4th Line Theatre Invites Local Seniors to Step Into the Spotlight

By Scott Arnold

A new program at 4th Line Theatre is giving local seniors a chance to explore acting, storytelling and performance in a relaxed, supportive setting.

4th Line Theatre is inviting local seniors aged 55 and older to take part in its new Seniors Theatre Program, beginning September 30th. (photo courtesy of 4th line theatre)

There’s no audition, no previous acting experience required and no pressure to commit to the entire program.

Instead, 4th Line Theatre is inviting people aged 55 and older to spend Wednesday mornings exploring what can happen when a group of people gets together to create, play and tell stories.

The new Seniors Theatre Program begins September 30th, with free weekly classes running from 9am to 11am.

Over the course of 20 weeks, participants will work with 4th Line Theatre founder Robert Winslow, Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell and guest instructors. The sessions will include improvisation, theatre games, storytelling and collaborative play, as well as movement, voice, singing, character creation and ensemble work.

Participants don't have to sign up for all 20 weeks, making the program an opportunity to try something new without having to make a long-term commitment.

The experience will eventually move from the classroom to the stage, with the program culminating in a final performance in March 2027. Friends and family will be encouraged to attend and celebrate the participants' achievements.

For Blackwell, however, the value of the program goes well beyond the final performance.

“In a rural community, opportunities for seniors to gather, create and feel meaningfully connected can make an enormous difference,” states Managing Artistic Director Kim Blackwell. “Seniors carry an extraordinary wealth of stories, knowledge and lived experience, and we want 4th Line to be a place where those stories are valued and where people continue to feel creative, connected and essential to their community.”

The program is supported by the Government of Ontario through the Seniors Community Grant Program, which helps local not-for-profit organizations deliver projects and resources aimed at helping older adults live independently, stay connected, avoid isolation and build stronger social connections.

4th Line Theatre is also emphasizing that the program is open to community members of all backgrounds.

For anyone interested in taking part, registration closes September 24th at 12pm.

To register or ask questions, contact Celine Gadoury at celine@4thlinetheatre.on.ca or 705-932-4505.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

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Funding Available for Local Senior Care Projects Through GPHSF Micro Grants

By Scott Arnold

Local organizations working to improve senior care and healthy aging can now apply for one of two grants worth up to $5,000 each through the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.

Vince Bierworth, Executive Director of the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation, presents a cheque to Community Care Peterborough CEO Danielle Belair, joined by Chris LeBlanc, Director of Donors and Public Relations for Community Care Peterborough, in support of local senior care and healthy aging initiatives (photo courtesy of GPHSF)

The 2026 Senior Care Micro Grants are designed to help community and not-for-profit organizations start new projects or support existing programs benefiting seniors in Peterborough City, Peterborough County, Hiawatha First Nation and Curve Lake First Nation.

A total of $10,000 is available, with a maximum of $5,000 awarded through each of the two grants.

Eligible projects can focus on areas including nutrition, physical activity, mental health, equipment and research. Priority will be given to projects that address emerging community needs, improve seniors' quality of life and have a lasting impact.

The program is open to not-for-profit charitable organizations, including medical organizations, with a charitable registration number that are located in or serve the eligible communities.

Projects must be completed within one year of approval unless an extension is granted, and applications must include a project timeline and budget.

The program has already supported local initiatives. Last year's recipients were Curve Lake First Nation, which received funding for a Home and Community Care and Mental Health Project addressing gaps in Elder care, and One City Peterborough, which received funding for nutritional support for at-risk seniors.

The grants are funded through the June Towle Trust, established following the passing of June Towle in 2023 as part of her legacy of supporting health care in the community.

Applications for the 2026 grants are open until September 30th at 11:59pm.

Scott Arnold is a Journalist and Content Creator at PTBOCanada Media Inc

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.