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ABC Players WE MAKE THEATER MAGIC! |
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ABC Players WE MAKE THEATER MAGIC! |
We perform in the historic Stuart's Opera House in Nelsonville, OH. Click here to see all of the shows we have produced since December 1992 (with pictures).
For TICKETSto our shows, please contact Stuart's Opera House.
Our 2026-2027 Season is sponsored by 
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The Cemetery Club A comedy in which three Jewish widows meet monthly for tea before visiting their husbands' graves. The story explores themes of friendship, love, and the process of moving on from grief through humor and heartfelt moments. Staged reading on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Auditions. |
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AMADEUS Set in 18th-century Vienna, “Amadeus” tells the story of court composer Antonio Salieri and his complicated obsession with the brilliant Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. As Salieri grapples with envy, faith and artistic ambition, audiences are drawn into a captivating tale of genius and rivalry that explores the price of greatness. September 11 & 12 at 7:30 p.m. and September 13, 2026 at 2 p.m.
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Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer—the Musical JR Music and Lyrics by
Johnny Marks Script Adaptation by Robert Penola Arrangements by Timothy Splain Orchestrations by William C. White Based on the animated television special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” adapted from a story by Robert L. May and the song by Johnny Marks. Developed by Character Arts Creations, LLC. Based on the beloved television special, this heartwarming musical follows Rudolph and his friends on an unforgettable journey of self-discovery, friendship and acceptance. Featuring familiar songs, colorful characters and festive fun, the production is perfect for audiences of all ages and just in time to get in the spirit of the holiday season. December 4 & 5 at 7:30 p.m. and December 7, 2026 at 2 p.m.
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Roald Dahl´s
Disney's High School Musical
Book by
David Simpatico Original Songs by Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil; Ray Cham, Greg Cham and Andrew Seeley; Randy Peterson and Kevin Quinn; Andy Dodd and Adam Watts; Bryan Louiselle; David N. Lawrence and Faye Greenberg; Jamie Houston Music Adapted, Arranged and Produced by Bryan Louiselle Based on the hit Disney Channel original movie, this upbeat musical follows Troy and Gabriella as they defy expectations and audition for their school's musical, challenging stereotypes and labels such as “jock” and “nerd” along the way. Filled with memorable songs, energetic dance numbers and themes of friendship, authenticity and self-confidence, High School Musical celebrates the importance of being true to yourself. This play is produced as a collaboration with the Nelsonville-York Drama Club — March 19 & 20 at 7:30 p.m., and March 21, 2027 at 2 p.m.
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Kurt Vonnegut’s
GOD BLESS YOU, MR. ROSEWATER
Our season concludes with the very first musical collaboration from the iconic duo Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, the creative team behind beloved works such as The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors and Beauty and the Beast. Based on the novel by Kurt Vonnegut, the comedic yet heartfelt musical follows Eliot Rosewater, a wealthy heir who dedicates his time and money to helping the impoverished residents of his small Indiana hometown. As those around him question his sanity and motives, Eliot challenges society's ideas about wealth, the American class divide and how to love and support those who have been stripped of purpose. Filled with wit, warmth and memorable music, the show is a touching celebration of compassion, community and human kindness. May 7 & 8 at 7:30 p.m. and May 9, 2027 at 2 p.m.
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AUDITIONS: Tips
Note: You don't have to be a member of ABC Players to audition, get a part, and perform in one of our productions. But, if you get a part in a second play, we'd like you to support the organization by becoming a member.
Auditions are listed here as they are scheduled.
ABOUT US: History of Athenian Berean Community Players
In the beginning was the Berean Community Players (BCP), incorporated in 1973. For years, BCP's productions under the direction of Spencer Steenrod and Tony Coleman were the cultural center of gravity in southeast Ohio. Musical directors Katy McCoy and Mary Jane McKinley, were recognized throughout Ohio for the quality of their work.
For several years, Joe Balding and Steve Haskins entertained the idea of forming a community theater group in the Athens area. In the summer of 1992, while working on an Ohio Valley Summer Theatre production of On Golden Pond, Joe outlined his dream to Spence Watson, who was also in the play. Spence and Beth Watson had previously formed an amateur theater company in another community. They shared their experiences at a meeting at the Athens Unitarian Fellowship Hall on August 3, 1992. The groundwork for Athenian Players Theatre (APT) was laid at that meeting.
APT's first production was The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, opening in the Athens Unitarian Fellowship Hall on December 10, 1992. Indeed, for our first five years, APT was a sort of nomad theatre, doing shows at such locations as the Unitarian Fellowship Hall, the Athens Middle School, the Senior Citizens Center, and the Friends’ Meeting House in Chauncey. But in March 1997, the historic Stuart’s Opera House reopened in Nelsonville. On October 3, 1997, APT presented I’ll Be Back Before Midnight in the newly restored Opera House and—except for a few special productions in other locations—APT jointly produced shows with BCP in Stuart’s Opera House.
On March 18, 2009, the membership of both organizations voted to merge into a single organization called the Athenian Berean Community Players.
Our normal season is three to five plays, performed either Thursday through Sunday in a single week or Friday through Sunday of two successive weeks. Sunday performances are matinees; all others are evening shows.
In most seasons, at least one of the productions is a musical. These have included The Sound of Music (Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II), Into The Woods (Stephen Sondheim), A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (Stephen Sondheim), and Funny Girl (Isobel Lennart, Jules Styne, Bob Merrill). Comedy and dramatic offerings have included such plays as Rumors (Neil Simon), Night of January 16th (Ayn Rand), Steel Magnolias (Richard Harling), Present Laughter (Noel Coward), and Flowers for Algernon (David Rogers).
For a complete list of our productions, illustrations of the show posters, and some stage photos, please click here.
For many years, we were active in the Ohio Community Theatre Association (OCTA). Our members served in various leadership roles in OCTA. When we presented excerpts of our plays at OCTA regional and state-wide festivals, we earned formal recognition of the excellence of our productions. We earned awards for acting, direction, sets, costumes, and for our newsletter: The Minotaur. Facing rising printing and postage costs and the general availability of the Internet, we stopped publishing The Minotaur in 2014. In 2018, the membership voted to end our membership in OCTA, while retaining membership in the national American Association of Community Theatre which publishes the bimonthly Spotlight magazine.
So, we have a core of talented, experienced members with demonstrated commitment and exceptional abilities. But all of us face competition for our time, and—as with all volunteer organizations—maintaining a strong, exciting program over the years is a challenge. We are taking steps to attract and empower new members, and we are particularly seeking young people who are interested in live theatre. Although we currently have more than 30 paid members, not all are able to be actively involved in productions. Also, since "time keeps on going into the future," we need to continue to attract new members to keep the organization fresh and flourishing. Becoming a member is easy.
We owe our continuing success to numerous supporters. A few have helped us over and over, and they are mentioned here:
Click here for our bylaws and production policy. We can be found on the Ohio Attorney General's database of charitable organizations by searching for “Athenian Berean Community Players”. The IRS’s Exempt Organizations Selection Checklist can also be used to verify our eligibility to receive tax-deductible contributions.
We're also on 
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Support ABC Players as You Shop
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| Here's how to do this. First, go to the Kroger website, and click the “Sign In” link where you'll be able to log on or create an account. Once you've signed in to your account, click your name in the upper-right corner and select “My Account” and then “Community Rewards.” There, you'll be able to tell Kroger to send a quarterly check to ABC Players based on your regular shopping at Krogers. We are listed as organization #BQ524, “Athenian Berean Community Players.” |
The annual play selection meeting was held May 19th at 6:30 p.m. The membership considered and voted on the nine proposals that had been submitted. Results will be announced here and on social media when the performance rights have been obtained.
The 2026-2027 season has the following dates:
MEMBERSHIP: To become a member of ABC Players, all you have to do is express an interest, be at least 14 years old, and pay $10 a year. Families may join for $20. The membership year runs from September 1 to August 31. Dues are not prorated. Click here to join or pay dues.
OFFICERS:The 2025-2026 officers are
Officers are elected annually and serve from September 1st through August 31st.
Athenian Berean Community Players
P.O. Box 283
Athens, Ohio 45701
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