The Player’s Playbill

Community Players Theatre - November 2020

A History of Community Players Theatre we’re ready for an upgrade,” said current Executive
Board President Nick Benson.
The Community Player Theatre is approaching its
100th season; and that’s a big deal! Not only does that The Community Players Theatre is running a
mean 100 years of great performances, but the organi- campaign to finish raising funds for the new auditori-
zation is celebrating with a new auditorium. um, which is set to open in 2021 for the 100th season.
In 1923, a group of women came together to While the performances have been cancelled
discuss the idea of an amateur theatre group. They due to COVID-19, construction has continued. All
wanted a creative outlet and to share their performanc- donations are appreciated and can be made online.
es with their community. When their first performance
The CPT cast and crew look forward to the
“Overtones” was ready to hit the stage, the group per-
2021 season and are ready to celebrate 100 years of
formed at Turner Hall,- a three story performance hall
performing!
built in 1883. At the time, this German-style building
was the perfect home for the Community Players The-
atre.
The Theatre traveled around to different spac-
es for the next 41 years. They performed at the Illini
Theatre, Bloomington High School, the old Normal
High School, The Majestic Theatre, and the Scottish
Rite Theatre.
“At this point in history, the Players were
finally felt like they had the ability to buy and main-
tain their own space. All they had to do was raise the
funds and negotiate a deal, which of course, takes
time,” said Community Players Historian Bruce Par-
rish.
In 1957, the group started to look into the idea
of purchasing their own space for a permanent home.
This month CPT performed [Title of Show] virtually. The show
The executive board met to brainstorm ways to raise was perfromed on stage and the audience watched via video.
money. They collected funds to purchase the Esquire
movie theatre.
Unfortunately, as they negotiated plans, the
town of Bloomington decided to demolish the build-
ing and create a parking lot. The Community Players
Theatre did not let this destroy their spirits.
In 1961, the Community Players decided the
time was finally right to build their own theatre. The
THANK YOU
building opened with the stage play of - “Death of The cast and crew at the Community Players Theatre
a Salesman”- in 1962, starting a new tradition that wants to thank everyone for their generous support.
would last for the next 60 years. Like all good things, Whether you purchased season tickets or donated to
their time at the old theatre had come to an end. the new auditorium fund, we are so grateful for your
support, especially during these difficult times. We
“Our history is very important to us. We never
want to forget our roots or the amazing people who can’t wait for you to see you back in person, but until
helped us get to where we are today. However, we feel then, stay safe and healthy!