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Celebrating our 10th Anniversary this year... 2012!

Winding River Players, Inc. is a non-profit, tax exempt charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.  The Winding River Players theatre group consists of actors, singers, dancers, writers, producers, directors, musicians, choreographers, designers and other artists.  The group shares a love of theatre and a desire to spread this love to others through the performing arts and educational theatre projects.  Its main mission:  to “Enrich ~ Educate ~ Entertain.”  “The Players” perform at Winding River Plantation and throughout Brunswick and New Hanover counties in North Carolina.   Their educational and outreach programs extend to schools; charitable, non-profit organizations; performing arts groups; and long-term care communities.

The seeds of the theatre group began in December 2002 when Sue MacCallum gathered together a group of women from Winding River Plantation to perform for an Annual Holiday Brunch.  She choreographed a dance number to “Jingle Bell Rock.” The group also presented the dance for Christmas parties at several retirement communities.  Under Sue’s leadership, the group of nine soon morphed into Winding River Players and grew to over forty talented men and women.

In the first years, Winding River Players wrote, adapted and performed plays reminiscent of once-popular TV series, stage and television personalities; among them "The Honeymooners", "The Flintstones", "I Love Lucy", "George Burns and Gracie Allen Show", "The Golden Girls", "Laugh-In" and "Celebrity Apprentice".  They also produced holiday events, theme parties and murder mysteries which included skits, songs and dance numbers.  In 2005, the Winding River Players became an LLC and established its first Officers:  Co-Presidents/Co-Artistic Directors, Sue MacCallum and George Shafer; Vice-President/Executive Director, Gwen Shafer; Vice-President/Public Relations, Martha Koletar; Vice-President/Treasurer, Mike Dolan.  Its mission:  “to create a sense of community spirit in Winding River and throughout the State by entertaining and sharing their talents as charitable events, hospitals, assisted living and other retirement communities.”

In recent years, Winding River Players’ Board of Directors broadened its efforts to entertain, educate, and reach out to neighboring counties.  In 2009, Winding River Players, Inc. achieved a non-profit, 501(c)(3) status, enabling donors to make tax-deductible contributions.  Board Members are instrumental in the growth of the theatre group and fulfillment of its mission.  As a result, “The Players” partner with numerous performing arts, educational and charitable organizations.   In addition, “The Players’” productions now lean toward “legitimate theatre” pieces by well-known playwrights, among them classic works like Moliere’s "Tartuffe"; late 19th century plays like A.R. Gurney’s "Love Letters"; Joe Dipietro’s musical comedy, "I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change"; and contemporary comedies like Kathryn Martin’s one-act plays.

In 2008, the Winding River Players’ “Mixed Doubles Barbershop Quartet” was formed under the musical direction of Barbara Berry.  Members are Bill Fassbender, Lead; Bob Zinke, Bass; Barbara Berry, Baritone; Sue MacCallum, Tenor.  The quartet has performed for numerous non-profit events at Winding River and throughout local counties.  

Winding River Players will celebrate its tenth anniversary in 2012.  Plans are under way to produce the musical comedy revue, "I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change" in March.  It’s a tuneful joyride through the hilarious spectrum of romantic relationships from dating to grandparenting. 

For further information, contact Martha Koletar, Director of Communications and Publicity, at 910-754-6816.

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