Without a doubt this has been the most challenging year in the organization’s 44 year history. Due to the global pandemic in person production work stopped in mid-March meaning exactly one third of our planned season was canceled. It would be easy to fall into panic and despair, especially given the uncertain timeline of ever being able to return to regular operations. It is worth remembering, however, that before the pandemic the theatre had a long list of noteworthy achievements that deserve to be celebrated. In addition the way we have responded to this challenge, while unexpected and the cause of a great deal of worry and stress, is a testament to the strength and creativity of the organization and its supporters. Among this season’s highlights:

• Productions. Continued to innovate and set new standards for excellence with our productions whether it is large scale musical epics, or small three person shows each regular season show this season pushed our boundaries. One bright side to not finishing the season is production were over $11,600 under budget – we won’t talk about the lost revenue, though.
• Outreach. The sensory friendly performance of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” was one of the first such performances offered by a community theatre in the state outside of Omaha.
  Recognition. While we always say it’s not about winning awards, they are nice. For the first time CP was recognized by BroadwayWorld.com and their regional online best of 2019 awards. We were nominated in many categories and won several.
• Making theatre accessible. Thanks to a generous patron we were able to offer a student ticket lottery to give free tickets to area high school students to our regular season productions. In addition the first Saturday of every regular season production offered special lower prices with the goal of removing price as a barrier for the community to attend shows.
• Organization development. Revised the organization’s mission statement for the first time in at least 30 years, evaluated and revised several policies and procedures, and proposed updates to the bylaws.
  Building projects. Deliberately planned and focused on several facility cleaning days and updates, including having a new roof put on the theatre.
• COVID programming. Quickly adapted to offer a variety of programs and engagement opportunities when in-person productions had to stop.
• The numbers. The stats for this season, and probably next, will forever carry an asterisk related to the pandemic. This is unfortunate because we were on track to have the most attended season with the highest number of events in the organization’s history. Regardless, counting all the organization’s in-person programming (Regular season, Stage Door, special events, touring show, etc.) Community Players was responsible for 51 events this season with a combined attendance of 5,302.

The performing arts and entertainment sector of our country and economy has been heavily damaged and for many organizations around the country that damage is already irreparable with new permanent closing being announced almost daily.

What does this mean for Community Players? That’s a question whose answer is still evolving. We are making the best plans we can taking into consideration the health and safety of our community, the responsibilities we have to our employees and volunteers, and the need to use the arts and live theatre to engage and enrich Southeast Nebraska. We are hopeful that Community Players will survive this challenge, but it will take support from our entire community to make sure that happens.

Jamie Ulmer
Managing Artistic Director