The Sun City Players Community Theater has rekindled its Reader’s Theater under the tutelage of Ray Shiel. Every two weeks since the beginning of June, the attendance has increased because of the enthusiasm and publicity generated by the participants. There are now 30 or more active members at hand.

Reader’s Theater is where actors perform a script by reading aloud from a written text without having to memorize lines or use elaborate sets. Each participant has the opportunity for creative expression, memory enhancement, entertainment, social interaction, community connection and fun.

The two-hour semi-monthly sessions are basically broken down into three phases. During the initial practice period, the entire group of participants engage in both vocal and light physical warm-ups, as well as improvisational and theater games. The participants are then divided into groups of 5-6 individuals. Each group is given a short script for everyone to read. If there are more actors than parts available, then someone will oversee sound or lighting. Scripts rotate among all the groups, so there are ample chances for everyone to partake in different roles. Finally, each group then performs the last of their practiced scripts for the assembled throng. Each semi-monthly session has theme scripts, some of which have been “Dreams,” “Jokes and Puns” and “In the News-Strange Happenings.”

Reader’s Theater Ensemble is open to both Sun City Players members and Sun City non-members. Remaining sessions will be 10 a.m.-noon July 27, Aug. 10, Aug. 24, Sept. 7 and Sept. 24 at the Fairway Center, 10600 W. Peoria Ave. RSVP for any or all session dates ahead of time to Ray Shiel at 323-336-5437 or scpct.rte@gmail.com

Once the summer month sessions have ended, the goal of Reader’s Theater is to have a core of people ready to perform at a moment’s notice at such venues as schools, libraries and retirement facilities.