From where we BEGAN to where we are going

Just how did the seed of an idea for the birth of the Thornapple Players get planted? The idea of providing a new outlet for creative involvement and for quality theater entertainment in Barry County came from a youth theatre program run by John Fehsenfeld and Sue Drummond through the Thornapple Arts Council in 1999. After a discussion between Lyn Briel and John Fehsenfeld about expanding into an adult theatre group, Norma Jean Acker was asked to be the point person for what would soon become the Thornapple Players. Ms. Acker started as the theatre director in 1988 with Maple Valley and continued in that capacity until 2008, while simultaneously establishing a program here.  Planning took place all through 1999, and in honor of the 15th anniversary of the Thornapple Council, the Thornapple Players were launched in 2000. Their first show was Anything Goes, a musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. 

Teachers came from the various Grand Rapids theatre groups to teach theatre here. The idea was to become independent from the Thornapple Arts Council (TAC) within 5 years and to find a permanent place for performances. They wanted to establish a program foundation for youth theatre and to partner with other organizations. Eventually, the goals extended to becoming part of the Chamber of Commerce, the hiring of an administrator to deal with the business aspect for the group and to hire an intern to work on cataloguing costumes and props. After only two years of the Thornapple Arts Council as the acting Board, the Players became an independent organization in January 2003, gaining non-profit 501(c))3 status. In an agreement with TAC, assistance with ticketing and promotion is provided. As of 2023, a member of TAC sits on the Thornapple Players Board of Directors in an advisory capacity. The Youth Theatre program continues and has grown. Since this is a constantly evolving organization, it is a work in progress in meeting the theatre needs of our community. 

There was a good early public response to this new theatre group. The shows were big productions. Many well-known local figures were included in them in small roles. It gave real meaning to the idea of “community theatre.” Rehearsals were often held at Jefferson St. Gallery, Brian Reynolds Surveying Office, the Elks Club and the very first place, the Moose building, where Body and Soul is located today. Gilmore’s Jewelry also offered space, and The Fish Hatchery was used both inside and outside. The support of the community in helping the Players was instrumental in its growth.  The performances of the annual Spring musical, a fall play, and a Christmas show were held in different places such as Central Elementary School Auditorium, the Czinder building where Floral Designs reside now, and eventually to their current location. It took some years, but the dream of a permanent home was on the horizon.

How did we end up at the Dennison? In 2010, the Thornapple Players were able to put down roots in the First Presbyterian Church at 231 S Broadway when it was sold and purchased, becoming the Barry County Enrichment Center (BCEC).  In 2011, the Beverly Hillbillieswas performed as the Fall show in Leason Sharp Hall within the building. Virginia was the Christmas show.  Many families and businesses from our community contributed funds to turning the sanctuary of the Church into what is now our community theatre home. Terry and Marleah Dennison’s gift was dedicated to the repurpose of the sanctuary into a theatre and it was named The Dennison Performing Arts Center.

Thornapple Players are dedicated to ensuring their future in several ways. We established our bi-annual 6-week Youth Theatre Club and our 2-week Summer Drama Camp where students ranging from ages 8 years to 8thgrade can explore the performing arts, both on the stage and behind the curtains. As students enter high school years, there is an opportunity to participate in an internship program, taking on a leadership role in our youth programming and to participate in our adult productions. Investing in our youth is imperative to guarantee the survival of the performing arts in our community.

In 2024, we celebrated 25 years! 50 shows, all produced by Norma Jean Acker, many dinner theatres, and various other performances later, we saw the retirement of our founding members, Norma Jean and Doug Acker and of Carol Sivhl, an integral part of the success of the Players. Their strong commitment and support to the Players in the past 25 years was a huge sacrifice and large part of their lives. Now, with new leadership, we are working towards the start of 25 more years in 2025! We are grateful to our patrons, local businesses, board members past and present, and our many talented cast and crew members who continue to support us and make this all possible.

We can continue to keep the arts alive in our community through quality performances and educational programs. Additionally, we offer sponsorship opportunities for patrons and businesses looking to get involved. In an effort to secure the future of Thornapple Players, an Endowment Fund through the Barry Community Foundation (BCF) was established.

If you would like to contribute to the current season, click the Donate Now button. If you would like to contribute to our Endowment Fund #091, click the Endowment Fund button below.

If donating by check, please make it payable / mail to: 

Thornapple Players

 PO Box 514

Hastings MI 49058

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