Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Hitchler
Hi Richard, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Theatre 55 was created in 2018 to fill a need in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota: theatre performed by seniors. It was formed with the purpose of developing lifelong learning through theatre performance and education. Our vision is to enrich the lives of elders as artists, audiences, and lifelong learners through theatre performance and education.
According to health and aging statistics published by the U.S. government, adults over age 65 has doubled since the 2010 census and is expected to double again by the 2030 census.The older population is increasingly becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, working longer, and aging in place vs aging in communal living situations. In addition, the largest rates of obesity, isolation, depression, and other health related issues continue to increase with age. Musical Theatre, which comprises of singing, dance/movement, and socialization, is a natural combatant to these issues. These skills and opportunities are few and far between. Recent Minnesota State demographics and statistics show that people aged 65 and older have less than 15% of active participatory arts experiences compared to other age brackets. And although some theaters are beginning to recognize this, few are devoting resources and energy into ongoing programming with this age demographic. Theatre 55’s mission is to engage this particular age group.
Musical theatre, which includes singing, dance/movement, and socialization is a natural combatant to the above identified issues. Minnesota State demographics and statistics show that people aged 65 and older have less than 15% of active participatory arts experiences compared to other age brackets. And although some theaters are beginning to recognize this, few are devoting the resources and energy into ongoing programming with this specific age demographic.
To date we have produced 10 musical productions including, Hair (performed by those who lived it), Pippin (a mid-life crisis), Urinetown, The Rocky Horror Show, Jesus Christ Superstar, Rent, A Chorus Line, Cabaret, Into the woods, and Little Shop of Horrors; a series of Philip Marlowe Radio Plays; conducted classes in Improvisation, and Creative Movement; and conducted workshop residencies with Episcopal Homes, Rainbow Health, Mia(Minneapolis Institute of Arts), and Friends and Co.
During the rehearsal process, novice performers will have a hands-on opportunity to learn from professional actors along with a musical director, choreographer, and director, in a peer to peer methodology. Participants will learn theatre skills of using your body, voice, imagination, breath control, movement, expression, and self-promotion through social media.
By using the OATS (Older Adults Technology Services from AARP) Theory of Change, Theatre 55 begins with the individual and the refusal to be marginalized; we recognized ourselves as powerful, intelligent, and capable human beings both singularly and collectively; we set goals and challenge ourselves; we provide positive and knowledgable guidance through our teaching artists, directors, choreographers, musical directors, etc.; and as individuals become confident in their own personal power of transformation, they find they can help others (which in turn makes them stronger themselves), and as their skills and networks develop they can contemplate changing society and policy. Change flows from the individual to the community at large.
By eliminating phrases like, “senior moment” or “you can’t be that old”, we can change perceptions on aging. And when participants hear phrases like, “That was a fantastic high-kick!” or “Your voice is so angelic.” there is a sense of confidence and sincere knowledge that it is not yet time to hand off the baton because we are still using it. And that with age comes wisdom, not yet learned by our younger selves.
Over the past 5 years, we have seen continual growth and desire for participation. Auditionees have increased to overflowing capacity, audiences have grown three-fold, and inquiries for more
programming have inundated our inboxes. The requests for more programming have aligned with our desired growth – to offer classes and workshops, and more specialized work within the senior community centers.
In addition, Theatre 55 builds community. We have a Facebook group page (created by one of our participants) which is like an alumni group. People share stories, attend other’s plays, music events, birthdays, etc. They continue to get together for dinners, karaoke, and other social events. During rehearsals, actors tend to bring food to share, carpool to and from rehearsal, and create a “buddy system” in which they phone each other after rehearsal to make sure their buddy got home safely. These were not required activities but have become ongoing activities of the community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting a theater company, or an business for that matter, is never an easy endeavor. However, Theatre 55 has received great accolades from the community, funders, and press alike.
With the exception of COVID, which forced us to rethink how we continued to serve the 55+ community, we have had great success with our productions, classes, workshops, and other activities. We have seen an increase in the number of people who audition for shows, increase in class participants, and an increase in demand for our services.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) website: As people get older, many start to develop problems with hearing, seeing, or mobility. Others experience chronic illnesses like
hypertension, diabetes, arthritis, or memory loss. People may have disabilities under the definition in the ADA when age-related changes in function make it more difficult to get around at home, participate in their community, or go to work. Although people who are aging often don’t think of themselves as having a disability, according to the ADA, having a “physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity” means a person has a disability.
More than 30 percent of Americans over age 65 have some kind of disability, and over 50 percent of those over age 75. These may range from difficulties seeing and hearing to walking and thinking. Under the ADA, it isn’t the cause of the disability that matters, but what it means in everyday life.
Musical theatre, which includes singing, dance/movement, and socialization is a natural combatant to the above identified issues. Minnesota State demographics and statistics show that people aged 65 and older have less than 15% of active participatory arts experiences compared to other age brackets. And although some theaters are beginning to recognize this, few are devoting the resources and energy into ongoing programming with this specific age demographic.
Theatre 55’s mission is to engage this particular age group through theatre performances and
classes/workshops. “Theatre 55 believes that being older is only the beginning, not the end. As we age, we can create, inspire, and grow with authenticity and grace” – Robert Borman, recent participant.
During the rehearsal process, novice performers have a hands-on opportunity to learn from professional actors along with a musical director, choreographer, and director, in a peer to peer methodology. Participants learn theatre skills of using your body, voice, imagination, breath control, movement, expression, and self-promotion through social media.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My personal favorite memory is re-enacting TV shows with my brother. We would act out what we saw and I would direct and star in our small productions. My younger brother was always my sidekick. My parents were an appreciative audience.
Pricing:
- Tickets to shows $20-$35
- Classes $195 – $295
- Workshops are negotiable
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Theatre55.org
- Instagram: Theatre.55
- Facebook: Theatre 55
