Seniors needed to perform at Festival of Senior Arts

LAKEWOOD - Lakewood's historic Strand Theater, 400 Clifton Avenue, is issuing a casting call for seniors age 60 and over to perform at the Festival of Senior Arts.

The only qualification is the love of entertainment and performance. There is no fee to participate and registration forms are available now. Individuals and senior groups interested in performing may contact their community's activities director; visit the Strand Theater box office or the Internet Web site at www.strand.org or call (732) 367-7789, ext. 209.

The Festival of Senior Arts is a free event to be held June 27-29 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in celebration of the spirit and talent of senior artists living in the community. Sponsored by Harro-gate, a not-for-profit life-care community, the festival will feature a unique blend of the performing, healing and visual arts.

The centerpiece of the event will be a variety show-style revue comprised entirely of senior talent from throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. Performance categories will be vocal, theatrical, dance, musical instrument and poetry. There will also be a gallery showing of the first-place winners of the senior citizens arts exhibition.

A special segment of the festival will include information on the benefits of the arts on health and wellness, featuring holistic health information with special demonstrations on yoga, Pilates and more.

Many other arts-related activities such as a creative writing workshop have been planned. There will also be a daily screening of the film "Do Not Go Gently," written and produced by Melissa Godoy and narrated by Walter Cronkite. The film highlights the power and imagination of senior adults ages 85 and older.