Skip Philson has been an essential member of Community Players almost since its inception and is definitely one of our CP Stars. His involvement with the theatre spans decades, making him one of the most enduring figures in its history. Skip has performed in a wide variety of productions over the years. He portrayed Bob Cratchet in the 1980 production of Stingiest Man in Town, took part in both the 1990 and 2016 stagings of Damn Yankees, and most recently appeared as Mr. Maraczek in She Loves Me in 2023 (to name only a few). He has also used his talents in set construction, risers and seating and even stage management! This impressive range highlights a CP career that has basically covered the entire lifespan of our theatre. Beyond his performances, Skip has also dedicated significant time and expertise to the leadership of Community Players. He has served on the Board of Directors, including taking on the role of president, where his financial knowledge and expertise made him an especially valuable asset to the organization. He and his wife Judi are also First Nighters and frequently make the trip to Beatrice to support our productions!

Virginia Wright was a talented actress, costumer, and steadfast supporter of Community Players from its earliest days. Her dedication to the theatre was evident through her outstanding performances in numerous memorable roles. Notably, she shared the stage with Cecil Richmond in On Golden Pond, the first show performed in CP's current building. Beyond her presence on stage, Virginia made significant contributions behind the scenes. She continued to assist with the costuming of productions well into the late 1990s.  Virginia also organized and hosted fundraisers and special events throughout her time at the theatre, further strengthening the organization.

Hilda Anderson was among the earliest and most influential members of Community Players, earning recognition as a true CP star. Her remarkable talent as a seamstress was evident in the countless costumes she created for the theatre's productions, a contribution that spanned more than twenty years from the organization's inception. Hilda also played a key part in fostering the theatre's community spirit and frequently hosted events and fundraisers in her home. Hilda was instrumental in preserving the organization's history, being one of the individuals responsible for meticulously curating the theatre’s scrapbooks. Hilda was one of the founders and advocates of the First Nighter program (still in existence today), which enriched the experience for patrons and was key in funding our early productions.

Everett Jones stands out as one of the earliest and most influential members of Community Players. Leveraging his extensive business and financial expertise, Everett played an important role in helping the theatre establish itself during its formative years. His dedication extended to serving on the board of directors, where he also held the position of president. Everett's commitment to the theatre was evident not only in his leadership, but also in his willingness to host functions and events at his home. Among Everett’s many impactful contributions is his involvement in the acquisition of the theatre’s current building. When it appeared that Community Players might lose the opportunity to purchase the property, Everett personally acquired the building and subsequently arranged a generous payment plan that allowed the theatre to purchase it from him over time. Though that debt has long since been paid off in full, Community Players owes a debt of gratitude to Everett. His actions not only secured the organization’s physical home, but also helped lay the foundation for its ongoing growth and success. Everett Jones truly exemplifies the spirit and dedication of a CP Star.

If passion, commitment and a knack for giving out warm hugs are qualities of a CP Star, then Chris Obbink definitely fits the bill! For the last 25 years, Chris has been an integral part of the theatre, appearing in almost 20 shows, and stage managing and assisting with many others. In addition, she frequently serves as an usher, in our concession stand or as a house manager. A longtime board member and former President, Chris was honored with the Mary Ellen Morgan award just last year. Her smile, kind spirit, and welcoming hugs have been invaluable to the casts, crews and staff she’s supported over the years. Thanks, Chris, for continuing to be a CP Star!

Jamie directed 114 shows, appeared onstage in 12, and has countless design credits to his name during his 25 years as Community Players’ Managing Artistic Director. Half of our 50 seasons were under his leadership. An active arts supporter, Jamie served on many local and state boards and directed CP one act productions to state and regional success at numerous AACT Festivals. Jamie now runs Theatre Lawrence in Lawrence Kansas, but his artistic and managerial influence is still strongly felt at Community Players today, and no simple paragraph can sum up the blood, sweat, and tears—sometime his own, sometimes his actors—poured into our theatre during his tenure. Congratulations and thank you to Jamie Ulmer, today’s CP Star.

If something is going on at Community Players, Callan is usually (if not always) there! Whether on stage in amazing performances numbering over 40, stage managing, building set, or serving on the Board (for many years as President), Callan is always dedicated to the task. He’s a wealth of information regarding anything Beatrice…especially Community Players. Callan is an asset to CP and has been proudly nominated!

Shout out to Diane Kahnk, another amazing CP star! Diane is a wonderfully versatile actress who fully dedicates herself to her roles, whether they’re serious or silly. She’s also fantastic at promoting Community Players through her social media and by showing up to nearly every show. Thank you, Diane, for being such an outstanding example of a CP star!

Since the mid-80s, Merle Jobman has been showcasing his skills both onstage and behind the scenes with Community Players! He has performed in numerous productions, most recently in Murder on the Orient Express in February 2023, and has stage managed even more. His expertise and business experience have been invaluable, whether offering HVAC or electrical advice through the years, assisting with production lighting, or serving as treasurer for the Board of Directors. Merle and his wife Jane are longtime First Nighters and rarely miss a show. Merle (and Jane!) truly shine as CP stars!

Bill and Julie Bratt appeared in over 30 shows at CP during their 22 years of activity at the theatre. They loved “playing together” and they shared the stage in The Fox on the Fairway, Wrong Window!, Moonlight & Magnolias, Sorry! Wrong Chimney!, Noises Off, Lend Me a Tenor, and many more. They also appeared in many shows on their own. They share a Mary Ellen Morgan Award for their numerous contributions to the theatre including set construction, hair and makeup, stage management, lighting, service to the Board, and reliably hosting the cast party for every show they were in. "On a personal note," said Tyler Rinne, "Bill and Julie were both involved in the first show I was cast in in 2007 and the first show I directed in 2008, and it was their fun-loving spirit, welcoming nature, and true dedication during rehearsals and performances that made CP feel like home to me and so many others."

In the late 80s and throughout most of the 90s, Doug and Alisa Soderstrom were key contributors at CP, showcasing their versatility both on and off the stage. Doug worked on set construction, lights, sound, props, and the infamous "moving of risers" for numerous productions. Alisa brought her talents to scenic artistry, makeup, set painting and design, props, stage management, and much more. Their dedication and passion for CP truly make them CP stars. 

P.S. It would be amazing to see them perform on stage again!

After moving to Beatrice in the early 90s, Brent volunteered onstage as an actor and off by building sets, hanging lights, and serving as the President of the Board of Directors. Brent fostered a love of theatre for his family, which started when he would bring his daughters to rehearsals, light hangs, shows, and post-show strikes. This carried over to finding bootlegs for Broadway shows pre-Youtube and directing his girls as to which part they were singing during road trip sing-a-longs. He helped give them the home at the theatre that they still have to this day. Though he moved away years ago, he still finds ways to support Community Players to this day as a First Nighter and volunteer when Natalie and Grace bug him to usher!

"Sandy was an early icon at CP who inspired me by her talent and her encouragement when I first came to this theatre," said Jean Spilker. This is what her family said about her when they sponsored our production of My Fair Lady in her honor: "Sandy was one of the founding members of Community Players. She helped in any way she could to grow Community Players. She raised money, sold tickets, made costumes, did make-up, built sets, and starred in some of the shows. She was happiest on stage and played Dolly in Hello, Dolly!, doing it with a broken foot! Theatre was her passion, and we know her heart and soul are here in this theatre." Thank you to Sandy Knisely for being a CP Star!