Our History
Curtain Players ("CP"), currently celebrating its 45th season, has produced nearly 200 plays since its inception. With a membership that includes residents from all over Franklin and Delaware counties—and even beyond—CP actually began more than sixty years ago.
1940s
When gasoline was rationed during World War II, the "Worthington Players Club" was organized to provide a readily accessible activity and means of entertainment for the community. March 1943 was the date of the first production—"George & Margaret"—which ran for only one night. Two plays a year increased to four in 1947 and eventually leveled off to three with few exceptions.
When gasoline was rationed during World War II, the "Worthington Players Club" was organized to provide a readily accessible activity and means of entertainment for the community. March 1943 was the date of the first production—"George & Margaret"—which ran for only one night. Two plays a year increased to four in 1947 and eventually leveled off to three with few exceptions.
1960s
In 1962 the membership had dropped below 20 and advertisers were less than enthusiastic. The group discontinued active productions but continued to meet and study for future plans. It was decided to relocate to the Westerville area and in October 1963 the organization regrouped as "Curtain Players" and presented its first major production, "Champagne Complex", in the Westerville Armory. From 1963 to 1981 the group moved around the city, caravanning lights and scenery by car to various performance locations.
In 1962 the membership had dropped below 20 and advertisers were less than enthusiastic. The group discontinued active productions but continued to meet and study for future plans. It was decided to relocate to the Westerville area and in October 1963 the organization regrouped as "Curtain Players" and presented its first major production, "Champagne Complex", in the Westerville Armory. From 1963 to 1981 the group moved around the city, caravanning lights and scenery by car to various performance locations.
1980s
On June 21, 1981, Curtain Players bought a building built circa 1836 on Harlem Road in Delaware County, about 5 miles north of Westerville. Originally home to a church, this historic building was home to a car repair shop prior to our theater moving in. After extensive remodeling, CP opened on March 26, 1982 in their own building with "Night Watch".
On June 21, 1981, Curtain Players bought a building built circa 1836 on Harlem Road in Delaware County, about 5 miles north of Westerville. Originally home to a church, this historic building was home to a car repair shop prior to our theater moving in. After extensive remodeling, CP opened on March 26, 1982 in their own building with "Night Watch".
1990s
The 1995–96 season saw an increase to five productions presented over a three week period. The family production was added to close the 1998–99 season. In September 1999, CP became the first community theater in the central Ohio area to hire an artistic director to the assure overall artistic quality of its productions.
The 1995–96 season saw an increase to five productions presented over a three week period. The family production was added to close the 1998–99 season. In September 1999, CP became the first community theater in the central Ohio area to hire an artistic director to the assure overall artistic quality of its productions.
Today
Curtain Players now boasts eight productions per season—six regular season shows, the family production, and the annual Playwrights Festival, now in its sixth year.
Curtain Players now boasts eight productions per season—six regular season shows, the family production, and the annual Playwrights Festival, now in its sixth year.
