ITAC Offers New Acting Program for Seniors

Amana - A new project is being offered at the Iowa Theatre Artists Company in Amana that is designed specifically for people 55 and over who are interested in having fun doing something they have always wanted to try but never got around to it: Acting in front of other people. The group is called Over the Speed Limit Players and will begin to meet in May.



Tom Johnson, one of the co-producers (retired) of ITAC in Amana, describes the project, “Initially, it will consist of six two-hour weekly sessions where the group works on improving their voices, on creating characters, on learning stage movement, and on learning more fun stuff about the theatre arts. No experience is necessary to join the project. The only requirement is an interest in live theatre from the perspective of either a performer or an audience member. It will be a lot of “on-your-feet fun,” Johnson added. “If, like me, you are a little forgetful these days, don’t worry, no memorization will be required.”

The project’s first phase starts on Tuesday, May 19 and continues through June 27th. The group will gather at the ITAC theatre in Amana for 6 weekly acting lessons, each of which will be followed by a short social time. The first phase will culminate in a concert theatre presentation, open to the public, called Never Too Old To Laugh, on Friday, June 26th and Saturday, June 27th.

There is a $50.00 membership fee for each participant. This fee entitles each member to six group-acting lessons, scheduled private coaching, and two free admissions for friends or family to the production of Never Too Old To Laugh. Johnson states, “Come and join the group. If you don’t enjoy the first session, we’ll give you your money back.” He adds, “We don’t anticipate many asking for a refund because we think the whole experience is going to be a lot of fun for all involved.”

Johnson, who taught speech and theatre at Iowa State University before starting the Old Creamery Theatre Company in Garrison, Iowa in 1971, will conduct the sessions. Veteran stage performer, Meg Merckens will also participate in at least one of the sessions.

To sign up for the project, or for more information, interested folks “who are at the speed limit (55) or well over the speed limit, traveling however fast or slow,” are invited to contact ITAC at itac@southslope.net or 319-622-3222.