I’ve written in this space about the pleasure of not being condescended to as an older adult in an acting company made up of much younger theatre artists. My most recent experience acting in the Red Monkey Theatre/M&M Production of Chekov’s, “The Seagull” was very positive, but the reality is, engaging parts for older actors are few and far between.

It was, therefore, of great interest to me when I heard about a new company, Theatre 55, in St. Paul, Minnesota. The company was born when Richard Hitchler, who spent twenty years running a youth theatre before giving it up and began working for the Minnesota Arts Board, discovered that while older adults are a significant portion of theatre consumers in Minnesota, they’re almost invisible on stage.

Founded last year, Theatre 55’s mission is, “to enrich the lives of elders, as artists, audiences, and lifelong learners through theatre performance and education.” “There are about 72 regular producing theaters in the Twin Cities alone, but there was something missing,” said Hitchler. “In my work with the State Arts Board, I know that about 15 percent of adults over 65 participate in the arts, and the primary areas are painting, clay arts and choirs. There really weren’t opportunities available for those interested in theatre.”

Many “senior theatres” around the country put on well-meaning productions that bring people together, build community, and draw an audience. All good stuff. By contrast, Theatre 55 is not hobbled by “age-appropriate” casting, nor do they stage self-deprecating comedies about the foibles of aging. The company finds vehicles already in the canon of popular theatre, and interprets them in a new way, with older actors.

A brilliant stroke was their inaugural production of “Hair,” advertised as, “performed by the people who lived it,” as opposed to the usual cast of twenty-year-olds who only know of Vietnamese as a culinary choice. There is a resonance in the performance of actors with the lived experience of people bringing to life a cultural milestone in our country, that is much different from younger people who are given a script and may be given a thumbnail sketch of the world of the play from the director. Due to the show’s overwhelming success, Theatre 55 is producing a second production in 2019. 

Though a different artistic discipline, this model is somewhat reminiscent of the Young at Heart Chorus, which provides its older participants the opportunity and instruction to perform modern music — a far cry from the usual “sing-along” fare. The songs in the Young at Heart repertoire have a new relevance when performed by older adults. 

Young at Heart Chorus performs “Miss You” by The Rolling Stones, featuring lead singer, Andy Walsh (89) at the Academy of Music, North Hampton, Mass (2017)

In addition to their plans to stage two annual productions, Theatre 55 will offer classes in improvisation, acting and script reading beginning later this year.  This will provide developmental opportunities for folks who want to get their feet wet, but don’t feel they’re ready to get on stage.

I look forward to following the progress of Theatre 55.  It has the potential for being a great model for Creative Aging in Theatre.

*Photo credit: Jolie Olson. View more photos of the production.