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Way Off Broadway Community Players

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Written by Katherine Kennedy Wednesday, 07 February 2007

Theater company relies on city involvement

Way Off Broadway Community Players provides performances by and for people who live and work in Cedar Park and Leander. The company launched its first season in 1997.

“We realized there was a need for good community theater in the area, so that is what we created,” WOBCP Liaison Skip Dunnett said.

Six shows are performed throughout the year, along with a special-event series and a summer fundraiser. Volunteers work in all aspects of the theater for six weeks before each opening night.

“We are made up entirely of volunteers,” Dunnett said. “We have a wide range of duties for volunteers looking to begin a career in theater. There are people who work in the box office during performances, build sets, work on lights and sound and apply make-up.”

Cast of February’s production of Blithe Spirit.

WOBCP encourages anyone interested in theater to get involved.

“Announcements are always circulating in the area. We love for anyone with the acting bug to come by. Auditions are done by cold reading with no preparation,” Dunnett said. “People can also volunteer to help with production or for the business end by soliciting funds and getting sponsors.”

WOBCP has called several places home. The theater is currently located off Crystal Falls Parkway, but the directors are searching for a permanent venue.

“Rent is killing us right now since we are a non-profit. We have to rely on our box office sales,” Dunnett said. “We would like a building in the Cedar Park or Leander area that is between two and five acres. We need sponsors to help us.”

In their current building, space is minimal. They would like to have their own permanent building so they can rent out space.

“Both Cedar Park and Leander have no places for people to meet,” Dunnett said. “If we had our own place, we could rent it out to them.”

Dunnett wants residents to be aware of the quality of theater performed in the community.

“We need to get the word out that there are high-class performances that should be seen. The actors and crew are people who love to do it,” Dunnett said.

The company implements programs that provide theater-related services to their community.

Beginning Feb. 11, the Community Players will offer acting classes. The group will also begin a program for Vista Ridge High School seniors to teach them about community theater.

Dunnett wants residents to know that they have a community theater to attend without driving to Austin.

“People need to know that we are here and we put on first class performances,” Dunnett said.