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So we come to the end of The Dorset Players' 81st season of Community Theater. In this age of belt-tightening, we strive to continue to provide affordable quality entertainment for the surrounding communities. The 2008-09 Season began with the outrageous farce, "Room Service" directed by Dom Degnon that kept the audience laughing from beginning to end. Kevin O'Toole once again directed our annual Holiday show, the musical version of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Little Mermaid". Jane Wood was the Musical Director. In order to create an additional opportunity for young thespians to experience the thrill of being on stage, Missoula Children's Theater returned in January to present "Hansel + Gretel". In addition, they once again conducted workshops in area Elementary Schools. Our winter show was "Crimes of the Heart" written by Beth Henley and directed by Angie Merwin, who directed "Judevine". Finally, our annual musical was the classic, "The Secret Garden". This poignant story and its haunting songs appealled to all ages. It was directed by Janet Groom, who directed the stellar "Amadeus" last year and Joanne Beck, who has been the pianist for a number of our children's shows, was Musical Director.

Successful seasons do not happen without the ongoing support and dedication of our many volunteers. When I first arrived in Southern Vermont, I responded to an article in the paper that was looking for tech people to work on South Pacific. The woman who answered the phone asked me to be an Assistant Stage Manager. From my first rehearsal in the original Dorset Playhouse, I was made to feel welcomed and therefore became an immediate member of this dynamic community theater group. I have traveled through the ranks from Stage Manager to Executive Producer to Vice President and now, President. I am grateful for the opportunities I've had to meet wonderful people and to participate in such a vital organization.

The reason I share this history with you is to invite you to consider, while enjoying our shows from those comfortable red seats, becoming involved behind the scenes. There are many roles to be filled in the Dorset Players, and I promise that you'll be welcomed with open arms like I was 10 years ago.

I would like to close with a note of sincere appreciation to our many supporters and sponsors. Each year people and businesses in the Shires purchase ads in our program, offer to sponsor a specific show, or donate items for our cafe. Our list of members is constantly growing. As a nonprofit organization, these contributions are essential to our survival; so fill out the membership form in the program or contact Sheila Conway, our office manager at dpi@vermontel.net
or 867-5570 for additional information.

Please look in The Vermont News Guide, The Manchester Journal, The Free Press, and our website, www.dorsetplayers.org for information about our shows and other special events that will be happening at the Playhouse throughout the Season.

Maureen Chaffee
President, Board of Trustees, Dorset Players, Inc.