Old Academy Players

Went for our first visit to Old Academy Players last night and loved it. We saw Oscar Wilde’s famous «The Importance of Being Earnest» and it was great!
They were very hospitable, much moreso than theaters downtown. For example, they offered refreshments during intermission, and a champagne reception after the production for opening night. Other playhouses do similar things, perhaps asking a modest fee for refreshments, etc., but it’s normally one or the other (refreshments or reception), not both. It just was a few small touches like that that made us feel welcome, even when a long way from our neck of the woods.
Thank you, Old Academy, for a great production, and since your season boasts some heady plays that look like they have some real content and intellect to them, we look forward to going back.
Please note, we found no designated parking lot (may have missed it). They are in a residential neighborhood so we found a spot, but on show night these spots are few and far between… had to park a bit far, so be prepared to walk a bit (noting shoe type and foul weather).

Old Academy Players is a local theater group composed of volunteers. The theater is small and intimate which allows very close and personal contact with the players. While these are volunteers performing, their professionalism shines through. The passion each of the performers bring to their roles is quickly appreciated by the audience.
Their venues consist of many classic plays such as a «Street Car named Desire» (playing in June of 2013). Actors perform these plays with a passion that is often lacking from professionals who sometime show their complacency after too many performances.
I find the original material written by volunteers at Old Academy artists to be their strong suit, These plays are original and entertaining. A few of the originals such as «Four Weddings and an Elvis» and «Almost Maine» remain quite memorable for me.
The prices are reasonable at $ 15 per ticket and there are group discounts available along with subscription rates.
This theater has the distinction for launching the careers of Grace Kelly and Robert Prosky, (Hill Street Blues) Both actors grew up in the area.
Old Academy Players also do volunteer work and have been active participants in the Annual Hospitalized Veterans tribute. They will be participating in their fifth year of support for this tribute on August 3^rd, 2013 which will be held in Gorgas Park.
For a night of entertainment check out the Old Academy Players after your first play you will look forward to future engagements.
Bruce

A family friend recommended the Old Academy Players to me and went so far as to buy two tickets for my birthday (one for me, the other for a date) to one of their shows. I stopped in this past weekend to see «Murdering Marlowe».
I’m no stranger to the arts, but wasn’t sure what to expect, especially since I didn’t get a chance to read about the play beforehand. I was surprised by the size (or lack thereof) of the Old Academy’s auditorium. Their seating area can’t handle a huge audience — but is that really a problem? The venue’s intimate setting does make performances more personal; it was easy to become absorbed into the characters on stage. In particular, the actor who played Marlowe was a hoot! (Check out their show!)
The Old Academy Players is a not-​for-​profit, largely volunteer-​driven, community theater so if you’ve time to spare, sign up for their mailings and see where you can help!