What is the Senior Adult Theatre Program?
The Theatre Department at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas has designed a nationally renowned theatre program for older students. This program includes specialized classes in Acting and Oral History Theatre. No prior theatre experience is necessary for students to participate in the program. Senior Adults may also enjoy taking other Theatre Department classes, such as Introduction to Theatre, Directing, Costuming, Lighting, etc.

Tell me more about the Senior Adult Theatre Classes.
THA 122 Theatre for Senior Adults is an introductory class (offered only in the fall semester) that provides a general overview of the theatre as well as introducing the students to members of the UNLV Theatre Faculty. This class also provides an introduction to acting.

THA 223 Senior Adult Theatre: Practical Application is an active class for the advanced actor. The class explores specific topics such as developing Oral Histories or taking short performances on tour. This class is only offered in the spring semester.

THA 225 Senior Adult Theatre: Scene Study focuses on developing solid acting skills by introducing improvisation, advanced character and scene analysis, and ensemble work with scene partners.

What opportunities exist for students in the Senior Adult Theatre Program?
Students may choose to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Senior Adult Theatre. In addition, our older students have the opportunity to audition for Theatre Department productions and Senior Adult Theatre Productions on the UNLV campus. The Senior Adult Theatre Program also tours to locations around Las Vegas providing entertainment for assisted living facilities, conferences on aging, and special interest groups.

And what about the cost?
Students who are 62 years of age or older and have been a permanent resident of Nevada longer than one year are eligible to have tuition costs waived for up to 6 credit hours per semester. The student is only responsible for book fees, mandatory fees, and optional parking permits.

What if I have more questions?
Please feel free to call the UNLV Senior Adult Theatre Department at 895-4673. Assistant Director Douglas Hill will be happy to answer your questions regarding the classes and the Bachelor of Arts in Senior Adult Theatre.

The UNLV Senior Adult Theatre Program was started in 1990 by Dr. Ann McDonough. In addition to directing this program, she is also the Director of UNLV’s Gerontology Program. She remains a leading force in the growing Senior Adult Theatre movement in America with seven published books on the subject and countless engagements at theatrical and educational conventions.

Douglas Hill has been Assistant Director of the Senior Adult Theatre Program since 2000. He was the founding Co-chair of the Senior Theatre League of America and a member of UNLV’s School of Social Work Senior Citizens Advisory Board. In addition to teaching at UNLV he works as an actor, playwright, and director.

The UNLV Senior Adult Theatre Program is proud to be a
Charter Member of the Senior Theatre League of America