WESTFIELD-Steve Henderson wants seniors to have fun – on stage.
This fall, through a grant supported in part by the Westfield Cultural Council, Henderson will present “Senior Theater – A Hometown Gallery” program at the Westfield Senior Center. The Westfield Cultural Council is associated with the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Steve Henderson displays one of his directing techniques.
While Henderson’s 25-year career in nursing has specialized in geriatric care, his real passion is the theater. He will conduct an informational session on the new program on Sept. 6 at 1 p.m. at the Westfield Senior Center.
“We make it so much fun,” said Henderson of the original comedy he will write that will be performed on Oct. 19 at 6 p.m. and again on Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. The hour-long performances will be free and open to the public at the senior center.
Approximately 10 rehearsals will be scheduled, however, participants do not have to worry if they miss a rehearsal. Each rehearsal will run from one to two hours.
Steve Henderson is animated in his directing techniques.
“There is no memorization, no auditions,” said Henderson who resides in Westfield. “I never turn anyone away who wants to be in a show.”
Henderson, the author of “Create Senior Theater: Joy and Health & In Your Budget,” is no stranger to the theater world in the region. He has a degree in playwriting from the University of Massachusetts and has had his plays performed at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield, the Silverthorne Theater Company in Greenfield, and the Highland Arts Center in Vermont. His one-act play, “The Gravedigger’s Gift?” was published by the University of Massachusetts Renaissance Center and has been performed at numerous venues. He is the owner of Have Comedy Will Travel, and has conducted similar senior theater programs in Longmeadow, East Longmeadow and Agawam over the years.
Whether a senior enjoys singing, dancing or a speaking role, Henderson promises he will find the right part for each participant.
“Whoever wants to be in the show, I can work the script to fit everyone,” he said.
During the informational session, Henderson will ask each person to read a line or two from a script so he can get a sense for one’s timing.
“By listening to someone reading I can figure out the best role that will create the most fun for that person,” he said.
Westfield resident Steve Henderson is on the search for seniors to star in a fall play.
Henderson noted that the experience for seniors can be “extraordinary” – not only for the participant but for the family members.
“Time and time again at similar senior center programs the participants have the best time,” he said.
What also makes senior theater “compelling,” according to Henderson, is the concentration that it takes for the actors to follow the script.
“You have to be present 100% of the time,” he added. “You need to hear the lines and follow the action of the play. Of course, we make it so much fun it is a show you feel good about.”
While rehearsals will be low key for the most part, Henderson noted there might be some pressure which is part of the creative process.
“I may ask someone more than once to repeat a line to be sure that person understands the character’s role,” said Henderson.
Steve Henderson is looking for seniors to star in a play this fall at the Westfield Senior Center.
For his part, Henderson is “deliriously happy” about bringing this new program to Westfield.
“If someone wants to have experience in the theater, I promise it will be joyous, the best time you will ever have,” he said.
For more information, contact Mary Lou Niedzielski, program director for the Westfield Council on Aging, at (413) 562-6435.
