Great stories never get old
We still know how to play. And we still have a lot to say.
Timeless stories whose time has come.
Original. Relevant. Real Life.
Seniors Acting Lab Society is where writers, actors, producers, directors and performers of a ‘certain age’ come together to create and share original stage and film productions that touch hearts, engage minds, incite conversation and boldly challenge the status quo when it comes to aging gracefully.
Great stories never get old
What’s playing
Our next play, BINS opens August 25th.
Get your tickets NOW.
Buy tickets
What’s coming
Coming for 2027
To Be Announced for 2027
Watch this space
More Than A Number
Our ‘Ready to Go Anytime’ show
Our ‘Ready to Go Anytime’ Show. More Than a Number is a hilarious and heartfelt take on the perils of aging in a world that worships youth. This fast-paced performance examines ‘Ageism’ and the myths and misconceptions about ‘aging’ in the modern age…
Learn more
Be part of the story
Take the stage
AUDITION.
Unleash your inner thespian.
It’s never too late. Whether you’re a footlights and curtain call veteran or have always just had ‘acting-on-stage’ on your bucket list, this is your chance to strut your stuff in a semi-professional production.
Register to audition for an upcoming production.
Make the stage
Be a behind-the-scenes superstar.
If you’re handy with tools, a wonder with wardrobe or just a bonafide ‘people person’ who loves to help out - we can always use your talents. Whether it’s backstage or front-of house, your skills help ensure every show goes on.
YES! I want to be part of the show without being ‘in the Show’.
About us
We may wear bi-focals, but we have a very clear vision
Societal stereotypes about seniors are rapidly changing - and we’re doing our part to champion the cause. Today’s seniors are more educated, healthier and able to remain vital, engaged, inspired and productive for longer. And since virtually everyone will become ‘one-of-us’ at some point, we’re holding up a highly creative mirror to reflect and share the commonalities, the realities and the many worthwhile reasons to reimagine our purpose, our potential and our place in the world.
Yes, we’re on a Mission. Here it is.
Original. Relevant. Accessible.
We are a recognized group of all senior storytellers whose theatrical productions reflect, educate and challenge the status quo on seniors’ issues.
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We at Seniors Acting Lab Society wish to create original theatre that reflects what’s happening in our seniors community. These stories present issues that seniors and their caregivers should be talking about. We invite you into this unique world where the challenges are real and take their toll. While you are being entertained, we hope you leave the theatre with a greater insight and understanding of the issues confronting today’s seniors.
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We create original works written by and for the senior community. Our goal is to have 80% of the actors and backstage crew in our productions seniors.
Audience feedback and research direct our work. After the final performance of “ More than a Number,” which took a humorous look at Ageism, our talk back session gave us a list of issues our senior audiences believed should be examined. We have researched these issues and are currently in the process of producing our 6th play that focuses on them.
Seniors are underrepresented within the Calgary theatrical community. It is our desire to change that fact.
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2011 was the year the first baby boomers turned 65. In 2014 170,000 Calgarians were 65 years of age or older, which comprised 10% of the population. These numbers are expected to rise significantly in the future.*
Senior stereotypes need to change. Today’s Senior’s have better health care, are more educated and are living longer. Their lives need to be filled with purpose, competence and supportive relationships. It is our desire to engage seniors in meaningful dialogue while helping to dispel myths long held about our capabilities.
- Mission Statement and Manifesto by Seniors Acting Lab Society Founder & President Louise Day.
So who’s running this show?
Seniors Acting Lab Society’s board members are ( unsurprisingly ) all Senior citizens. Each member brings decades of practical business-and-related experience in life, their respective careers and the arts to their role on the SALS board. Equally important and invaluable are the many members, supporters and volunteers who step up to help bring every SALS production to life.
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Louise Day
Director
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Chris Heatherington
Director
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Anne Mulders
Director
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Gerry Boyer
Director
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Gary Bodeux
Director
Questions? We’re all ears.
(And answers.)
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The short answer is ‘no’. While we do strive to achieve a majority representation of senior-aged actors in our productions, the plays and shows we create and produce often include a diverse range of characters across a very broad age spectrum. Also, if you’re interested in working behind the scenes in any backstage support capacity, we have no age limits or any other restrictions.
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Again, the short answer is ‘no’. That said, prior experience in any manner or form of performing art - be it music, dance, or slam poetry recitations on open mike-night - is always going to be helpful when auditioning. So, even if you haven’t been onstage since playing Snoopy in ‘You’re a good man Charlie Brown’ in high school, we welcome and encourage anyone who wants to audition to register.
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“Don’t fence me in.” We get it. Some people like to live more spontaneously and don’t want to commit to something days or weeks in advance. While we encourage people to purchase tickets online BEFORE the show, ( you can do it right here on this website, easy peasy! ) we also know that not everyone is comfortable purchasing online. As such, we generally have some tickets available for purchase at the door. That said, it is always a good idea to email us beforehand to find out if a specific performance has sold out.
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Yes. We have collaborated with other playwrights who are not members or associated with our organization. While we don’t have a structured script intake or review process, we do encourage anyone with the next ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’. burning a hole in their hard drive to get in touch with our Producer to arrange a call.
Let’s stay in touch
Curious about SALS productions? Want to learn more about volunteering with us? Or if you have any other questions. We’d love to hear from you. Please use the form below to connect with us, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.