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!