The Vespians, A Senior Acting Group

The Vespians is an ensemble theatrical company of seniors living in an active retirement community in Central Florida called The Villages. Led by two retired, professional performers, the group has been producing an eclectic mix of mostly original comic theater for community residents since 2018. The Vespians theater company does not charge for tickets, but asks for donations at the door instead.

The members of this seniors-based ensemble company have found a wonderful and rewarding outlet for their creativity and have enjoyed learning the art of the theater by taking on a variety of roles, including not only acting, but directing, writing, technical support, and even publicity and public relations. But the cost of productions is always on the rise and the need for funding beyond what can be raised from donations at the door of each performance is crucial.

Because the Vespians operates on a zero-dollar based budget, it has no means of purchasing (or renting) items that are indispensable to successful operation of the company over the long run. The highest priority needs include the purchase of a portable sound system (that will cost approximately $7000), and ongoing expenses such as rental of a portable stage, and rental of a storage facility for props, sets, and costumes.

All net proceeds of the Spring productions, after expenses, are donated to charities, such as the local Honor Flight chapter. To date, the company has funded numerous Veteran’s trips to Washington D.C.