BETHEL – Western Mountains Senior Players are taking registrations for the new winter/spring class, which will start Thursday, Feb. 8. Classes will meet weekly, with public performances scheduled for the weekend of April 15.

The new venture of Western Mountains Senior College started a year ago, directed by Lynn Arizzi of Bethel. The spring and fall performances drew enthusiastic responses from standing-room-only audiences, and the director plans to hold two public performances this spring to accommodate the growing interest.

Arizzi promises a variety of literature and performance opportunities for Senior Players to discover their hidden talents. New members are welcome to join the group. As a course offered by the college, all Senior Players must be members. Anyone over age 50 may join. Information about membership and the registration fee for joining Senior Players may be obtained by calling SAD 44 Community Education at 824-2780.

The Senior Players were inspired and modeled after the Portland Senior Players, who were instrumental in helping to form the new group in Bethel.

Members carry their scripts with them, as no memorization of lines is required. Arizzi said this makes the players different from regular theater groups and is a concept being used by senior colleges across the country. However, as in all theater companies, the players follow stage directions, use props and develop the characters they are portraying.

Arizzi said, “The idea behind Senior Players is to have fun and exercise the ‘ham’ in all of us. Experience is not necessary. Amateur thespians just need a keen desire to challenge themselves in the art of theater.”

Arizzi brings experience to the Senior Players, from teaching high school and elementary school music, to supervising the music department at Virginia’s Fairfax County public schools, to participating in the Jacksonville Little Theater. Anyone interested in learning more about the Senior Players may call Arizzi at 824-0080.


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