Seats for Seniors

We’re excited to usher our seniors into seats, exclusively reserved for them, so they will continue experiencing the magic of theatre

The goal of the Seats for Seniors program at Theatre Tallahassee will be to eliminate financial and physical barriers by providing free season subscriptions to deserving seniors and offering them the healing gift of live theatre and community.

Our seniors are a valued population in our community. Tallahassee is home to dozens of retirement and assisted living facilities—all searching for ways to enrich the lives of their residents.  Theatre Tallahassee has always welcomed and encouraged the community’s seniors to participate in and attend the theatre’s performances. Unfortunately, many seniors are mobility challenged, low income, lack transportation, or can no longer drive and are now impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.   As a result, seniors are growing more isolated, lonely, and depressed.  

Theatre offers hope, entertainment, laughter, thought-provoking conversation, and social engagement.  With funding support, Theatre Tallahassee will be able to establish a long-term goal – to create the Seats for Seniors program.  This program will provide tickets to low-income and mobility challenged seniors for Theatre Tallahassee’s Mainstage Season productions.  The program will bring an enhanced sense of community to seniors by providing them with access to the fellowship created through cultural arts.  Funding will support in-person shows (as appropriate), virtual offerings, and special engagements with actors and production teams.  Seats for Seniors will increase our senior’s ability to experience the rich and diverse offerings of our productions while enhancing their well-being, their mental health, and overall, their lives.

While already a focus of Theatre Tallahassee, improving our outreach to the senior population is vital to the organization.  Studies have shown the health benefits that participating in live theatre, as performers or viewers, can have on seniors.  Cultural engagement contributes significantly to senior’s overall well-being, positive outlook, mental health, reduced stress, and improved cognition.  Unfortunately, financial limitations prohibit a large number of seniors from attending the theatre.  By creating the program, Seats for Seniors, Theatre Tallahassee will be able to provide access to live theatre for many deserving seniors.