Theater, dance program helps seniors delve into the arts

The one major question I had following a recent evening of performances by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Senior Adult Theatre and Dance Program was, "Where are the men?"

A series of scenes sported plenty of enthusiastic ladies, but only one gentleman. Why? The answers I got from participants varied. "Men are shyer than women." "Men aren’t as willing to take chances." "Acting and dancing force you to put yourself out there, and men don’t want to be vulnerable."

I had thought all that kind of nonsense evaporated with age, but I guess not. Pity. Because the tuition-free curriculum (for those age 62 and above) seems an adventurous but safe bargain.

As directors Ann McDonough, Douglas Hill and Richard Harvey explained it, the programs were created to help serve the growing local senior population. Participants can work toward a bachelor of arts or they can just take whatever courses interest them. The options are too numerous to list here, but if you have any interest in any aspect of the performing arts, I suspect you’ll find something tempting.

The sampling of acts at the Sahara West Library included interpretative dance, vaudeville soft-shoe, a Sam Spade spoof, a moment from Neil Simon’s "The Star Spangled Girl," and an original comic monologue titled "A.A.A. D.D." — Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

Hill emphasized the classes are made up of "very beginners" to "very advanced." He acknowledged that some seniors are wary of acting because they’re not certain they can memorize lines.

"Memorization is a skill," he said. "Once you pick it up, it gets easier."

The acting and dance instruction recently has been supplemented with a band formed on the belief that "the enjoyment of playing music comes first." Director Tony LaBounty said the performers tend to be older adults who always have wanted to play an instrument but never had time to learn. Seniors also can invite family members and friends of any age to join with them. The cost is 10 bucks.

The library bill of fare included some spirited musical renderings ranging from Mozart to George M. Cohan. (Curiously, the band members included a healthy number of men. Is music less intimidating?)

LaBounty is hoping the musicians eventually will work with the acting and dance departments on original entertainments.

"I think these programs are important," he said. "The arts help inspire and energize the human potential."

Public showcases featuring all three divisions are coming up later this month and next. You can call 895-4673 for information. The next semester begins in mid-January.

Anthony Del Valle can be reached at DelValle@aol.com. You can write him c/o Las Vegas Review-Journal, P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125.