Tom is a retired elementary school teacher who worked with autistic students for twenty years. In 1977, he started a nonprofit in Marin County, California which helps autistic individuals find housing and employment. The nonprofit still exists today and continues to support the autistic population. Tom is also an avid gardener of shrubs and natural flowers.
TFLL: Tell us how you got into theater.
TOM: I started in first grade in New Jersey. I was in Roosevelt School and I played Peter Cottontail. I had to sing the song, “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” and I got on the stage. The audience was all parents, including my parents, and some children. When they clapped and laughed, I was hooked. That’s what started it. Peter Cottontail.
TFLL: What inspired you to take theater improvisation?
TOM: When I was twelve or thirteen, my parents enrolled me in the Pittsburgh Playhouse for drama lessons. I was one of the few guys so I would get cast all the time. I played Romeo, and I don’t know how I did it, but I memorized huge amounts of dialogue. We would not do the whole play. We would just do scenes and that was very rewarding. I really enjoyed it.
Then in high school I did plays. My freshman year, we did William Saroyan’s Hello Out There and I played the lead. We played in all the coffee houses in Pittsburgh and whatnot. That was fun. After that, my drama career lay barren for years.
Then I moved to Sonoma, California in 1998. I didn’t know anybody. I came up from Mill Valley and saw a little ad in the paper that said, “Try out for the Children’s Theatre of Santa Rosa. Reach out to Diane Mcauley.” So I did, and I said, “I’d be interested.” I accepted a little part. I started Children’s Theatre and I instantly had thirty to forty friends. These people were wonderful. They loved to party. It was so much fun. We would go out to the coast and rent a house four times a year, usually during the solstice, and it was wonderful.
Then I had another opportunity. I retired and the University of Pittsburgh has Osher classes, including an improv class. I had never really done improv so I started. I’ve done four classes at Pitt and I’ve done Linda’s class a few times. I love Improv!
TFLL: Tell us your thoughts about collaborating with older adults to create theater.
TOM: That is one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve ever experienced in my life. I always like to do things in groups, whether it’s running or cycling. Doing theatre challenges my memory. I’m seventy-five and my memory isn’t quite what it was. And I also have health concerns, although not really because I’m healthy as a horse. But still, when I have a cough, I think, “What’s this cough?” So I can share all these concerns and whatnot with other people through theater. And I just love the collaborative effort that’s involved.
TFLL: What have you gotten out of taking theatre courses for older adults?
TOM: Friendships. Collaboration with some people that have common interests like botany and whatnot. I meet other people, and we trade books and information. Sometimes we have each other over for dinner and show up at each other’s gardens. So to me, it’s opened up a whole new world, because it’s really hard to meet people my age. At an older age, you can meet people at church, but I don’t go to church, so this is my church.
I have also gotten clarity out of taking courses with older people regarding age-related issues. From health to aches and pains to things like families and how they change. Now we’re the elders.
TFLL: What are you challenged by in theatre improvisation and/or what new skills have you developed?
TOM: I am challenged by remembering what we are doing. I think that’s kind of challenging, but it’s not that bad. It’s just something that I worry about. I see that I’m not alone with the groups so that’s comforting.
The new skills would be honing old skills. I don’t think I’ve really had any new skills developed other than what I can do. One of the things I work on is to not take over. It’s my personality. I always have to withdraw and say, “Shut up, Tom. Let other people talk!” I’m constantly learning to do that when I’m in the group so I don’t do that. I don’t mean to be mean or anything, I’m just loud and take over, so I have to step back. That’s a learning situation. Every time I’m with the group I’m controlling my big mouth!
TFLL: What would you say is the most memorable moment you’ve had in one of your theater classes with older adults?
TOM: Wow! There are many. I have two friends that I did children’s theatre with in the class and it’s just such a joy to see them because we don’t see each other often. I’m in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They’re in Sonoma County, so that is one. The second is the joy of looking forward to the group. That is just really exciting to me.
TFLL: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received or given about theater?
TOM: A long time ago, when I was younger and I was seeking parts in larger venues, somebody told me not to take rejection so badly and not to take it personally. Your nose might not be right, your hair color might not be right, your way of being might not be right, etc…don’t take it personally! I’ve never forgotten that. And when you do a part, dig deep into your own past and see how you can bring that to the character that you’re playing.
TFLL: What would you tell someone who’s never taken theatre or done theatre before?
TOM: I would tell them that it’s a wonderful way to discover things about themselves that they may not have known through the theatrical process of taking on a role. You can really and truly learn from it, especially in an improv situation. You have to be quick on your feet and “Yes, and” is so important.
I use “Yes, and…” in life when somebody is saying something to me that I don’t agree with or when I’m getting off course in a conversation. I can say, “Yes,” acknowledging what they have said, and say “and,” this is my point of view.” So I would tell people that have never done it to please give it a try in a small venue and to relax. Do not be afraid of being on the stage or being in front of people. They will learn so much about themselves, in a good way!