Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided
If you haven’t seen a production by Theatre 55, mark your calendars for Sweeney Todd in October. At Theater 55, everyone involved in the musical productions – actors, musicians, directors, etc. – are all over 55 years of age. We talked to Richard Hitchler, Artistic Director and Creator, about the background of Theatre 55, how to participate, impacts, and how to support this worthy organization.
Q: What inspired you to create a theater company exclusively for performers over 55?
A: In 2018, while working for the Minnesota State Arts Board, I learned that theatre arts participation was missing for one particular age demographic – seniors. Although seniors make up the majority of audience members, I discovered that they themselves were missing from participation; not by desire, but rather by lack of opportunity. In fact, only 15% of people aged 55+ were actual participants of the arts, and when you break that down to theater specifically, only 3%. This statistic, along with prompting from people familiar with my 20-year leadership of SteppingStone Theatre, encouraged me to fill that void. So, I founded a new theater, Theatre 55, to fill the need in the Twin Cities and Minnesota: Theatre performed by seniors. Formed with the purpose of developing lifelong learning through theatre performance and education. Theatre 55’s vision is to enrich the lives of elders as artists, audiences, and lifelong learners through theatre performance and education.
Theatre 55’s inaugural production of HAIR, performed by those who lived it, sold out its three-week run and received positive accolades from The New York Times, Minnesota Public Radio, Next Avenue, The Star Tribune, SPNN, Minnesota Playlist, and Broadway World! Packed spring classes, a contract with EPISCOPAL HOMES residence, and subsequent sold-out productions of Pippin, The Rocky Horror Show, Jesus Christ Superstar, A Chorus Line, Rent, and Little Shop of Horrors.
A Scene from Cabaret
Lawrence Hutera and Elisa Cross in Into the Woods
Deb Soulen and Brian Driscoll in Little Shop of Horrors
Q: What are the opportunities available for people over 55 to get involved, either onstage or behind the scenes?
A: Theatre 55 produces two fully staged musical productions per year; conducts theatre classes including improvisation, dance, auditioning, and more; and conducts workshops in and with senior living communities and organizations that work specifically with the 55+ community.
We conduct open auditions for all of our productions, with opportunities to be onstage or help out behind the scenes. Class registrations are open to anyone who desires to take a class, and workshop offerings are available to members of the community.
Theatre 55 offers classes to all people 55+ who are interested in trying theatre for the first time, have some experience, need a refresher, or advance training in theatre. In addition, all of our shows cast novice actors who have a hands-on opportunity to learn from professional actors along with a musical director, choreographer, and director in a peer-to-peer methodology.
The best way to learn more is through our website or Facebook page.
Q: What kind of impact have you seen Theater 55 have on the lives of its performers?
A: The self-confidence, friendships, passion, cohesiveness, and community created were all beyond my expectations. Individuals have expressed how their experience with Theatre 55 has changed their lives, created life-long friendships, re-ignited creativity, built community, and given life purpose to so many.
"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
Q: How has the audience responded to seeing older adults on center stage, especially in traditionally youth-focused roles?
A: The audience response to seeing older adults perform in these shows has been incredible. Responses have ranged from "I can do that" or "I want to do that" to "I cannot wait to be 55, so I can do that!" and "Age went out the window as soon as I heard her hit that first note."
Audiences clearly respond favorably to the older performers and see each production through a different perspective. Another example came from a group of high school students who came to see our production of Urinetown and stated that even though they were doing the same production, they truly understood what it was about by seeing our production.
Q: How do you choose shows for Theater 55?
A: Shows are selected that reflect both current society and the life experience of elders; shows in which the wisdom gained by life can be handed down to the next generations and that show seniors in a positive light. Musicals are chosen because we, the audiences, are already asked to suspend their disbelief about people breaking into song. Therefore, seeing seniors play characters that are typically played by 20 - 30 year olds, is simply a part of that suspension of disbelief. Performers are storytellers, and storytellers can be any age. Productions from the 1960's, 70's, 80's, or even 90's are selected as they are part of the collective conscience of participants and audiences alike.
Q: Please talk to us about challenges you’re facing at Theater 55. How can we support Theater 55?
A: Theatre 55, like many arts organizations, faces the challenge of shifting federal policy and funding. The work we do combats ageism, loneliness and related health issues, and shifts the paradigm on aging; giving relevance to elders in our youth-focused society. Supporting Theatre 55 through a donation will help us to continue to provide opportunities for elders to continue to experience these opportunities. Donations can be made directly to https://theatre55.org/donate/.
Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 12:00PM
