Barbara Tucker & Elizabeth Paterson at the 2004 Seniors’ Jubilee and Guelph Jubilations

“Look at the faces of the performers and the audience – you will see both love and joy there.”

– Jack Hutton, Musician, Bala

COSAP’s mission is to motivate seniors and older adults to be actively involved in the performing arts and through its unique programmes illustrate to young and old that TALENT IS AGELESS.

MANDATE
COSAP initiates programmes that encourage active participation in the performing arts by seniors. These programmes present older adults with the opportunity to reach greater heights of performance skill and also provide the opportunity to utilize their talent and skill to entertain and inspire audiences.

MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
In the late 80's, something very interesting was occuring on major stages in Toronto. Most all of the performers were young people while the audiences tended to be older. What became of the older performers, I wondered, where were they? Had producers placed a 'best before' date on talent? And were there other older performers in communities across Ontario who had wonderful gifts but few places to offer them?
As my business partner, Glenda Richards and I thought more and more about this, we gradually grew in determination to embark on a mission to tip the scales somewhat. In 1989, we proudly presented 400 very talented senior artists from the stage of Roy Thomson Hall to enthusiastic, sold-out audiences. This first Seniors Jubilee grew to become an annual tradition and in its development over the years, altered the cultural landscape for senior performers throughout Ontario.
We soon created the Canadian Organization of Senior Artists and Performers (COSAP) to expand our programming and produced several regional concerts called Jubilations. We also developed an extensive performance training program and just recently launched a very successful tour showcasing some of our wonderful performers. This has opened a new door for us as we plan to develop more shows to travel to several more venues in Ontario with the goal of eventually crisscrossing the country.
To date, many thousands of senior performers have performed in front of over two hundred thousand people of all ages through COSAP programming. These activities in turn, have encouraged other seniors to put on their own smaller shows in various communities. It should be evident to most everyone by now that there is an intrinsic value to having a 'best after' date for performers who hold the distinction of being a certain age.
I extend an invitation to all of you to embrace our exciting adventure and to join us in celebrating this ageless journey!

Biography - Artistic Director
Wayne Burnett has an extensive background in the arts and entertainment field. Having begun his professional career as an actor, Wayne has performed several leading roles on stages across Canada and has been featured in various radio and television programs in Canada and the United States. His 35 years of performance experience include directing, writing and teaching. As a theatre producer, he has played an integral role staging many successful productions and arts events in various parts of Canada.
As co-creator of the RBC Senior's Jubilee at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall, Wayne has directed all 77 Jubilee productions during the past 17 years and has produced and directed over 70 regionally based Jubilation concert events.

HONOURARY PATRONS

COSAP is grateful for the support of the following Honorary Patrons:

Hon. Lincoln Alexander,
PC, CC, O.Ont., QC, Former Lieutenant Governor of Ontario
Charles S. Cutts,
President and CEO The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall
Don Harron,
OC, O Ont
Walter Pitman,
OC, O. Ont - Author, Arts Advocate
Allan R. Taylor,
OC - Retired Chairman and CEO, Royal Bank of Canada

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OUR SUPPORTERS

COSAP is grateful for the generous support of:

Government Support

COSAP gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Culture, receives annually $100 million of government funding generated through Ontario’s charity casino initiative.

Standing ovation, RBC Senior's Jubilee, Roy Thomson Hall