The Pasadena Senior Center’s Master Series turns its focus to the stage and the power of theatre. Photo by Monica Silvestre
The virtual fall term of the Pasadena Senior Center’s four-week Masters Series Lifelong Learning program begins Tuesday, September 22, from 2 to 4 p.m.
The Masters Series, an adult education program of the PSC, is designed to increase understanding of national and international issues, the arts, other cultures, the community, and the individual. With a focus on “understanding,” courses are presented by local university faculty and experts. Each term provides a wonderful opportunity for learning and discussion.
Now on its 36th year, the Masters Series will feature award-winning author, playwright and director Beverly Olevin, who will present this term focusing on “The Power of Theatre.” The weekly interactive classes which will include scenes from plays that explore the “conflicts, joys, and journeys of our lives and reveal what makes us laugh, touches our hearts, and helps us live richer lives,” a PSC announcement said.
“We look to schedule speakers who are not only academically informed but are entertaining presenters,” Annie Laskey, PSC Director of Special Events, said. “Ms. Olevin is an accomplished theatre director and a best-selling novelist, as well as a popular teacher. Her knowledge of theatre, as well as her clear enthusiasm for the subject matter, makes her ideal for our program and we are lucky to be able to offer her as part of our fall programming.”
The virtual class is on every Tuesday up to October 13, the PSC statement said. The four sessions of The Masters Series, which embraces lifelong learning, will explore topics from adaptations and playwrights to Greek origins, socially relevant musicals, and plays based on fact.
Beverly Olevin, MFA: Author, Playwright, Director.
In addition to teaching theater classes at UCLA and the University of Washington, Beverly Olevin, MFA, is the author of the award-winning novel, “The Good Side of Bad,” which has been adapted into a film and is currently shooting in the Pacific Northwest.
“At its heart, Lifelong Learning is about staying curious. Attendees of ‘The Power of Theatre’ will journey with Beverly into the art and craft of theatre for four weeks, and they will be able to continue exploring on their own with the guidance she provides,” Laskey added.
Live on Zoom, the Master Series will not be posted later for public viewing, although people who miss the first session will be able to register for the remaining lectures, the PSC said.
This Tuesday, the Series will feature “Novels Turned Into Stage Plays,” where attendees will learn that a great novel does not necessarily make a great play. They will explore examples of successful adaptations from novel to stage, including “Crime and Punishment,” “Moby Dick,” “Lord of the Flies” and “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
On September 29, the virtual class will feature “The Works of Our Best Playwrights.” Olevin will discuss plays by Tom Stoppard, Peter Shaffer, Lin-Manual Miranda, August Wilson, Eugene O’Neil, and William Shakespeare.
October 6 features “Spectacle!” where theater from Greek origins to today’s socially relevant musicals will be examined.
On October 13, the Series will feature “Plays That Bring Famous People to Life,” or plays that transform true events into intellectually exciting theater.
This Masters Series is available to anyone interested, and costs $50 for PSC members and $60 for non-members. Payment for individual sessions is not available.
To register for the class, go to www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org/
You may also call (626) 795-4331 or email AnnieL@pasadenaseniorcenter.
The Masters Series is funded in part by a generous grant from the Pasadena Literary Alliance.
