CP surveyed audience members at the theater’s recent production of “South Pacific” and found respondents came from 32 different communities.

Asked about additional purchases, 58 percent of respondents said they made an additional purchase in Beatrice in conjunction with attending the performance.

“People do travel to Beatrice to see quality performances, and arts audiences have an economic impact beyond just purchasing tickets to events,” Jamie Ulmer, CP artistic director, said.

The majority of the theater’s audience, 61 percent, comes from Beatrice. The next most represented city in the survey was Lincoln at seven percent.

The survey also found that audiences enjoy their experience at the theater. Respondents rated their overall experience attending the production as 9.02 on a scale of one to ten.

When asked how well they felt the theater was doing in fulfilling its mission to promote, encourage and increase the knowledge, appreciation and practice of live theater, a substantial 74 percent responded that the theater was doing an “outstanding job”.

“It is very encouraging to hear from our audience that they appreciate and enjoy the efforts all our volunteers put into bringing a show to the stage,” Ulmer said. “As we move forward with projects like our new auditorium seats we hope to build on the trust that Community Players produces top-quality shows, and encourage even more members of the community to get involved.”

CP recently hired Shae Rogge as our new Box Office Manager. Shae comes to CP having previously worked at KLIR radio in Columbus where she was Assistant Program Director/Music Director/On-Air Personality. Not unfamiliar with the stage she has appeared in numerous productions including several at SCC-Beatrice. She and her husband, Matt, have a young son.

We're excited to have Shae join the CP staff. Be sure to say "hello" to her when you come for "South Pacific".

The theatre thanks members of the Foundation for their generosity in providing funds for both production royalties and the seating drive.

The Hevelone Foundation is a tax-exempt charitable foundation funded through the generosity of Maurice S. and Dorothy G. Hevelone.

Mr. Hevelone, who died in 1987, was a native of Gage County and graduated from Beatrice High School and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Law in 1928.

Mrs. Hevelone was a native of Omaha and graduated from Omaha Central High School and the University of Nebraska- Lincoln Teachers College in 1932. Mrs. Hevelone died in 2002, having established The Hevelone Foundation before her death. The foundation was funded with a $750,000 bequest from her estate.

Jamie Ulmer, Artistic Director of Community Players was interviewed recently by Chris Laning and Rob Scardino, co-hosts of “Your Neighborhood Stage.” Ulmer discusses the history of the group and its beginnings, its organization, venue, current season, and future plans. The interview is included in Episode 2.49 of “Your Neighborhood Stage” released on Dec. 11. The show can be found online at http://www.NeighborhoodStage.com or in the iTunes music store.

ABOUT “YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD STAGE” THEATRE PODCAST – “Your Neighborhood Stage” is the first and only national podcast dedicated to school, religious, and community theater. Hosted by two school and community theater veterans, Chris Laning and Rob Scardino, the podcast brings news and information to theatre folks around the world. Each episode spotlights a different school, religious, or community theater organization, lists new shows available for local production, highlights a particular play or musical, and includes Broadway and community theater related news.

The purpose of this grant is to provide funding to improve Gage County's attractions that are owned by the public or any nonprofit organization to attract additional visitors to Gage County. The funds available through this grant are provided from the Visitors Improvement Fund lodging tax and are for capital improvements to existing attractions or recreational facilities only.

The matching grant, approved on Dec. 5 by the Gage County Board of Supervisors, puts us near the halfway point in our effort to raise approximately $65,000 to purchase new chairs for the CP auditorium. Even with this boost we still need your help. Click here to learn more about the seating drive and how you can make a contribution.

Heidi was presented with the award following the opening performance of the theater’s production of the regional premiere of the musical “I Love You Because”.

Since first becoming involved with the organization in 2002 Heidi has worked on nearly every production crew ranging from back stage to front of house in addition to appearing on stage in many shows. She has worked as stage manager for numerous productions and also served as chair of the theatre’s script selection committee. Recently she co-directed the first two seasons of the organization’s “Appetizers” readers theatre series.

Heidi’s name will be added to a plaque that is displayed in the lobby.

The award was established in 1985 in honor of former Beatrice resident Mary Ellen Morgan, who was one of the founders and promoters of Community Players.

Removed from both restrooms was the dated wall paper, replaced by a more contemporary paint color scheme that ties into the colors in the new lobby. The floors in both restrooms were recovered with a lighter colored vinyl tile. New light fixtures were added above both sinks in addition to several minor accessory updates to tie the look together. Space limitations prevented the addition of more stalls to either restroom, but at least it will be a nicer view for those who stand in line during intermission.

Pictured above are a few before and after shots of the restrooms.

Immediately following the annual meeting a reorganization meeting was held and officers were elected for the 2007-2008 Season. Elected new CP President was Lori Koch. Other officers are Vice President: Callan Williams, Secretary: Cindy Shepherd, Treasurer: Merle Jobman, Corresponding Secretary: SuAnn Saathoff.

Other returning Board members are Jean Tyser, Patrick Marlatt and Chris Obbink.

Board members are elected to three year terms. Retiring from the Board are Elizabeth Claassen, Lola Seitz, and Tina Wright. Immediate past president of the Board, Brent Frahm, whose term also expired this year, remains on the board for one year as an ex-officio member.

Thank you to retiring Board members for your years of service, your time and hard work has been greatly appreciated.

Pictured above is the 2007-2008 Board of Directors:Front row: (from left) Julie Bratt, Jean Tyser, Cindy Shepherd, SuAnn Saathoff, Lori Koch, Chris Obbink, back row: Brent Frahm (ex-officio), Callan Williams, Patrick Marlatt, Matt McNiff, Merle Jobman and Judi Knowles (ex-officio). Not pictured Rich Moon.

But now it will be more user friendly with more graphics and a cleaner format. The new e-newsletter also lets you customize the type of information you want to receive from CP! We’ve created a special category for those wanting to get extra information about auditions, crew calls, and other volunteer opportunities. Plus you can customize your e-newsletter settings on line 24 hours a day, it puts you in complete control of the type of information we send you.

BEST OF ALL THIS SERVICE IS STILL 100% FREE!!

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