Stuart Stotts has worked with elders in many different settings over the years. He has led workshops in senior centers, gathered stories in nursing homes, and written songs in adult day centers. He has also presented at many conferences and trainings for professionals who work in the aging field and he has keynoted many conferences. His songs include Never Too Old To Dance, Heroes in the Hallways and Second Time Around.
Stuart created a performance called Eldervoices, which is ideal for conference keynotes, trainings and workshops in the aging field.
Eldervoices is a multi-media performance about aging. It includes songs, stories, theatre pieces and slides. The performance is humorous, touching and participatory. It’s an opportunity to reflect on issues and concerns about aging in our culture, as well as to enjoy stories and perspectives of elders from around the state. Laurie Ellen Neustadt and Stuart travelled around Wisconsin interviewing elders to gather material for the project. The resulting production offers diverse, and sometimes contradictory, images of growing older in America.
Stuart’s songs and stories offer powerful and heart-opening insight into aging in our culture. For example, Never Too Old to Dance celebrates people who push the edge of stereotypes in aging.Heroes in the Hallways honors the people who do the work of caring for our elders, and songs like Counting the Planes and Silver Dollar offer glimpses into memories and the power of personal stories to change lives.
Eldervoices can be presented as a performance for an interested audience. It also serves as a foundation for trainings sessions for professionals, care-giveers, family, and advocates. Contact Stuart for more information.
Aging-Related Performance Credits:
Many Faces of Aging, Marshfield Clinic, 2001, 1998, ’93, ’91
24th Annual Neighborhoods National Conference, 1999
Wisconsin Nursing Home Social Workers Association, 1996
Wisconsin Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, 1996
Wisconsin Aging Network Training, 1995 , 1993
National Federation of Interfaith Caregivers, Rochester, Mn. 1995
Waukesha Consortium of Aging Conference, 1992
Wisconsin Occupational Therapists Convention, 1992
Northern Illinois Aging Network Training, 1990