Adults age 55 and older are invited to join us, whether you’re a seasoned performer or stepping onto the stage for the very first time. Throughout the session, we work together to explore a script, build memorable characters, and strengthen skills in vocal expression, interpretation, and stage presence. The experience culminates in a public performance at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, where family, friends, and community members can enjoy the results of your creative work.
On Tuesday, October 27th there will be a technical rehearsal at The Firehouse Center for the Arts followed by a luncheon. The public performance for this session will take place on the Firehouse stage on November 1st at 2:00 PM.
Fall 2026:
Tuesday, September 8th-Tuesday, October 27th from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM. Final performance on Sunday, November 1st at 2:00 PM.
Afternoon Session Registration
Tuesday, September 8th-Tuesday, October 27th from 2:00 PM-4:00 PM. Final performance on Sunday, November 1st at 2:00 PM.
Registration Fee for Each Session: $125
If you have any questions about Second Act Readers’ Theater, please contact us at 978-462-7336 ext. 3 or email Megan Blouin-Little at [email protected]
Meet our Instructors
Maureen Daley I have been performing on Newburyport area stages for over thirty years: since I first began to study acting with Marc Clopton at The Actors Studio of Newburyport. Among my favorite roles are Ouiser in Steel Magnolias, Grandma Kurnitz in Lost in Yonkers, Annie Wilkes in Misery and Ann Kron in Well. I have also directed and performed in many pieces in New Works’ Festivals and Silver Theatre presentations. I have been involved in SART since the beginning with the initial performance of All the Kings’ Women. I am hoping to offer SART participants the tips and techniques I have learned along the way.
Allan Haley acts, directs, writes and produces – although, now, he mostly produces. He has been active in the Newburyport theater community for eight years, acting in several SART, New Works and Playwright’s Collaborative Traveling Troupe performances. Allan founded Silver Theater Productions, in 2022, to bring plays with universal themes, featuring senior actors, to the Northshore.
Prior to falling head-over-heels in love with the theater, Allan had a 50-year career in the typographic arts. He began his career as a graphic and typeface designer, moving into management and executive positions in several national and international companies serving the typographic arts. An internationally recognized expert in typography, typeface design and fonts, Allan is also a prolific writer, with six books on type and graphic communication and hundreds of articles for scholarly journals and trade publications to his credit. His continued writing helps to support Silver Theater Productions.
Testimonials:
“I have been a participant in the Firehouse Theatre’s SART program for going on 5 years playing an assortment of roles ranging from pure comedy to dramedy to social commentary to the classics (playing King Henry II in The Lion In Winter). In addition to playing the King, I have
appeared in roles as widely disparate as a stabbing victim, a ROMEO (Retired Old Man Eating Out), a verbal dyslexic, and most recently, a talking dog named Spot (who prefers to be called Bartholomew). To say it’s been a blast is an understatement!
As far as I know, SART is one-of-a-kind: an acting program tailored to old-timers like me – 55 and older; most of our participants are in the “older” category and that includes our wonderful Directors. What makes it unique? During each performance, the actors remain seated on the stage and read directly from the script. No memorization or acrobatics are
required! That doesn’t mean we don’t act! We all put physicality and emotional energy into our readings- as much as any actors who perform on stage. But for those of us with physical or memory-related challenges, this program is a godsend.I can truly say that I am thrilled to have discovered SART and look forward to continuing my participation ad infinitum. Join us and have the time of your (Senior) life!”
-Jeffrey Cousminer
“To begin with, I love acting. With SART there is the added joy of watching others, some of whom have some experience and some who are beginners, progress with their talent. There is no one to say you are good or bad, just sharing a love for live theater. There is a great sense of community and, of course, not having to memorize is a huge benefit.”
-Terry Blanchard
“I love doing SART. I have taken the classes since 2015. The process is enjoyable and you meet many wonderful people. They become like family over the years. You also have the added benefit of performing without the stress of memorizing. I highly recommend giving it a try.”
-Candie Benjamin