Second Act Readers Theatre Fall 2026 Afternoon Session

The Second Act Readers Theater program is show biz without the stress! This one of a kind program offers all the fun of performing without the traditional pressures. Participants bring stories to life while remaining comfortably seated, and no memorization is required.

Adults age 55 and older are invited to join us, whether you're a seasoned performer or stepping onto the stage for the very first time. Throughout the session, we work together to explore a script, build memorable characters, and strengthen skills in vocal expression, interpretation, and stage presence. The experience culminates in a public performance at the Firehouse Center for the Arts, where family, friends, and community members can enjoy the results of your creative work.

On Tuesday, October 27th there will be a technical rehearsal at The Firehouse Center for the Arts followed by a luncheon. The public performance for this session will take place on the Firehouse stage on November 1st at 2:00 PM.

Instructors:

Maureen Daley I have been performing on Newburyport area stages for over thirty years: since I first began to study acting with Marc Clopton at The Actors Studio of Newburyport. Among my favorite roles are Ouiser in Steel Magnolias, Grandma Kurnitz in Lost in Yonkers, Annie Wilkes in Misery and Ann Kron in Well. I have also directed and performed in many pieces in New Works' Festivals and Silver Theatre presentations. I have been involved in SART since the beginning with the initial performance of All the Kings' Women. I am hoping to offer SART participants the tips and techniques I have learned along the way.

Allan Haley acts, directs, writes and produces – although, now, he mostly produces. He has been active in the Newburyport theater community for eight years, acting in several SART, New Works and Playwright’s Collaborative Traveling Troupe performances. Allan founded Silver Theater Productions, in 2022, to bring plays with universal themes, featuring senior actors, to the Northshore.

Prior to falling head-over-heels in love with the theater, Allan had a 50-year career in the typographic arts. He began his career as a graphic and typeface designer, moving into management and executive positions in several national and international companies serving the typographic arts. An internationally recognized expert in typography, typeface design and fonts, Allan is also a prolific writer, with six books on type and graphic communication and hundreds of articles for scholarly journals and trade publications to his credit. His continued writing helps to support Silver Theater Productions.