EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Limelight, LLC., which includes artists from the Eastern Michigan University community, is thrilled to present “Solo Acts: A Solo Aging Symposium and Theatrical Performance”  from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, May 10, at the Ann Arbor District Library, 343 S 5th Ave, Ann Arbor. This three-part symposium will feature stories from solo agers, a performance of Solo Acts: A Theatrical Compilation on Solo Aging with post-show conversation, and breakout sessions where attendees can learn about local resources and planning strategies for an enriching solo aging experience. This event is free and open to the public; lunch will be provided, and registration is encouraged.

According to an AARP survey published in 2021, “about 77% of solo agers report they’ve done little or no planning for living assistance as they get older. However, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, about 70% of people over 65 will need long-term care at some point in their lives.” The Solo Acts Symposium invites solo agers, policymakers, caregivers, advocates, and artists to convene for an event that affirms the experience of Ann Arbor’s solo agers and initiates dialogue about aging solo in our community by highlighting available resources and existing gaps. 

"In the larger sense, I always hope that theatre can catalyze individual or collective change for the better,” said Decky Alexander, director of Engage@EMU and professor in Communications, Media and Theatre Arts. “In this specific event, I hope that Solo Acts and its activities can do two primary things: foster awareness of gaps in services and systems for those aging alone and affirm to those aging alone that they are seen. Once something or someone is made more visible, then change can happen." 

The day begins with representatives from service organizations available for attendees to meet and a pre-show program featuring stories from solo agers in Ann Arbor. Limelight, LLC.’s performance of Solo Acts: A Theatrical Compilation on Solo Aging will follow with a post-show panel including artists from the show, solo agers, and policymakers. The day ends with lunch and breakout sessions focused on housing, transportation, and healthy aging through friendships and activity. Representatives from local organizations will facilitate these breakout sessions. 

Diversity is a key component celebrated in the theatrical performance. "We know how important representation is, and so often seniors are left out of that conversation,” said Hananiah Wiggins, Solo Acts performer. "These are the voices in our community that helped build this show and will help form a national conversation on what it is to be a solo ager and what it means to be a community with solo agers."

About Limelight, LLC
Limelight, LLC., is a consulting company that creates and uses theatre as a problem-solving tool. The company was founded by Engage@EMU Director and EMU Professor of Applied Theatre Jessica “Decky” Alexander. The Solo Acts performance, co-directed by Decky Alexander and EMU alum Tyler Calhoun, features a cast of EMU alumni, including Adrienne Walling, Hananiah Wiggins, Jonathan Jones, Tayler Jones, and Mary Larkin, with production coordination by EMU graduate students Olivia Allen and Sam Carter. Buffalo State Emeritus Professor Sharon Cramer is also a key developer of Solo Acts and is featured in the performance. Many performers, including Wiggins, also served on the interview and research team that built the show. 

The Solo Acts Symposium is made possible by the generous support of Creative Washtenaw, the City of Ann Arbor, and the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. To register for Solo Acts, visit the website. No-cost transportation is available in partnership with Feonix—Mobility Rising. Call 734.259.4125 to book your ride today; please reserve your ride by Monday, May 6th. Parking validations are available for Library Lane, 319 S Fifth Ave. For more information, please visit https://www.limelightlive.org. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.