April 17, 2000

BIRMINGHAM, AL — UAB (University of Alabama at Birmingham) Theatre Instructor Martha Haarbauer has written a book for the one of the fastest growing demographics in the United States, senior citizens. Inspired by her 16 years working with both senior and student actors Haarbauer provides a how-to book on developing a senior adult theatre titled Seasoned Theatre: A Guide To Creating and Maintaining a Senior Adult Theatre. Published by Heinemann, the practical paperback is now available for $12.95.

Seasoned Theatre covers all aspects of creating, running and growing a senior adult theatre, including: organizing, recruiting, and working with older actors as well as choosing appropriate material, making technical decisions, locating a place to work, attracting audiences and fund raising. According to Haarbauer, the book is filled with practical information that she wishes had been available when she was asked to form a group in 1984.

"I wish I'd had a book like this to guide us when we began, but then that might have made it too easy — or I might have given up," Haarbauer said. "As a matter of fact, there have been several times I've wanted to give up. I'm glad I didn't. Leading a senior adult theatre can be grueling and frustrating, but the rewards can be much greater."

Haarbauer's book, with a forward by Ann McDonough, Ph.D., from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, has an extensive appendix and bibliography offering additional resources, suggested plays for seniors, sample theatre bylaws, and a sample grant proposal. In her forward, McDonough, a professor of senior theatre, says Haarbauer's book fills a great void in a growing population.

"As these ranks (senior adults) have grown, theatre teachers and professionals, as well as professionals at all levels of aging services, have recognized the need for senior adult theatre," writes McDonough. "The challenge for many of these people is that they do not know where to begin in terms of starting a company and/or program, because the field is so new and formal training is not readily available at this point. Thus, Martha Haarbauer's book is making a much anticipated entrance!"

Haarbauer has directed The Seasoned Performers senior adult theatre since 1984 and taught in the UAB Department of Theatre for more than 25 years. She also is an award-winning director and actress with years of experience in all aspects of theatre, from leading workshops and creating costumes to writing theatre reviews and scripts.