The Loose Screws

A group of seniors from all walks of life are learning improv and performing for the first time in LOOSE SCREWS, a feature documentary directed by Charlie Fonville and produced by Shulie Cowen.


Improv Rossmoor started as one of over 200 clubs at Rossmoor, a senior community in the Bay Area of Northern California. Their weekly rehearsals grew exponentially as word spread about how life-changing the experience was. A smaller core group, most of whom had never set foot on a stage before the classes started, were getting better and better. They mastered the basics, and were even starting to talk about putting on a public performance.

They called themselves The Loose Screws.

But in the blink of an eye, the prospect of putting on a show was put on hold, and their future became as uncertain as what would happen next in an improvised scene.

The Loose Screws follows the best improvisors in the troupe as they step outside of their comfort zones, practice, scrap for rehearsal space, and get ready for the show of their lives.

Led by experienced improvisors and teachers Stephanie Singer and Richard Dupell, the group works through the physical and mental challenges that come with age. They beg, steal, and borrow for rehearsal time in a community where meeting space is traded like gold bullion.

When the opportunity to put on a real show, this motley crew of seniors from all walks of life takes on the challenge - but can they be ready in time when the curtain opens and the lights come on?

Above all, The Loose Screws is a celebration of saying “yes, and” instead of “no, but,” no matter your age. And the players are all game for anything - as long as they’re home before it gets dark.

How your donation will be used
We were able to go film for a few days at Rossmoor, but we need to shoot for a few more weeks, as well as begin post production. Your support ensures we can make the highest quality film possible.
All donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE to the fullest extent of the law.

Want to learn more?
Click HERE to watch the reel. The password is yesand