ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s a universal want — finding a place to be yourself. 

Every time Christine Hicks leads improvisational acting sessions at Central Florida Community Arts with her senior group “The Narrators,” she is reminded of that.

What You Need To Know

Former Drama and English Teacher Christine Hicks leads group of senior actors in “The Narrators”

Central Florida Community Arts group of 55+ actors found a lifeline connecting during the pandemic

Since then, the group picked up weekly rehearsals in person with Hicks creating original pieces for shows

Next performance is Dec. 13 and 14: “Yule Be Sorry You Asked”

“I think when we get older we get so many labels, constrictions placed on us, and when we come here we say, ‘Wait a minute, let’s play,’” Hicks said. “People want to do new things, no matter your age. We want to try and be accepted. This is the perfect place for that.”

Hicks grew the Central Florida Community Arts Program during the COVID-19 pandemic, where several seniors reached out via Zoom to establish a lifeline for dozens. The community flourished over weekly food and camaraderie over comedy at a Winter Park Church space.

For 89-year-old Jean Witherington, a years-long member of the 55+ group who even brought along her son, the Friday acting class is more than just something to pass the time.

“[It’s] reason to get out of bed and get moving,” Witherington said, eliciting laughter from the group. “We’re a family, we’re actually a ‘Narrators’ family.” 

Hicks spent 35 years living in Chicago and teaching drama and English. She said the transition to leading the group of senior actors has been a natural one for her.

Yet, the lack of material for the group to tackle was problematic. For that reason, Hicks re-wrote the narrative — literally — by producing completely original pieces for her troupe of actors.

“There are jokes about incontinence, falling asleep at the wheel, or not being able to drive. So much material with seniors in it is negative and demeaning. And we don’t want to do that,” she explained. “We want to age positively and show people we can age positively with humor.”

Now, the group is preparing for its upcoming December show, “Yule Be Sorry You Asked”, featuring two original pieces. They will perform on Dec. 13 and 14 at Schaeffer Hall at St. John Church, located along South Orlando Avenue in Winter Park. 

As for Hicks, who met her trumpet-playing husband in college, both theatre majors, the weekly sessions provide something else for them personally.

Her beloved “Narrators” serves as an opportunity to reconnect with her husband of 55 years, Jerry. Eight years ago, Jerry was diagnosed with cognitive impairment, which has since progressed into Alzheimer’s. 

“Jerry comes every week and participates as he can. But I can still see him, I can see him inside. Talk about being covered by layers, and when I see him laughing and participating, he’s going back out,” Hicks said. “If I can come here and for two hours help people to make a tiny crack in that shell that’s been developing around us so our authentic selves can come out, it’s wonderful. It’s a miracle.”