Theatre history

  • July 2001- The Winter Park Playhouse was founded by Roy Alan, Heather Alexander and Deborah Bowlus and incorporated.

  • June 2002- Received official non-profit, 501 (c)(3) status from IRS and began presenting cabarets and special events on a small platform in a dance studio with 60 folding chairs, no curtains, no sound system and minimal lighting.

  • November 2002- Established professional status with Actor’s Equity Association, the professional union of actors and stage managers.

  • December 2002- Transformed dance studio into a theatre. Built a permanent stage, purchased and installed curtains and lighting equipment.

  • January-May 2003- Presented first season: The Central Florida Premier of I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change; Godspell; and California Suite.

  • October 2003-May 2004- Presented first four-show season. Began selling out performances, and subscriber base increased.

  • March 2004- Launched the youth theatre division, created to give young performers, age 5-18, a professional venue in which to perform and learn from industry professionals. Presented the first youth theatre production in June of 2004.

  • July 2004- Hired Avatar Company, a professional marketing research firm to conduct a market feasibility study. The results confirmed that the Playhouse’s mission and goals were directly in line with the needs and desires of the community.

  • December 2004-August 2005- Presented second season, which included 3 musicals and a youth theatre production.

  • September 2005-July 2006 – Presented third season which included 4 musicals, two cabarets, and a youth theatre production. Nearly 5000 people attended including more than 20 bus groups from out of the area.

  • August 2006-July 2007- Presented fourth season which included 3 musicals, one play, three cabarets and a youth theatre production. Purchased and installed raised seating and red velvet theatre chairs per the patron’s requests.

  • July 2007 to June 2008- Presented fifth season which included 4 musicals, 3 cabarets and a youth theatre production. Beginning search for a larger facility.

  • July 2008-June 2009- Presented sixth season which included 4 musicals and 4 cabarets.  Found new facility, began renovation and moved summer 2009.