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Funding is requested to support the implementation of Music Theatre International's (MTI) Broadway Senior Program for adults aged 55 and older in the Peoria area. This program offers older adults the opportunity to participate in a fully realized musical theatre production designed specifically to meet their physical, vocal, and scheduling needs.
Participants engage in weekly rehearsals that include acting, singing, light movement, and ensemble-building activities using an MTI Broadway Senior title adapted for accessibility and inclusion. No prior performance experience is required. The program is intentionally welcoming and community-focused, creating a supportive environment where participants can build confidence, form connections, and explore creative expression. The experience culminates in two public performances for family, friends, and the broader Peoria community.
Sun City Rotary funding will directly support program delivery, including performance rights and materials, production elements such as costumes, sets, and technical support, and accessibility-related needs that ensure all participants can fully engage. Funding will also help offset participant costs through scholarships, ensuring the program remains affordable for seniors, including those on fixed incomes. Additionally, funds will support key artistic staff, including a director, music director, choreographer, and stage manager.
The Broadway Senior Program fills a unique gap in Peoria's senior services by offering more than a recreational or passive arts experience. Unlike typical classes or clubs, it provides a complete, collaborative production process tailored specifically for older adults. Using professionally adapted MTI materials, the program incorporates flexible casting, simplified choreography, and adjusted vocal ranges, allowing individuals of all abilities to participate safely and meaningfully.
Beyond artistic engagement, the program supports important social and wellness outcomes. Peoria is home to a growing senior population, with nearly 20 percent of residents age 65 and older. Many older adults face social isolation, which is closely linked to depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Research shows that participation in group arts programs can significantly improve mental health, increase social connection, and enhance overall quality of life.
This program directly addresses those needs by providing sustained, meaningful engagement through a shared creative goal. Participants are not just taking a class; they are part of an ensemble, working together toward a public performance that fosters purpose, connection, and visibility within the community.
TheaterWorks is uniquely qualified to lead this program. In 2019, it was selected as one of only five theaters nationwide to pilot the Broadway Senior Program with MTI, successfully producing Singin' in the Rain with a diverse group of older adult performers. That experience helped shape national best practices for the program and established TheaterWorks as a leader in creative aging initiatives. With more than 40 years of experience producing community-based theatre and arts education programs, TheaterWorks has the expertise, staffing, and infrastructure to deliver this program at a high level.
By supporting the Broadway Senior Program, Sun City Rotary will help expand access to high-quality arts programming for older adults in Peoria, fostering creativity, connection, and lifelong engagement in the arts while addressing a clear and growing community need.
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