If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out our online form or call (330) 453-7619 for more information.
Founded in 1932 by Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Truxton, The Players Guild's earliest productions were staged at the Canton Jewish Center. On April 24, 1932 they inaugurated their opening season with "Moliere".
Three seasons later facilities were changed to accommodate the larger audiences being attracted to their productions and until 1940 productions were presented at Lincoln High School. Rehearsals and set construction were held in other locations on Market Street South and then moved to the High School for performances.
By 1940 the Guild's officials felt it was time to build a home of their own. As fate would have it the Coach House at the Case Mansion was deeded to the Guild for one dollar a year.
The 1950's saw a decade of expansion and change with the Coach House stage being enlarged, a balcony added and air conditioning was installed. On December 13, 1970 the Players Guild reached still another milestone, moving to the new modern theatre in the Cultural Center for The Arts, it's current home. The new theatre opened with a production of the musical "Mame" on January 5, 1971.
Today the Guild is operated by a Board of Trustees and employs a professional theatre staff to present outstanding and challenging plays for this community and the surrounding area. The original concept of volunteerism still plays an important role in the workings of the theatre.
It is doubtful that in 1932 Mr and Mrs Truxton and the other 21 founders of The Canton Players Guild would have dreamed of the impact on the arts in this community and the success and longevity of their creation.
As the Guild moves into a new century and a new millennium, it looks to the future and welcomes new ideas as well as the continual building of its volunteer base for bigger and more ambitious productions now presented on two stages.
When many theatres across America are closing their doors, it is imperative that this community support and maintain this local treasure for the enjoyment and enlightenment of future generations.
The Players Guild Theatre has an annual operating budget of over $400,000.00. Over 85% of this is returned to the local economy. Persons attending Players Guild productions from outside the Canton area generate additional revenue from meals, gasoline and hotel stays. We introduce a creative outlet to a wide and diverse population, providing a place for them to test their talents and entertain and enlighten the community. We present a year round series of theatre classes for children and adults in addition to specialized programs for children at risk and those with special needs. As one of the oldest continuously operating community theatre in the United States we give stature to the local arts scene.
By using volunteers in most all theatre positions we keep down the ticket prices helping to keep our productions affordable to all. Volunteers can serve as Board members, as Players Guild members and in numerous skilled and unskilled production duties. In our volunteer categories we can use your personal expertise or train you to learn more about the many crafts that go into making a successful performance. Duties you can choose from include but are not limited to:
Or creating your own niche with your own special skills and talents.
Come play an important part in this theatre for your community. Call us or come by for a visit. Find a role for yourself in an exciting and rewarding use of your time and talents. If time is not possible, a generous tax-deductible donation will also help us to continue our services to your community.