The theater has long been an art that teaches the love of culture and values that were necessary to baby boomers when they were enjoying those explosive years of youth in the 50s and 60s. You can see the influence of the stage even in the clothing and methods of expressing themselves the "hippies" demonstrated when they were at their zenith. The love of the stage and culture which has become wide spread in the baby boomer culture also reflects this has often been an exceedingly roundly educated generation. For many a baby boomer the stage has held an obsession that's more than simply watching a good play and being a good patron of the humanities.

Many feel that there's a performer within them that wants to become part of theater history by getting up there and acting in a play with all the joys and fears that such a huge step would suggest. But that embarrassment and reluctance to take a chance has kept many people from getting out there and giving it a try, knowing it can lead to disaster. While risk taking of this nature could have been straightforward when we were youth, it may not be so simple as adults when we, purportedly, need to save our pride and try hard not to look foolish on stage if we forget a line. But as more baby boomers move toward retirement age and have time to explore the creative side of themselves, this time of life is an ideal opportunity to get out there and take that plunge and see if you can release the actor within to charm a bunch with your dramatic or comedic abilities. There are tons of opportunities around that you can give yourself an opportunity to step out on stage and experience that thrill of performing a melodramatic piece for a live audience.

Just about each community in the country has one or many local theater groups who offer the likelihood for a newbie actor to try their wings in a little role of that next local production. Additionally, many churches, varsities, art museums, improv groups and culture centers use drama as a part of their programs. These are good places to try out your acting abilities in short 3-5 minute skits that would take less dedication to learn and restrict your time on stage so you can get your legs and learn the craft. If you'd like to become involved with groups like this, it is simple to volunteer and maybe enjoy being an element of theater without getting out on stage initially. You can help with sets, costumes and other jobs and still have the thrill of rehearsals and all that back stage drama before you have to step out there and face an audience.

If ever there had been part of life that cried out those words that should become our mantra as baby boomers who are growing new wings in our later years, the theater is that place. And that mantra is WHY NOT? Why not take a bit of a chance with part of life you've always dreamed about trying out? Retirement is a point when you say, "Hey. You have let your fears and fearfulness keep you from letting that actor within you try out a role in a play for too long. By letting that actor inside out, you could have the most fun you might ever imagine by getting out on stage and becoming somebody else for a little while. And when you hear that sound of applause and you know that applause was for you, then that actor within you won't only many thanks for letting him loose, he's going to begin pestering you to get out there again and try a far bigger role next time.