AGE on stAGE

With AGE on stAGE, OPENDOEK wants to encourage and inspire people who are at least 55 years of age to participate in the theatre of the future. Together with them we look which added value theatre brings to our lives, physically and mentally. Many international studies and research show that art experience is necessary for the well-being of the growing group of elderly people.

In Flanders, many older adults are not very fond of the term seniors. They prefer to call themselves longer young. Many of them are passionate about theatre. Not only as spectators. They feel the urge to stand on a stage again.

AGE on stAGE organises a theatre project every year in all Flemish provinces. Together with a director, participants aged fifty-five and over work towards a showcase. They create, rehearse, and refine. Until they are fully satisfied and ready to present their work with pride.

AGE on stAGE is always looking for enthusiastic directors who want to work with the participants on a new showcase for next year.

Showcase moments

Flemish Brabant

Where? CC Begijnhof (Begijnenstraat, 3290 Diest)
When?
- Friday 29 May 2026 at 20.00
- Saturday 30 May 2026 at 17.00
No reservation needed, free contribution

West Flanders

Past

Limburg

Past

Antwerp

Past

East Flanders

Past

This was AGE on stAGE 2025

History

In November 2018, OPENDOEK organised a major international conference in Genk, with contributions from many experts from Belgium and abroad. The initiative was so inspiring that it became the starting point for a much bigger story: AGE on stAGE, a new chapter we are writing together.
In 2022, we organised the first ‘fifty-five plus Camp’, where an enthusiastic group worked together for a full week towards a showcase. During Spots op West 2022, you could see the result of the creative process of fifty-five plus West Flanders. They worked for several weeks on the piece ‘Nie met oes!’.
Since March 2023, OPENDOEK has been rolling out the AGE on stAGE programme across all of Flanders and Brussels. Following the success of the project in West Flanders, where it has been active for several years, there is now a group in every province.

Contact AGE on stAGE

Damien Vantomme

Coordinator Regional Operations, AGE on stAGE, Directors and Souvenir

damien.vantomme@opendoek.be

0484 41 92 28