Participant Biographies and Project Descriptions

Lonnie Hewitt
Lonnie is a nationally acclaimed writer/lyricist/playwright with credits that include Broadway shows, television features, music for Sesame Street and The Electric Company, monthly newspaper columns, and published books and guides. Lonnie finds particular pleasure in “helping other people tell their stories”, and has led communications and writing workshops for many years facilitating teachers and students to explore life and learn about themselves through plays, drama activities and writing exercises. She has been asked to lead workshops nationwide, and locally at UCSD and National University. Recently, she received rave reviews, performed to sold-out audiences, and was recognized with a special award from the Mayor of Vista for her work with older women over fifty in her self written and produced stage show titled “Tales from the Far Side of Fifty.”

The production, “Tales From the far Side of Fifty”, is a compilation of stories, memoirs and remembrances written by women over fifty who have attended Lonnie’s workshops. Lonnie, using the participant’s wit and wisdom, weaves together a presentation of soul baring speeches, songs, and self-effacing humor performed by these non-actresses, to entertain and educate the audience about the realities of aging in this youth oriented culture. She states, “The project is designed to help women cast off the ‘elderly’ label, tap into their own creativity and humor, and come to a new, brighter sense of themselves and their possibilities, and it has proven to be a powerful tool for healing”.

Using constituents from the Oceanside area, Lonnie plans to use her Senior Artist Grant to bring her writing workshops and a newly written presentation of “Tales From the Far Side of Fifty” to the stages and venues of the City of Oceanside. Hoping to reach a more culturally diverse group of women, Lonnie plans to conduct several writing workshops and coaching sessions for her new “cast” members, followed by months of rehearsals and culminating in performances of “Tales From the Far Side of Fifty” for the North County communities of San Diego. Not only will the women involved benefit greatly from this unique experience, but the community too, for, as Lonnie states, “…older women need to be heard. As experienced survivors, they can teach us acceptance of whatever life offers, even when things are beyond our control. They can show us how to find joy and to live in the moment.” The Oceanside Council for the Arts will work closely with Lonnie to provide workshop, rehearsal space, and a venue for performances that will be free to the public.