Carrollwood Players Community Theatre Works to Emerge from Pandemic

2021 was supposed to be a big year for Carrollwood Players Theatre.

The volunteer-driven, non-profit, community theatre was set to celebrate 40 years of bringing people from all walks of life together to participate in the magic of live, grassroots theatre for all.

Then came Covid.

Instead of throwing a bash, the group found itself struggling to stay solvent in the face of dramatically reduced ticket sales, cancelled events, and stage lights gone dark.

Yet, somehow, they survived.

"We were very fortunate," says Managing Director Jim Russell. "For years, we had been saving for a permanent home. Those funds, and the unprecedented generosity of our community, helped us get through our 40th anniversary year. We also have a passionate group of volunteer Board members who were instrumental in guiding us through some very dark days."

Though the theatre had to exhaust those rainy day reserves, Russell feels it was worth it to keep the theatre going.

"What we do here is important," he said. "Every year, hundreds of everyday people come here to learn, create, make friends, and have fun on stage and behind the scenes. Thousands more of their neighbors and friends come to enjoy quality live theatre performances at affordable prices. We are good for the community."

Now, almost halfway into 2022, the theatre is just beginning to see signs of a return to security, but the struggle to re-emerge is still scary.

"We are living paycheck to paycheck as things eek back to normal," said Russell. "Now, honestly more than ever, we need our community's support to keep righting the ship and growing our mission to make life better for everyone in Carrollwood and our entire Tampa Bay area."

The theatre faces some expensive air conditioning maintenance and repairs as summer approaches, and is also seeking sponsors for upcoming productions, which cannot be announced until royalties are paid to publishing companies.

"We have some really exciting shows coming up in our new season, and we hope to be able to announce them soon," Russell added.

In addition to a full slate of stage productions between now and August to help bring in revenue, the group is seeking donations from anyone in the community who would like to help "keep community theatre cool."

Gifts received between now and the fall will help with a range of expenses from air conditioning repairs to rent to show royalties and more.

"We're dying to announce the shows for our next season, which begins in September, but first we have to pay the royalties. The rules of the publishers have become more strict in these post-pandemic days," Russell explained

To further help raise funds for air conditioning repairs, show royalties, and other fixed expenses, the group is also planning its second annual online auction in late July.

Russell also noted that supporting the theatre by volunteering is a great way to help. The theatre needs volunteers at every performance to help in the lobby, and volunteers get to see the show for free.

On stage next in the Black Box Theatre at Carrollwood Players is a funny staged reading called Lickspittles, Buttonholers, and Damned Pernicious Go-Betweens. Dates: May 20th - 22nd.

Coming to the Carrollwood Mainstage next is The Wedding Singer. This popular Broadway musical comedy is based on the Adam Sandler film. Dates: June 10th - July 2nd. Patrons interested in celebrating opening night can attend a special red carpet reception fundraiser before the show.

Next up is Carrollwood's immensely popular (it usually completely sells out) 2022 One Act Festival, from July 15th - 23rd.

And closing out the 2021/2022 Season is Neil Simon's The Odd Couple - Female Version. This gender-swapping update to the famous original introduces us to Olive Madison and Florence Unger! On stage from August 5th - 20th.

Carrollwood Players is currently offering a "That's a Wrap" Pass for a discounted price, which includes 1 admission each to The Wedding Singer, The 2022 One Act Festival, and The Odd Couple - Female Version. The price is a steal at $58 per pass.

Photos by Beth Behner