Mary Crescenzo is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary artist whose work spans the theatre as playwright and performer; the literary world, as a published writer of the how-to book, The Planet Alzheimer's Guide: 8 Ways the Arts Can Transform the Life of Your Loved One and Your Own,nonfiction, along with fiction, essay, reviews, poetry in both commercial and literary markets; and as a blogger for the Huffington Post and Dementia Map, and podcaster on Anchor.  In the world of music, Mary is a Jazz singer, lyricist and librettist.  

The themes of her plays often reflect social injustice: sexism, ageism, racism, issues of culture, and environmental concerns. Her plays range from works set on traditional stages to open frame/immersive and site specific settings.

As a master teaching artist, public speaker, curricula developer and arts consultant for community organizations, she is a pioneer in the field of community arts and an advocate for creating awareness of the benefits of art for all ages, in all neighbors and settings. As a teaching artist for decades with an intergenerational approach, her current focus is on programming and facilitating social engagement art experiences for older adults.  She is a founding roster member of Lifetime Arts, a national nonprofit encouraging creative aging and lifelong learning by promoting the inclusion of professional arts programs in community organizations that serve older adults.  She is also a member of Alliance of Los Angeles Playwrights, and AlzAuthors.

As public speaker/arts advocate, Mary’s two presentations (with Q&A follow up) are:

Breaking the Mold About Getting Old: Myths and Stereotypes About Older Adults and How Creative Aging Can Enrich Our Lives

Arts and Alzheimer’s: How the Arts Can Enrich the Life of Your Loved One

Mary is currently working on several plays, the staging of her play, Planet A in Los Angeles, and a cabaret act about one of her favorite singers from the Big Band era with her husband, Paul Mesches, composer and musical director.  Mary is also an arts consultant and facilitator for Haven Hills, a domestic violence shelter in Los Angeles, working with families in crisis and transition.  Mary, a native New Yorker, and her Los Angeles born husband, live in Topanga, California.