| If you are under the impression that senior citizens | | | | that organize senior theater trips to New York, |
| only sit around on rocking chairs and make trips to | | | | Chicago and London. New York's Dorot University has |
| the doctor's, you will be pleasantly surprised to know | | | | an innovative senior theater program which involves |
| that America has a thriving senior theatre culture. | | | | elders who are home-bound. On a weekly basis, |
| The number of groups performing elderly theater is | | | | seniors participate in a conference call from their |
| growing at an incredibly fast pace; While 1999 saw | | | | homes and read out plays! This unique kind of senior |
| just seventy-nine senior theatre companies in the | | | | theater program goes a long way in helping seniors |
| country, the number shot up to 291 in 2001, which is | | | | create strong bonds of friendship with the cast |
| a span of just two years! The year 2002 recorded | | | | members. |
| steady development as well, with 378 elderly theater | | | | Funding too is becoming easier, since large |
| groups and 2003 had as many as 419 groups. | | | | corporations are trying to fulfill their social obligations |
| Currently the estimate is pegged at more than 530 | | | | by helping senior theater programs. The media too is |
| groups all over the US, which just goes on to show | | | | extending plenty of support to these programs, and |
| the vibrancy attached to this movement. | | | | coupled with new material, academic programs and |
| The activities have started covering hitherto | | | | research, it looks like senior theater will be around for |
| untouched quarters, and some unique theater | | | | a long time. |
| programs also rope in the services of travel agencies | | | | |