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An Upper West Side teenager is trying to fight ageism in theater

By

Hannah Frishberg

Published Nov 23, 2024

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Two people meet in a room near a piano.

 

Courtesy Julia Blumberg and Cara Stein

By

Hannah Frishberg

Published Nov 23, 2024

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A new Manhattan program is connecting teen performers with theatrically inclined seniors.

The Stage Exchange was started by 16-year-old Bailee Stein last year. The Upper West Side native, disturbed by what she saw as ageism in the theater world, saw an opportunity to forge connections within her community.

She created the Stage Exchange, a musical theater group composed of teenagers and senior citizens.

They’ve so far rehearsed four times, with teams focusing on whatever moves them. so far that has included a scene from "The Devil Wears Prada" and "I Could've Danced All Night" from "My Fair Lady."

The Stage Exchange has its first formal performance this weekend.

Courtesy Julia Blumberg and Cara Stein

“I noticed that, often, older adults are considered ‘too old’ and teens are considered ‘too young’ to perform seriously,” Stein said. “It's crucial for these two groups to have their singing, acting or musical voice be heard again.”

To get her idea off the ground, Stein reached out to a high school music director in the hopes of forming an acting troupe. This fall, it got off the ground: A cohort of teens (including students at LaGuardia High School) and elderly performers, plus professional actors and musicians who serve as mentors, met for the first time at the end of October.

Among the mentors is Paul Adam Schaefer, an actor whose credits include Broadway’s “Phantom of the Opera” and Charlie Zhang, who is the artistic staff pianist at the Juilliard extension program, and Young People’s Chorus Of New York City.

They’ve met consistently over the past month, singing songs and rehearsing scenes together at the Apsley, a luxury senior living center on the Upper West Side. The center has added the Stage Exchange to its formal list of offerings.

“It’s just nice to be able to connect between generations and see all these different perspectives,” Stein said. She added that working with professional actors helps give participants faith in their abilities.

“Often, older adults and teens aren't considered seriously as performers,” she said. “The program helps build confidence in teens and older adults.”

This weekend, the Stage Exchange is wrapping up its first performance. The final show is this Sunday, Nov. 24 at 11 a.m. at the Apsley, located at 2330 Broadway between W 84th and 85th streets.

Admission is free and donations are accepted.

Tagged

new york city

theater

Hannah Frishberg

Hannah Frishberg covers New York City arts and culture. Got a tip? Email Hannah at [email protected].

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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

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