Three years after announcing the capital campaign to restore and preserve a Door County tradition, Peninsula Players Theatre, America’s Oldest Professional Resident Summer Theatre, appeals to the community to help close the campaign that enabled the theatre to construct a state-of-the-art stage house, audience pavilion, scene shop and concession stand.

“For 73 years Peninsula Players has been distinctive among summer theaters in the United States for the quality and diversity of its productions and its beautiful setting along the shores of Green Bay,” said Brian Kelsey, managing director.  “Three years ago, the Players and many of its supporters invested in the future by funding the building of a beautiful and ecologically responsible new theater.  In a day and age where summer theaters of this caliber have dwindled in numbers, the Players is one of few whose operating expenses are exclusively covered through ticket sales.  To ensure that this tradition of financial stability continues, we ask the public to help us close our capital campaign.” 

The goal of Encore! is to raise $1.5 million and bring the curtain down on the theater’s capital campaign.  “Raising the final $1.5 million will allow us to focus on the future and enable the organization to continue the growth of community outreach and educational programming,” said Board President, Ted Laitner.  “As we approach our 75th anniversary, we ask you, our community, to continue to support the oldest arts organization in Door County by making a contribution, no matter how large or small, to this initiative.  This commitment will help secure the future of the Players and usher in great theatrical performances for the next 75 years.”

In 2005 Players audiences first saw the new concession stand, built as an example of the architectural style upon which the new theatre would be based.  The new scene shop quickly followed, which thrilled the Players, who for the first time in 70 years could build scenery indoors in case of inclement weather. At the close of the 2005 season, the old theater was demolished and construction began, continuing through the winter so that in June 2006 the Players could open the season in their new home.

“The construction of these new structures has not only improved our patron’s experience but also enhanced our artistic flexibility and the overall quality of our shows,” stated Artistic Director Greg Vinkler.  “While the old stage magic of theater often effectively hides what goes on behind the scenes, it became impossible for us to ignore the fact that the old stage house was the original one built more than 70 years ago.  Time has revolutionized the industry and we were unable to keep up with these advances.  The new facilities now allow us to produce more challenging productions and provide audiences with a similar, yet more comfortable and rewarding experience.”

The Players’ new stage house incorporates a flexible proscenium, orchestra pit, costume storage and a 55-foot high flytower which enables the Players to enhance artistic productions with such capabilities as “flying in” scenery and backdrops.  For audience comfort new padded seats and in-floor radiant heat were added as was an assisted listening device system.  For ease of accessibility for patrons with wheelchairs, a private restroom for their use is in the pavilion.  A green roof overhead was installed to ease the run-off of rain, dampen its sound echoing on the roof and serve as a natural insulation in both summer and autumn.   The new pavilion, which used Wisconsin contractors and suppliers, was selected as one of 12 finalists in an international Solid Steel Design competition for its unique design and construction.

"Whether you have already supported the Peninsula Players capital campaign or are new to this initiative, we welcome you to take your bow before we bring down the curtain," said Alan Kopischke, development director.  "Once the theater was completed, many original donors were so delighted by the results of the project that they stood back up and donated to the campaign a second time.  Additionally, every member of our board has made a new contribution this year and we look forward to many of you following their lead and helping secure the Players future."

To make a contribution to Encore! or to receive more information about the Peninsula Players Theatre, please contact Alan at (920) 868-3287 or via email at alan@peninsulaplayers.com.

Protecting the Past, Insuring the Future:

A Capital Campaign to Restore & Preserve a Door County Tradition

After 70 years, many of the buildings on the Peninsula Players property were well on their way to being obsolete.  The audience pavilion was literally falling apart and we were told by experts it had a life expectancy of five years or less.  Our stage house had two dressing rooms than could only accommodate 10 performers, often far below our cast size.  Each dressing room had a single sink and no bathrooms.  Productions were cramped since the stage house had no wing space.

In response to this situation, the Peninsula Players Theatre Foundation launched a $6.2 million capital campaign to replace the theater pavilion, stage house, scene shop, and canteen.  The magic and natural beauty of the theater has remained unchanged, but patrons are able to see and hear more clearly, sit more comfortably, and enjoy their time at Peninsula Players even more than before.

Highlights of the new facilities include:

Theater Pavilion - A new, attractive audience pavilion was built in the same location as the old pavilion.  It includes improved handicapped access and restroom facilities, an increased seating slope for better sight lines, a specially designed acoustic shell, and a vegetative roof.

Improved Seating – The captain’s chairs have been replaced by more comfortable, cushioned theater seats.  Handicapped seating is more plentiful and easy to access from all entrances to the theater. 

Stage House – The width of the stage itself has been increased by several feet, but the most important addition is wings on both sides.  A 55 foot “fly tower” allows for more elaborate scenic and lighting designs.  Additionally, the stage house now has three full dressing rooms equipped with running water and restroom facilities.

Equipment – New state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems have been installed, with the capacity to improve as new technology becomes available.  Assisted listening devices are available at the canteen for those with hearing difficulties.

Parking – Parking lots have been expanded for improved parking flow and easier access.  More handicapped spaces have been added and bus drop –off and parking has improved.

While construction of the new theater is complete and we can all enjoy the stunning new space, we still need your help to finish the fundraising aspect of the project. Help us meet our fundraising goals by making a tax-deductible contribution today! Gifts of any size are greatly appreciated!

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Peninsula Players Annual Fund:

Helping to continue a tradition of theatrical excellence and natural beauty on Peninsula Players’ shorefront property

Since 1935 the Peninsula Players have been an important part of the cultural life of Door County and northeast Wisconsin. We have brought the best in professional theatre to our community for 70 years. Annual contributions help to cover Peninsula Players’ yearly operating costs and allow the theater to continue to prosper and grow.

Your annual gift will help in the following ways:

• Diverse and Exciting Performances – Annual gifts help to support and continue the Peninsula Players’ vision of presenting a diverse season of shows each year.  Unlike many summer theaters, Peninsula Players presents comedies, dramas, and musicals each season.  Contributions help the Players engage professional performers and the very best designers and staff each year. 
• Educational Program – Each summer, Peninsula Players employs eight to ten interns who have the opportunity to work side by side with theater professionals.  Interns work in various positions at the theater and are provided with a series of workshops led by actors and theater staff. In addition to the intern program, Peninsula Players is working with local high schools to provide opportunities for students to see productions, receive backstage tours, and have talk-back sessions with our resident company. 
• Beautiful Shorefront Property and Gardens – Annual gifts help maintain and improve the 16 acres of shorefront property on which the Peninsula Players Theatre is located as well as the beautiful gardens surrounding the theater pavilion.