Lemon Bay Playhouse, The Englewood Community Theatre, Inc., was formed by a
few local amateur actors and incorporated in April 1987. The group took over a
rented store-front space in July of that year and acquired a non-profit 501
(C) 3 organization status. In August a two-performance talent night was held
to raise funds needed to convert the space to a theatre. The first full
production, "Play On", opened September 24, 1987.
The first few years were a struggle to find directors, actors, sets and
props, even audiences, to support the productions. Traditional opening night
galas were started in December 1989 and this got each future production off to
a good start. Beginning with the fall, 1991 season, arrangements for group
sales and whole theatre rental were made and for the first time season ticket
holders were given the opportunity to reserve their seats. Since then all
seats are reserved. In the 1991 season there were 23 season tickets sold. Now
there are over 500.
A mailing list was begun in late 1989 and as telephone callers reserved
seats we added their names, addresses and phone numbers to the list. In
addition to local publicity and mailings we began telephoning those on the
list to advise of a new play opening. By 1992 we were filling most seats and
were able to open a savings account.
The program book, supported by advertising sales, was begun with the fall
of 1992. This book has continued to show a profit and has made many new
community friends for the theatre.
The floods of the summer of 1995 convinced the Board of the desperate need
for more adequate space. The building at 96 West Dearborn was available and in
a great leap of optimism the Board negotiated with the owner to carry our
mortgage and we closed on the sale in late September, 1995. An "open
house" for the community in early October was well attended. Volunteers
were signed up on the spot and many are now the back-bone of our large group
of faithful volunteers.
Thanks to careful financial management, profitable shows, generous
donations, and welcome grants the theatre has not only made great improvements
in the physical plant, making it more comfortable for actors and audiences,
but has also managed to pay off the mortgage in less than 6 years.
Lemon Bay Playhouse has matured to a successful community theatre because
of the supportive community and the tireless volunteers.
