Silver Streakers Laugh Away the Years : Theater: The 14 members of the improvisational troupe, ranging in age from 65 to 81, have turned to comedy in their retirement hours.

It’s cold and dark at the West End Playhouse in Van Nuys on a Monday morning as the Silver Streak Players arrive for their weekly improvisational comedy workshop.

Before long, the Silver Streakers--as the 65- to 81-year-old members of this troupe call themselves--are warming up, running through a series of theater games. About a dozen members of the 6-year-old group are here for a 3 1/2-hour rehearsal to polish material for a performance at 3:30 Sunday afternoon at the theater.

Although some senior citizens turn to traditional activities such as golf, bridge or travel in their retirement years, the 14 members of the Silver Streak Players say they prefer the theatrical spotlight and the brain-stretching challenge of thinking fast--and funny--on their feet.

Over the years, the group has become not only a smoothly functioning theatrical unit that occasionally performs at the playhouse, community centers and hospitals but also a close-knit, supportive entity in the lives of its members.

Some Silver Streakers have prior professional theatrical experience. Some have recently acquired agents and become members of the Screen Actors Guild or the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and are actively seeking work. Others simply enjoy the experience.

This weekly session begins with a succession of lightning-fast improvisational exercises and comedic sketches, with the guidance of the group’s instructor-director, actress Laurie Lapinski Cole. In one exercise called “The First Letter, Last Letter Game,” for example, each participant begins a sentence with the last letter of the preceding sentence.

In a novel-writing exercise, several people stand in a row, holding imaginary books and improvising an action-packed mystery as Cole points randomly to them and warns, “If you repeat anyone’s words, you’re out.”

The games are intricate, with frequent rule changes. To an onlooker, the Streakers respond with impressive speed to each new situation. Members say their mental agility comes with much practice.

“The fast pace is because we’ve learned to trust each other,” said Grace Ehlmann, 69, a retired teacher.

“It’s very good for seniors,” said Ellen De Franco, 73, who has performed with other improv groups and leads one at a senior citizens center in the Fairfax District. “You have to concentrate, follow directions, improvise and create. Most of us are hams at heart, so it isn’t that hard.”

Cole, 35, has taught the group for four years. “I was attracted to them because of their willingness to improve,” she said. “In the beginning, I told them, ‘I don’t want to settle for you just telling jokes on stage.’ And they all said, ‘Be hard on us. Tell us when we’re doing something wrong and how to improve.’ They love to try new exercises.

“In comparison with younger improv groups, I find they have a lot more knowledge and experience to draw on. I’m thinking about trying an intergenerational class of grandparents and children. It would give young people a different view of the usefulness and imagination of older people.”

The Silver Streak Players were founded in 1984 by Victoria Carroll, a creator of the Groundlings improv troupe, and her husband, Michael Bell, who established the West End Playhouse.

“We had no idea it would continue so long,” Bell said. “It’s been a gestalt therapy to some degree. They open up and unload, and often laugh at things that are kind of frightening to most of us.”

Gary Austin, another Groundlings creator and the troupe’s first volunteer teacher, admires the members’ spirit.

“Many people I’ve taught want to learn improv skills to further their careers, but the seniors had no ulterior motives,” Austin said. “The experience alone gave them such joy, it was intrinsic in itself. It uplifted and changed their lives.”

Psychotherapist and troupe member Beverly Cutler Freed, 65, said: “Laurie has brought out a lot of good things in us that we never knew we were capable of.”

Ehlmann said: “It’s been extremely liberating and has made me more conscious of the absurdity of life.”

Members express different reasons for joining. John Strong, the troupe’s only male performer, and Eleanor Lee are both widowed and in their late 60s. They say they were looking for new friends.

Founding member Trudy Weinberg, 69, said: “You forget your personal problems and get lost in what you’re doing. I had to drop out for a year because I had cancer surgery, but now I’m back. It takes something very important to keep me away. We’ve all formed friendships, had some losses, but it’s been very satisfying for us.”

Ruth Musicer, 74, said: “Every Monday, I laugh for 3 1/2 hours, and it’s better than therapy.”

Others say they may have joined initially for camaraderie, but they have also been encouraged to try their luck in the professional theatrical world.

Penny McFadden, 71, has gone on commercial auditions. “I love improv training,” McFadden said. “It offers a release, an opportunity to be free to do things one has only fantasized about doing.”

Nora Hecker is another founding member. At 81 1/2 (“Don’t forget the half--after 80, every bit counts!”), she is the oldest Silver Streaker and has one of the quickest wits. “I can’t always remember lines,” she said. “But I can remember names and faces. I do everything off the top of my head, and I can’t think about anything but the moment. It’s been fun for me and a lifesaver when I’ve had problems.

“If more older people became involved with others rather than sitting and thinking about their aches and pains, it would make a big difference in their lives.”

New members are always welcome, Bell said. “I’d like to see more men come into the group. It would be fun for the women.”

The Silver Streak Players Improvisation Revue, directed by Laurie Lapinski Cole, begins at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the West End Playhouse, 7446 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys. Admission: $5, $3 seniors. Information: (818) 784-9343.