Acting Up!, Hamilton-Gibson’s readers theatre program for adults 55 and older, will start up again for the 2024-2025 season on Tuesday, September 10 from 2:00-3:00pm in the Deane Center for the Performing Arts, 104 Main St. 2nd floor, Wellsboro. Since its beginning in 2002, an ever-changing group of fun-loving senior citizens has gathered in Wellsboro on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from September through May to read stories, plays, and poems aloud.

There are no fees and no long-term commitments, and the elevator is handy for those who don’t do stairs. The program, which began in a meeting room at the HG office, continues to remain popular as an alternative to participating in regular memorized plays.  Acting Up! concluded their recent spring season (January through May) with a public reading performance they call “Acting Out” at the Mansfield Public Library where they were warmly received.  “We love to prepare and practice for these Acting Out shows, and we respond to such invitations by setting aside extra time to choose material and become very familiar with it.” says Barbara Biddison. Performing publicly is voluntary for those who feel willing to share the readings with a larger audience. Barbara and Larry Biddison have been supplying material for these creative gatherings and performances every year. “It’s not easy finding this endless supply of material, but the fun and challenge is always worth it.” says Barbara. 

Along with material supplied by Larry and Barbara, participants bring short poems, humorous stories, or thoughtful articles to share aloud with the group. During past years the group has enjoyed bringing scripts to life from vintage radio to interesting  poems, stories, essays, and plays. They have also read original short plays written by Acting Up! participants. The one-hour sessions bring together congenial and mutually supportive people, and the relaxed, informal atmosphere provides a low key, low pressure opportunity to experiment with reading aloud. Anyone over 55 with an interest in reading with this welcoming group is encouraged to attend. For more information on Acting Up! go to www.hamiltongibson.org/acting-up, or just show up on any given second or fourth Tuesday at 2pm.