Check back for Information on Senior Stars 2009

 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Two seasons ago, APAC initiated a new program for senior citizens.  We put out a call seeking ALL seniors (60 years and over) in Queens interested in performing.  Through an audition process, we found a fantastic group (and made some great new friends).  With the guidance of Program Director Sandra Bargman and Musical Director Jeffrey Campos, twenty Senior Stars went through seven weeks of training and rehearsals (at no charge!)  before presenting the public with EACH TOMORROW MORNING, a memorable production that showcased their unique talents and skills.  The show was recently aired on QPTV!

MORE ON SENIOR STARS

Senior Stars is a one-of-a-kind musical and theatrical training and performance program for senior citizens in Queens.  This year will be the second year that we will offer the program.  Participants are selected through an audition process open to all Queens residents over the age of 60.  We accept as many senior citizens into the program as possible (twenty completed the program last year).  Committed to inclusiveness, we keep the program free-of-charge to the participants.  The seniors then go through seven weeks of training and rehearsals, taught/directed/choreographed by a Program Director and a Musical Director.  The culminating events are two shows open to the public, where friends, neighbors and family members have the opportunity to see what they have accomplished, and applaud their efforts. 

The first press release that we sent out attracted early and wide attention from the press – nearly all major Queens newspapers covered it.  The word was out:  a talent search for seniors was on!  Still, we were not sure what level of turnout to expect.  We were delighted, overwhelmed and gratified to see that dozens of seniors came to audition. Filling the audition room were equal numbers of men and women—a crowd diverse as Queens itself.  One by one, they took the stage.  No performance experience was necessary; we required only “enthusiasm and a desire to perform.”  Some had been professional performers at earlier stages in their lives, others had were choir members at their churches.  Accordion playing, Sinatra tunes, belly dancing, modern monologues—we were awed by what we saw. Their ages ranged from 60-86.  Some of them had physical limitations that did NOT get in their way as they put their all into their auditions.  We accepted as many as possible.  Ultimately, twenty completed the program and took part in the final show:  EACH TOMORROW MORNING.

The show itself was designed around the seniors’ unique strengths and interests.  Many of the song selections were chosen because they spoke to an older generation.  The show was in a showcase format, with group numbers as well as solos.   The performances drew a full house (in fact, this year, we are bringing the show to a bigger venue – the Broccoli Theater at the Variety Boys & Girls Club in Astoria!).