It’s unusual to hear of a small, local nonprofit lasting 50 years, but here we are. Theater Bus began as an idea of the Wisconsin Union Theater and the community arts administrator. They wanted to bring older adults to Union Theater performances. By 1976, only one year in, Theater Bus became an experimental project of the Wisconsin Union Theater and local senior centers. The goal was to increase attendance at the Young Artists in the Performing Arts series and to encourage older adults to enjoy events they might not otherwise have access to. By 1977, Theater Bus had expanded to serving all of Dane County and surrounding areas.
The program was an immediate success, and per participants requests, other area theater events were added. When the Union Theater ultimately decided to drop out of the project, other supporting agencies continued the work to keep things going, including Attic Angels, Independent Living, Madison Housing Authority, the Coalition on Aging, the Jewish Community Council, Methodist Retirement Center, and Oakwood Village. In 1999, Theater Bus received a gift from a participant that enabled Theater Bus to become more financially sound and continue to grow.
Though Theater Bus has looked very different through the years, one thing remains the same: the core mission of assisting adults 55+ in having access to theatrical productions in the area. Fifty years ago, you could see a show and have lunch for $9.25. Thirty years ago, you could see a Fireside performance for $44, and for $2 more, you could request pick up at your home. Today, Theater Bus offers pick up locations on the west, south, and east sides of town. We travel to at least 36 shows a year and offer a wide variety of events to appeal to a broader audience: Milwaukee Brewers games, musicals, comedies, dramas, and social events.
Volunteers continue to handle a lot of the office work, including telephoning, mailing, and board decision-making. A committee of participants selects the shows that Theater Bus attends. Over 1,500 hours are recorded by volunteers annually, though it’s certainly much more in reality. The volunteers and participants are the core of Theater Bus. They’re the reason for Theater Bus’s 50 years of success and are great encouragers, financial supporters, and champion volunteers.
We’re excited to celebrate 50 years of success with all of you. Join us on August 12, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., for an open house. Meet our director and board and enjoy delicious treats and register for door prizes.
Submitted by Theater Bus.
Photographs provided by Theater Bus.
THEATER BUS
(608) 257-0003
theaterbus.org