LGBT Seniors to Perform 2016 New Stages Showcase at Renberg Theatre, 6/4-5

New Stages is an arts program for LGBT seniors, but it isn't your typical arts and crafts fare. Teaching artists Mark Salyer and Kay Cole have worked for the last four years to help LGBT elders tell their own stories and find their own voices. This year's showcase performance, Working OUT, will be presented at the Renberg Theatre at the LA LGBT Center's VIllage at Ed Gould Plaza, June 4 and 5th at 6:00 PM. Admission is free.

"We started this project as a musical theatre workshop but it has become clear that what we have created is a storytelling/solo performance experience," says Salyer. "This is a fascinating community with engaging stories to tell."

Twenty-one area seniors will perform the show, directed by Broadway veteran Kay Cole and musical directed by Los Angeles-based pianist Debbie Lawrence. The show is developed through a workshop process consisting of 15 classes over the course of several weeks, taught by Salyer who also produces.

Working OUT is funded in part by the City of West Hollywood and presented as part of the City's One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival, which this year celebrates the theme 'Into the Streets,' based on a rallying cry of early LGBTQ rights groups. Events take place from Harvey Milk Day (May 22) through the end of June Pride month. For more information and to see a full roster of events, please visit www.weho.org/pride or follow on social media @WeHoArts.

"Studies have shown that social engagement and participation in arts leads to overall better health for older adults," said City of West Hollywood Mayor Lauren Meister. "The City of West Hollywood is proud to continue to support New Stages, which offers a great opportunity for our local seniors to showcase their talents and share compelling stories about their lives, especially as we embark this year on a major Aging in Place/Aging in Community Five-Year Strategic Plan."

The performers are part of the the LA LGBT Center's Senior Services program with provides more than 100 events monthly to LGBT older adults at the Village and Triangle Square apartments.

Tripp Mills, Deputy Director of Senior Services says, "We love what New Stages brings to the center. Our members are always looking forward to the project. It is by far one of the most popular events of the year. New Stages not only provides an amazing opportunity to let our seniors' talents shine but it also gives voice to their experience as vital members of the LGBT community."

"This year's project is focused on living an out life - in the workplace, at school, in our communities," adds Salyer. "Who better to comment on coming out than this group of people who have lived through the the entire gamut of the liberation movement?"

New Stages is also sponsored by the Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation and Oasis Theatre Company. For more information about New Stages, please visit www.newstages.org.

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