How about a luxurious daytrip with friends to an out-of-town theater?
You'll have to wait until you're 56, at least if you want to travel with Theater Bus.
Theater Bus turns 35 this year. The Madison nonprofit helps 1,800 area seniors participate in around 35 bus trips a year to theaters, museums, concerts and cruises. The trips, which range as far away as Illinois and Iowa, include visits to restaurants.
"We just do it all," says executive director Betty Lefebvre-Hill. "There are a lot of people who come with us who say that, if they didn't have Theater Bus, they probably would never experience a lot of these venues."
Upcoming events include a big-band extravaganza at the Fireside in Fort Atkinson, Jan. 20; The 39 Steps at Milwaukee Repertory Theater, Jan. 26; Stars of the Lawrence Welk Show at Wisconsin Dells' Crystal Grand Theater, Feb. 6; and Guys and Dolls at the Verona Area Community Theater, Feb. 20.
One of Theater Bus' goals is to support the region's arts and cultural community. However, it tends not to visit Madison events because so many of its patrons already have season tickets to venues here.
Theater Bus is about more than having a good time.
"While we strive to offer a great experience and have a lot of fun, please don't underestimate the good we do in reducing isolation and offering cultural and social opportunities that area seniors might not otherwise experience," says Lefebvre-Hill.
Costs range between $50 and $100. "Scholarships" are available to those who need financial assistance. A taxi fund is also available for those who need help in reaching Theater Bus' four pickup points across the city. Buses have restrooms but are not wheelchair-accessible. Red Cross-trained guides are provided.
"We have couples that come, and we have quite a few single people that come," says Lefebvre-Hill. "We always encourage people to come no matter what, because if they come by themselves they're going to make a friend on the trip."
Gift certificates are available, and Theater Bus is always in need of volunteers. For more information visit www.theaterbus.org or call 608-257-0003.
