adults over the age of 55 the chance to take center stage with specially designed productions.
The Silver Stage program was created by Stray Dog Theatre artistic director Gary F. Bell. He was inspired by all the work the theatrical company does with kids, including its Stray Pups youth theater and after-school programs. Bell wanted to offer similar creative opportunities to an often underserved population: older adults. “Sometimes as we get older, we can become more isolated,” he notes. “I wanted something that could bring seniors together, allowing them to meet new people and share new experiences.”
Along with offering opportunities for connection and collaboration, the arts and theater have many benefits for older adults. “It’s like a sports team—everyone has a part to play,” Bell notes. “A lot of personal growth can happen on stage. It gets you off your phone and on your feet, connecting with others in real time and space. It creates a sense of community while allowing individuals to find their voice. Silver Stage celebrates seniors as whole people.” He adds that learning lines can have cognitive benefits, helping to boost memory and keep the mind engaged. Theater also is very physical, offering opportunities to improve balance and stay active.
There are only two requirements for participating in the Silver Stage program: you must be over the age of 55 and be able to arrange transportation to Tower Grove Abbey, where Stray Dog Theatre is located. “Experience doesn’t matter,” Bell says. “This can be your first time on stage, or you can have done tons of theater in the past. Everyone is welcome. Our building is equipped to work around physical limitations. It’s a very accessible and open program. If you can make it to rehearsals and shows, we’ll make it work.”
The Silver Stage program begins with auditions, but don’t worry about making the cut. Bell explains that the initiative strives to find a place in its annual production for anyone who wants to participate. “The audition process helps us determine what actors to place in what roles, and it’s a fundamental part of the theatrical process we want everyone to experience,” he says.
Rehearsals are predominantly held on weekends, and Stray Dog Theatre works with participants to develop a schedule that fits everyone’s needs. “It’s not like a typical production where we tell you when to show up,” Bell notes. “We find times that fit with our performers schedules, and because of that, the program can accommodate seniors who are still working. They’re still responsible for learning their lines and having their character prepared and ready for the stage.”
Silver Stage productions range from theatrical standards like Shakespeare to original plays. This year, the program will feature a new work written by Jude Hagene. Titled Still Got It, the show takes place in the community room of the New Haven Retirement Village and follows the adventures of its residents. “It’s a wonderful celebration of the joy and fun that comes with age,” Bell notes. Still Got It was specially written for Silver Stage with flexible casting, so it can accommodate any number of performers necessary. Auditions will be held Aug. 27 at Tower Grove Abbey.
For Bell, theater should be accessible to everyone. Silver Stage is just one way to share the artistic experience with older adults. He’s also written his own plays centered around seniors, including a recent work called Three Sheets to the Wind. “We didn’t want youth to be the focal point because it so often is,” Bell says. “Every demographic needs to be supported and celebrated, but some groups of people are often left out. Art can and should transcend all ages. At Stray Dog Theatre, we want to be sure that we include everyone who wants to take part in the creative experience.”
For more information, visit straydogtheatre.org.
Photos courtesy of Stray Dog Theatre
