Blog - Community Players

Looking back on 20 years

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 04:00:00 GMT

I recently realized that Nov. 1, 2017 officially marked the 20^th anniversary of my first day of work at Community Players. Looking at the last 20 years a lot has changed, and not just the amount of grey in my hair. Here are a few big picture observations:

In 1997 our regular season included just three shows with a fourth summer production not included in the season. Today the regular season is six shows.
The audience expectations are much more sophisticated. We expect dazzling lights, lightning fast scene changes, and amazing dance numbers at every production.
The organization has grown from just one employee, to two full-time and two part-time employees.
With the growth in staff the role of the board of directors has evolved to being much less hands on in the daily operations of the organization to focusing on funding and growth (though individual board members do still play key roles in many production areas).
Educational programing took off with the addition of our after school program and merger with the Beatrice Children’s Theatre.

Then there are the smaller things:

While I’m still using the same desk in my office, the day I was hired there was just a manual typewriter sitting on the desk. Today that typewriter is down in props somewhere and my desk is dominated by two large computer monitors.
Speaking of computers, they are everywhere in the building, from the box office, to the control booth running lights and sound for productions.
I remember flipping large breaker switches to power up the lighting system feeling like I was activating a nuclear reactor or something. Now it’s all digital and many of the lights are LEDs (a term that didn’t even really exist 20 years ago).
Oh and we can’t forget the seats in the auditorium. Much nicer than the old padded folding chairs (though some of those are still around).

There are also challenges that didn’t exist 20 years ago:

Reaching the audience has become both easier and harder. We no longer rely solely on the newspaper and local radio station for promotions. We have to be on everything from Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, our own web site, email marketing, direct mail, and whatever new media comes along. A lot more work than placing an ad in the Daily Sun and recording a new spot on KWBE.
We also didn’t have to tell people to turn off their cell phones before every show in 1997.
People seem to be much busier, making it challenging to get audiences to not only attend events, but also to volunteer to be in shows and make all the tech possible.
Our budget has grown 375% since 1997, even adjusted for inflation we’ve seen a huge increase. As our program has grown so has the need for more funding. Funding comes not only from ticket sales, but grants, program ads, show sponsorships, and of course support from individual donors.

That brings me to the final point which is looking back on 20 years one of the most significant things that stand out is the people. Actors and volunteers in shows, board members who have come and gone over the years, and patrons and supporters like you. It’s the people that will make sure the organization continues and (yikes) will continue to be a highlight when I write the 40 year list in 2037.

Thank you for your support!

See you at the theatre

A musical lover's dream

Fri, 26 May 2017 04:00:00 GMT

If you are a fan of musicals, let’s take a moment and be honest with each other. Odds are you have sat at home, or in your car, listening to a soundtrack and imagined what the show looked like. Maybe your imagination could even see the sets, costumes and choreography come to life around you. It’s okay you are not alone. CP’s season closing musical, “The Drowsy Chaperone” is here to help you.

Just like you, the main character in the show, enigmatically named “Man in the Chair,” shares your love for musicals and his imagination is probably even more vivid than yours.

“The Drowsy Chaperone” wraps up CP’s 2016-2017 Season June 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7:30 p.m. and June 11, 18 at 2 p.m. Tickets go on sale for First Nighter patrons on May 26 and Season Ticket holders on May 30. General public tickets are available starting June 5.

“The Man” played by Bruce Hahn (last seen at CP in “Damn Yankees”) invites you into his apartment to listen to his favorite cast album the 1928 rollicking comedy “The Drowsy Chaperone.”

As we listen the show literally comes out of the woodwork and to life right in his living room. While the show plays out he gives us all the juicy dirt about the original production in addition to narrating the story.

The story of “The Drowsy Chaperone” (which isn’t a real show from the 1920s in case you were wondering) is simple. It’s the wedding day of Broadway star Janet Van De Graff, played by Marikita Payne (“Spamalot”), and Robert Martin played by Noah Snurr (“Spamalot”). The nuptials are in jeopardy as Janet’s producer schemes to stop the wedding while the best man and Janet’s chaperone have to keep the two from seeing each other – you know because it’s bad luck and all.

The producer is played by Trevor Kern (“Spamalot”) with Connor Husa (“First Date”) as the best man, George, and CP newcomer Teri Wilson playing the cynical chaperone.

“You really get two shows for the price of one,” Jamie Ulmer, CP managing artistic director, said. “There’s the silly 1920s show-within-the-show but there’s the other show that the Man puts on just by talking about the other show.”

Don’t worry it’s not complicated or hard to follow, Ulmer assured.

“In fact this is one of funniest musicals we’ve done in a long time,” Ulmer said.

Eric Hansen is the music director. Ariason James is the stage manager with Colleena Lashanzky assistant stage managing.

A lot of times in musicals the story is secondary to the music, even most of the comedy can be found in the music for many shows. Ulmer explains that “The Drowsy Chaperone” is different.

“When I first heard this soundtrack I thought, okay it’s cute, it’s kind of funny. Then reading the script you find all these great speeches from the Man in the Chair that are hysterical and so unexpected,” Ulmer said. “Maybe there’s a bit of me in that character, but we won’t talk about that.”

“The Drowsy Chaperone” debuted on Broadway in 2006 starring Sutton Foster as Janet. The show won Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. Beth Leavel won a Tony for Best Featured Actress for playing the Chaperone.

Trust us when we say “The Drowsy Chaperone” is a musical comedy that puts the perfect exclamation point on the end of this season and you don’t want to miss this show.

2016: Lots happening

Thu, 22 Dec 2016 05:00:00 GMT

As we look back at 2016 we see a lot of great things that CP can be proud of and celebrate. The New Year holds challenges and wonderful opportunities to move forward and make a creative, educational, and entertaining impact on our community.

Now here’s a look at some of the top 10 highlights of 2016 (in no particular order):

We celebrated our 40^th Anniversary Season with numerous events, but specifically two days of activities during the run of DAMN YANKEES in June that invited and brought together those who have made live theatre possible in Beatrice for 40 years.
More people than ever passed through our doors during 2016 attending regular season shows, Stage Door productions, and other special events hosted by CP.
Recognized by the Beatrice Chamber of Commerce as Non-profit Business of the Year.
Our special production of SANTALAND DIARIES was named Outstanding Production and Pat Marlatt won Outstanding Actor at the Nebraska Association of Community Theatres biennial Festival. The show travels to Minnesota in 2017 to participate in the regional festival.
Every Stage Door production in 2016 set a new record high attendance.
So far the 2016-2017 Season overall attendance is 17% higher than this point in the season last year.
Behind the scenes updates continue, like our new box office and fundraising software.
Produced 10 high-quality productions throughout the year featuring the talents and skills of volunteers from throughout Southeast Nebraska.
Hosted more non-show events like concerts and collaborative events with other organizations than ever.
Strengthened our community by making downtown Beatrice a destination for all kinds of live entertainment.

Help make 2017 even bigger and brighter for your community, and our organization. Attend events, bring friends with you (until ever show is sold out there’s always room for more people to discover CP!), audition for your first show, volunteer behind the scenes, or donate much needed funds, and next year we’ll need to do a top 20 list because there’s too much great news to contain.

Thank you and have a wonderful New Year!

Jamie Ulmer

Managing Artistic Director

Making a deal, but not with the Devil

Wed, 25 May 2016 04:00:00 GMT

A fan so obsessed with their team they would do anything to ensure a championship? Surely no one in Nebraska would make such a devilish deal. Deck out their basement in red and plan every Saturday from August to November around if it’s a home or away game and what time it starts - of course. Sell their souls? Actually, pretty sure there are a couple of diehards that might make that deal if a certain football team doesn’t win some kind of championship soon.

For 40 years Community Players has been fulfilling a long-standing agreement. That deal was not made with the Devil, but with our community, and unlike a deal with the Devil, ours is a two way street that is mutually beneficial.

Our deal with you, our community, takes many forms. Of course we provide live entertainment. This includes all 10 of the shows we now produce on an annual basis. It also includes all the extra things like concerts and other events we host.

Opportunities for people of all ages to be involved in productions on and off stage, which ultimately make our community a better place to live, are part of our deal with you. Our growing educational and youth programs are a key part of that deal.

We agree to always push for improvements in our programs. It would be very easy for us to sit back and keep doing the same thing year after. Instead, our bargain with you calls for us to always seek new ways of doing things. Whether investing in new equipment or trying new production techniques, we must always push to better ourselves as an organization.

Our deal includes a pledge to provide a variety of programming. We will always offer classic shows like Damn Yankees, which you helped choose as a revival, to be part of our Anniversary Season. At the same time we agree to bring new and contemporary shows to the community – you never know if you like something new until you try it.

Remember this deal is a two way street. In order for this to work you have to hold up your end of the bargain. That includes doing things like you’re doing right now, attending events. It goes beyond sitting in the audience. The community needs to participate on stage and backstage. By supporting Community Players with donations and legacy gifts you help sustain us into the future. Spread the word to your friends and neighbors who don’t know they have a part of this deal to uphold. The final part of your deal is to trust us. Trust that we will always work to bring the highest quality events and productions to our community.

I recently saw an article that posed the question, why are communities defined by their sports teams and the fierce loyalty of their fans, and not by their quality arts organizations and the loyalty of their supporters? It’s an excellent question to consider as Community Players turns the page on the next 40 years of our deal with you.

Enjoy the show

Jamie Ulmer

Managing Artistic Director

2015 Highlights

Wed, 30 Dec 2015 05:00:00 GMT

Seeing the annual collection of year-end top 10 lists popping up everywhere got me thinking about the highlights we saw at CP in 2015. It's actually kind of tough for two reasons. One, the CP season runs July to June so we're straddling half of two seasons, which makes my brain kind of hurt. The other reason is there are so many great things going on at CP right now and so many great people worthy of special recognition. So here is a brief run-down, not of top 10 events from the past year, but 10 highlights from the last 12 months. So here, in no particular order, are my 2015 highlights:

Producing 10 shows. Six regular season productions, three family stage door shows, and one young adults show.
The amazing and compelling performances from ONE FLEW OVER THE CUCKOO'S NEST. This was a show with guts and the bold performances that made this powerful show even more so.
COMPLETELY HOLLYWOOD (ABRIDGED) brought home multiple awards from the Nebraska Association of Community Theatres state festival, earning the right to represent Nebraska at the regional festival where this high energy show wowed the crowd.
After a year off the Young Adult theatre production returned in a daring way with the musical BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON, a show which pushed the limits and boundaries like nothing we've produced before.
Record enrollment for our Stars of Summer production TALES FROM THE ARABIAN MICE. 68 kids from throughout the area got to spend their summer making great theatre in a show filled with scene stealing performances, not the least of which was a certain rock.
Along that same line, enrollment and attendance at our Acting Up productions continues to grow as the community discovers the joy of participating and seeing our family productions.
The kick off of our 40th Anniversary Season. Celebrating all the great memories and enhancements to our community the season features two shows voted on by you to be special revival productions.
The razzle-dazzle production of CHICAGO. From the actors, the design, the choreography, and that amazing band, this was CP firing on all cylinders.
The hard work of JACOB MARLEY'S CHRISTMAS CAROL's cast. With a short rehearsal process, and pages of long speeches to learn, this cast took the challenge to heart and succeeded.
All the creativity and hard work of everyone involved at CP. From making costumes using pages of books for INTO THE WOODS to putting in long hours on weekends and holidays to make sure a show is ready to open, none of these highlights would be possible without the work of all the volunteers, staff, audience members, and donors.

Thank you for an amazing 2015, and let's make 2016 so great I have to write a top 20 highlight list! Have a Happy New Years!

Jamie Ulmer
CP Managing Artistic Director

Make a tax-deductible donation to support CP and make 2016 even better!

40 "Fan"tastic Years

Tue, 16 Jun 2015 04:00:00 GMT

You, our fans, have been supporting CP for 40 years. Whether cheering in the audience, acting on stage, letting the paint and fabric fly back stage, discovering themselves in classes, or contributing funds, our fans have made the past 40 years possible. We need you to be part of our “Fan”tastic 40th Season.

CP’s first full season boasted three shows upstairs at the Elk’s Club (a building which no longer exists). This season we will produce 10 shows in our downtown Beatrice facility. On top of that we will host several other entertainment events throughout the year, in addition to classes and extra outreach activities.

As Midwesterners, bragging isn’t in our nature. Indulge yourself and brag that your support of CP throughout the years has given Beatrice and the surrounding area something extraordinary. Few other communities our size (or larger) can boast such a lively and professional performing arts scene.

This season we honor you the fan with a lineup that features two shows selected by the general public from our past to be staged as revivals. Well over 200 votes were cast and we know there was fierce debate among some of our fans about which shows should be part of this season. We are also excited to feature a special all cast/crew reunion event to wrap up the season next June. Keep watching for more details on this event.

There are many new and exciting things in store this season. For the first time the Christmas show is part of your regular season ticket package and will run for two weeks. That means you now have six punches on a season ticket that you can use however you choose throughout the year on the regular season productions. A season ticket saves you more than 20% off the regular ticket price, and you continue to get the valuable early seating privileges.

What has made CP so special for so many people in our community are the relationships we have formed. Those relationships go beyond the cast members and extend throughout the community as parents/grandparents create memories attending shows with their kids/grandkids. People traveling from out of town and out of state remember their visit to Beatrice because of the entertaining and powerful theatre they saw while visiting. A show night fills downtown with hundreds of people enjoying themselves and building stronger relationships with their friends and neighbors.

All this will only continue to be possible with your support as a First Nighter, Friend or Season Ticket holder. By subscribing, you give yourself terrific entertainment and you are making a revitalizing impact on the community.

Be part of our “Fan”tastic 40th Season.

See you at the theatre!

Jamie Ulmer
Managing Artistic Director

100 show Trivia

Wed, 03 Dec 2014 05:00:00 GMT

THE GAME'S AFOOT is CP Managing Artisitic Director's 100th career production. Here is some trivia about shows from throughout his career.

Was 16, the summer after sophomore year of high school, when directed first show – “Fools”.
Has been directing for 23 years
Works out to directing an average of 4.3 shows ever year (first several years it was just one show a year)
Won’t ever say that I have a “favorite” show. That is kind of like asking a parent who their favorite child is, sure they may have one, but they’ll never tell.
Wrote one show that also directed, and appeared in. “Where is the Life that Late I Led?”
Directed 16 shows which also appeared on stage in (does not include small cameo appearances):
- “Fools,” “Dracula, Baby,” “Harvey,” “Where is the Life That Late I Led?” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “The Man Who Came To Dinner,” “Nuncrackers,” “Rumors,” “Kiss Me, Kate,” “Alone Together,” “Lend Me a Tenor,” “Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus,” “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” “Moonlight and Magnolias,” “1776,” “Becky’s New Car”
Generally favorite genres are farces and musicals.
Most challenging shows to produce are the big “epic” musicals. This is due to everything which needs to be coordinated and juggled from the large number of actors (to try and keep happy), the sets, costumes, lighting, and with many shows now video projection.
Love to work on small (four or five) person cast shows, especially after working on a big epic musical.
Proud of familiar shows that have been able to really make our own: “Beauty and Beast,” “Grease,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “My Fair Lady,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “South Pacific,” “Les Miserables.”
Shows that have pushed the actors to go beyond their expectations while also finding compelling ways to tell the story: “Proof,” “To Gillian on her 37^th Birthday,” “Children of Eden.”
One of favorite composer’s work is Cole Porter. “Anything Goes,” “Kiss Me, Kate,” “Where is the Life that Late I Led?”
One of favorite playwrights is Ken Ludwig. “Moon Over Buffalo,” “Lend Me A Tenor,” “Leading Ladies,” “The Game’s Afoot.”
First show to use intelligent lighting “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.”
Technical area of production most interested in is lighting design.
Technical area least interested in is costumes.
Can’t do community theatre in this country without having worked on Neil Simon shows. “Fools,” “The Odd Couple (female version),” “The Good Doctor,” “Rumors,” “Barefoot in the Park.”
Surprisingly, have only directed one show twice, “I Take This Man.”
Was in six shows as an actor before later working on them as director, “Funny Money,” “Love, Sex and the IRS,” “Moon Over Buffalo,” “Anything Goes,” “Alone Together,” “Something’s Afoot.”
Impossible to guess how many actors, stage managers, crew people have worked with – but thank them all for their work on each project over the years.

Eye of the storm

Tue, 23 Sep 2014 04:00:00 GMT

The most hectic times during a show’s rehearsal process for me is the beginning and the end. The beginning is hectic because all the pre-planning is taking place, rehearsal schedules are built (and rebuilt), and we’re blocking the show. The end is of course hectic because, well, everything needs to get done. There’s a strange period of time of about a week, maybe a week and a half where things are just in motion without any immediate deadlines that must be met, kind of like being in the eye of a storm.

We’re sitting in the middle of that eye right now. LEAVING IOWA is a couple of weeks into rehearsal. Work is progressing on set, costumes, props, etc. This is the point in the process that I have the most fun as a director. It’s when we experiment and play with the characters, try a new wacky and idea for scene and do a lot of laughing during rehearsals.

Elsewhere, Acting Up is in full swing with rehearsals every week for FEARSOME PIRATE FRANK. The dust has settled from YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN and the beginning of the season. In addition to show work we’re getting caught up on planning and administrative tasks for the organization – maybe even doing some cleaning backstage. The board is working on projects that line up with our overall goals for the season – yes we do have goals beyond mounting the next show. Things are calmly, relatively peacefully moving along.

The eye will soon pass. We’re just a few weeks away from opening LEAVING IOWA, the cast goes off book next week and the pace of activities will soon ramp up again. Fundraising and grant writing activities will begin to gear up. Script reading will start for selecting next season. It’s coming, there’s no way to stop it, but that’s okay because without the storm these moments of calm would go unnoticed. Now excuse me I think I’m going to go sort lighting gel before the lightning strikes.

Jamie Ulmer

CP Managing Artistic Director

Abby Normal on the loose

Wed, 27 Aug 2014 04:00:00 GMT

Look out for “Abby Normal!”

The “brain” from YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN has escaped and is on the loose throughout Southeast Nebraska. It could be showing up in the strangest places taking selfies with everyone that it meets or getting caught at area locations.

Follow “Abby Normal’s” adventures on our Facebook page or search for the hashtag abbynormal to see who else is posting pictures with the brain.

You can take your own selfie with the brain when you come to YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. We have it on good authority it will come home to roost in time for opening night and will have a little display in the lobby for you to take pictures and share on social media with your friends.

Here’s the first picture, the brain stopping by my office before distracting me and making a mad dash out the stage door.

Jamie Ulmer

Managing Artistic Director

Was that summer that just went by?

Tue, 12 Aug 2014 04:00:00 GMT

Where did the summer go?! Today is the first day of school in Beatrice, and while being sans-children it doesn’t directly impact me, it is still surprising because it means that summer is effectively over already.

CP had a busy summer. We closed the season in June with the massive production of LES MISERABLES. We are still hearing glowing reviews from audiences and honestly it was probably one of the strongest overall casts/productions CP has ever produced. Next came 54 kids and the Stars of Summer production of LITTLE MERMAID, JR. The kids really rose to the occasion and had 4 out of the 5 performances sold out. We took time to say thanks to our volunteers with the Volunteer Appreciation Event/Annual meeting. Last season saw record high attendance for the regular season, increasing by 26% from the year before!

Not only was the organization busy, but on a personal level so were our people. Our Associate Director and Box Office/Communications Manager (Tyler and Elena) got married (to each other) in June. It was kind of like a big cast party/reunion as they both have been involved with CP for many years. As for me I got the chance to go on stage at the Nebraska Repertory Theatre in Lincoln. The Rep is a professional summer theatre connected with the UN-L Theatre Department. It was fun to work somewhere else and act in a show I wasn’t directing for a change.

Now we are moving full speed ahead with the new season. Even as I type this, the sound of saws and drills are floating up from the auditorium and tonight we begin choreographing some of the big dance numbers in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. COMPLETELY HOLLYWOOD (ABRIDGED) has gone back into rehearsals. We’re taking that show on the road to several venues in the area this fall/winter starting with my hometown of Sutton this weekend (Aug. 16). Auditions for LEAVING IOWA are just around the corner, and the Board of Directors will soon have their annual planning retreat.

It is never a dull moment, someone bring us a five hour energy or a shot of espresso, and we’ll toast the end of summer then get back to work!

Jamie Ulmer

CP Managing Artistic Director

It's Alive!

Thu, 22 May 2014 04:00:00 GMT

It's alive! That's not just a quotable line from one of this season's exciting shows, but a terrific description of CP and the way you will feel by supporting the myriad of dynamic opportunities we bring to downtown Beatrice.

Unlike other forms of entertainment, we know theatre is alive and happening right there in the moment. The audience is part of the action (sometimes you are literally pulled into the action).

This season's shows all explore what it's like to be alive. Whether it's a monster come to life, characters struggling to stay alive, couples starting their lives together, or rediscovering what it means to be alive and connected to each other, every show gives you a different perspective on what it's like to be alive.

We also continue to prove that American theatre is alive as the season mixes new or newly available titles with familiar shows innovatively re-staged in imaginative new ways.

Your support of CP also proves that Beatrice and Southeast Nebraska is culturally alive. The variety of live locally produced theatre at CP is the envy of communities more than twice our size. All this activity brings our economy to life as 58% of you make additional purchases in Beatrice each time you come see a show.

First Nighters, Friends and Season Ticket Holders are essential to keeping CP alive. Your contribution at the First Nighter and Friend levels make it possible for us to offer educational programs and scholarships to youth. We all hear people complain about "kids today." Participating in community events, like theatre programs, is one of the most effective ways to keep good kids from going bad.

Most importantly you help yourself feel more alive when you support CP. Yes, it's true. A recent study from the London School of Economics found that individuals who attend two or more plays in a year are 2.5% more likely to be in better health than those who don't. The same study also found that you feel the equivalent of $1,680 richer by attending theatre!

Give yourself a raise, improve your health, encourage our youth, keep American theatre vital, and make our entire community more ALIVE. If you don't live with us as much as you can, who will? Keep us all ALIVE send your subscription and contribution today!!

See you at the theatre,

Jamie Ulmer

Managing Artistic Director

Busy weeks

Thu, 08 May 2014 04:00:00 GMT

It has been a little longer than we would like since we’ve updated the blog, it’s not like anything has been happening around here.

LES MISERABLES is deep into its rehearsal process. To say this show is massive is an understatement. But to say the cast is massively talented would also be an understatement. Each night we’re seeing remarkable progress from everyone from the leads to ensemble players. The set also makes leaps and bound of progress each day. For those of you wondering how we’re going to fit the show in the space, here’s a little sneak peak of the set construction in progress.

This week also wraps up the year for the Acting Up program. This spring we once again debuted an original play commissioned by CP. The students in this program are doing remarkable work and if you missed the comedy that was INCREDIBLE ILLUSTRATED ISIS you really did miss out on a great show, regardless of if it was cast of adults or students. Also this week we received a play catalogue in the mail. No big deal we get those catalogues all the time. What was a big deal was seeing our very own Associate Director, Tyler Rinne’s play THE REST OF THE WEST listed in the newly published category. The show debuted here last spring as part of the Acting Up program and is now available for production all over the country.

Finally, there are several big boxes sitting in the greenroom and control booth. What’s in those boxes? It’s the new sound board and wireless microphones we’ve been raising money for since January! Thank you everyone who contributed to the “Do You Hear the People Sing” fund drive. We raised over $18,000 and had enough money to buy the sound equipment. The drive’s goal was $25,000 and we still need to raise the rest of the money to pay down organization debt and insure that we can continue to produce new work, educate students, and inspire the community. Click here to make a contribution!