The Actor Inside You

Most of my friends love the theatre, with good reason. The theatre has always been an art form that teaches the love of culture and values that were important to Boomers when they were enjoying those explosive years of youth during the 50s and 60s. You could see the influence of the stage in the clothing and ways of expressing ourselves that the “hippies” demonstrated when they were at their zenith. When I was in school I was in the Theater and loved it.

The love of the stage and culture that has become widespread in the Boomer culture also reflects that we have always been a very well educated generation.  The fact that such a big percentage of Boomers either had some exposure to the arts in college themselves or from their parents has been a healthy thing for preserving this important part of society. 

For many a Boomer, the stage has held a fascination that is more than just watching a good play and being a good patron of the arts.  Many feel that there is a performer inside them that wants to become part of theatre history by getting up there and acting in a play with all the joys and terrors that such a big step would mean.  But that shyness and unwillingness to take a chance have kept many of us from getting out there and giving it a try, knowing it could lead to disaster.  While risk taking of this nature might have been easy when we were youth, it is not so easy as adults when we, allegedly, need to preserve our pride and try not to look stupid on stage if we forget a line.

But as more and more Boomers move toward retirement age and have the time to explore the creative side of themselves, this time of life is a perfect opportunity to get out there and take that plunge and see if you can release the actor inside to captivate a crowd with your dramatic or comedic talents. 

For the younger folks reading this, there are plenty of opportunities around that you can give yourself a chance to step out on stage and experience that thrill of performing a theatrical piece for a live audience.  Every community in the country has one or many local theatre groups who offer the chance for an amateur actor to try his or her wings in a small role of that next local production.  In addition, many churches, colleges, art museums, improv groups and culture centres use drama as part of their programs.  These are good places to try out your acting skills in short 3-5 minute skits that would take less commitment to learn and limit your time on stage so you can get your legs and learn the craft.

If you want to get involved with groups like this, it’s easy to volunteer and perhaps enjoy being part of the theatre without getting out on stage at first.  You can help with sets, costumes and other tasks and still have the fun of rehearsals and all that backstage drama before you actually have to step out there and face an audience.

If ever there was a part of life that cried out those words that should become your mantra as a person who is sprouting new wings maybe the theatre is that place.  And that mantra is WHY NOT?  Why not take a chance with a part of life you have always dreamed of trying out?  For those approaching retirement, this is a time when you say, “Hey!  No more excuses.  I am going to give it a try.”  For those who are still working, maybe it is time to try a new direction in life and this is the time to say  Hey!  No more excuses.  I am going to give it a try.”