“Decisions were made to modify
the new season shows and our
building to accommodate new
safety requirements, determine
new protocols to mitigate risk
to the largest degree possible,
and take the best measures to
keep all parties safe.”
The damage to theaters worldwide has
been extensive. Many theaters have been
forced to shut their doors. Jones says that
while The Charlotte Players remains open,
they have their issues due to COVID. “Our last
season ended abruptly in early March. We
estimate our loss at this time to be close to
$100,000.”
The Charlotte Players have received
stimulus funds, maximized their effort with
the Giving Challenge last spring, and by
observing rigorous safety protocols, were
able to stage one of the canceled shows in
July and conduct a modest Kids OnStage.
It was a children’s theater production that
Paula Pender remembers fondly. “One of the
highlights of my theater involvement was
having the privilege of directing the musical
‘Annie’ in 2011. It was a large undertaking,
which I will never forget. Fortunately, we
scheduled two separate auditions, one for
the children and one for the adults. I was
astounded at the children’s audition to see
more than 50 young people interested in
being a part of the production.”
The Charlotte Players currently is composed
of their fl agship program entitled “Main
Stage Productions” and two smaller affi liate
programs under the titles of “Langdon
Playhouse” and “Kids on Stage.” And despite
the COVID challenges, they have plans to
branch out into new territory with their newly
established program “Charlotte Players TV
and Film On Camera Acting,” which will
provide professional services in the avenues
of auditioning and promotional material for
established and aspiring actors.
They also provide an invaluable service
to our community through the Dolly Parton
Imagination Library, whose sole focus is to
promote education among the youth by
providing free literature which is designed
to get children school ready to meet
standardized testing.
Paula Pender looks to the future with
optimism and is ready to go for the next
season. “I still continue to direct today. Over
the years, my interest in theater has grown
into a passion and one that I’m not ready to
give up.”
Neil Simon’s play “Brighton
Beach Memoirs” in 1992.
“We are focusing on maintaining
performances as normally as possible while
keeping in mind lessons learned during
the COVID crisis,” said Moody. “We have a
unique spirit and drive to keep serving our
community, connecting, empowering, and
providing quality of life through the arts.
Together we use theatre to celebrate the
common humanity that unites us all.”
Charlotte Players is a non-profi t Community
Theatre located at 1182 Market Circle in Port
Charlotte, Florida. They recently celebrated
their 60th season of providing high-quality
theatrical productions for local residents
and visitors. The nonprofi t organization
provides educational outreach programs
for students and preschool children that
include; Kids OnStage, and the Charlotte
County Imagination Library. They also bring
in professional acts that are performed at The
Charlotte Performing Arts Center in Punta
Gorda.
For information on the Charlotte Players
or to see the 2021-2022 schedule see
charlotteplayers.org or call
(941) 255-1022.
/charlotteplayers.org