Dramatic skits, rather than lectures, are how the Senior Thespians -- a group of seven men and women over the age of 65 -- plan to educate their peers about such health issues as drug mismanagement and alcohol abuse.
The group, co-sponsored by the county's Department of Health and the Office on Aging, will present the free programs at senior centers and to other county groups.
"Anybody can give a lecture," said Chari Stoesser, program resource specialist for the Substance Abuse Prevention Program the county's Health Department. "Short skits, however, are another avenue for getting information to seniors. I chose this approach because I am an interactive person and it's fun."
The project has support from Barbara Miller, coordinator of the Wellness Program in the Office of Aging.
"There's a growing concern about alcohol, drug dependency and improper use of medications among the elderly," she said. "We were looking for an interesting way to stimulate people to think about and discuss the issues."
Ms. Stoesser recruited people for the group by placing an advertisement in the Senior Connection, a newsletter distributed the Florence Bain Senior Center in Columbia.
The group has been rehearsing at the center two hours a week since December, honing its theatrical skills for its debut performance of two skits at Florence Bain Friday. Another performance is scheduled for Feb. 22 at the Elkridge Unity Baptist Church.
The first skit is about mismanagement of medication and depicts a person who is confused and frustrated about the pills she must take. Pointers about the right and wrong ways of taking medication are humorously injected into the plot.
At the conclusion of the skit, suggestions are given about ways ** people can keep track of the drugs they are taking.
The second skit is about a class reunion featuring a woman as vivacious as she was 50 years before. Asked how she maintains her youthful appearance, the woman cites her busy schedule, which includes exercise, volunteer activities and other interests -- things that are discussed with the audience after the skit.
Ms. Stoesser's idea of educational skits, rather than pure entertainment, originally received resistance from members of the acting troupe.
"I wasn't really pleased with it in the beginning," said Peter Jackson, a 78-year-old Columbia resident who has 20 years of acting experience in community theater. "I thought that the script was a little too preachy. You have to have a little bit of humor, even though none of these topics are funny."
Nonetheless, Mr. Jackson stayed with the group and contributed his ideas.
Abraham Bates, the other man in the group, agreed that the presentations have to be kept light.
"Humor is a good way to present any point of view," said Mr. Bates, a 79-year-old Woodbine resident.
There are no assigned parts in the Senior Thespians. Individuals rehearse each role so that everyone is familiar with the lines and tTC available when needed.
Ms. Stoesser said she believes the performers, who are presenting the skits to an audience of their peers, have the best understanding of the topics, and she encourages them to make changes whenever they want.
"None of the skits are written in stone," she said.
Columbia resident Bernice Denmark, 71, said she was drawn to the idea of acting.
"Once Chari talked about the skits, I became more enthusiastic about serving a community purpose," she said. "Medication is an important topic and loneliness is another biggie; we are touching on all of the issues."
The next topic the Senior Thespians will be working on is alcohol abuse.
"I think it is incumbent for us to help at least one person," Ms. Stoesser said. "And I think we can."