Awards given to The Playmakers by The Oklahoma Community Theatre Association:
2006 Theatre of the Year, honoring a community theatre that has made the biggest impact upon their community through continuous productions each year.
2009 OCTA Vision Award, given for the planning and implementation of a substantial long-term project, the Comprehensive Youth Theatre Program.
Bravo Award, which honors a theatre’s exemplary volunteer, to Judy Bradley, Marge Chowning, Linda DuBois, Linda Fracek, Vicki King,Sandy McCabe, Judy Moritz, Karon Wheat, and Tonna Zuech.
2011 OCTA Hall of Honor to Suzanne Boles of the Grove Community Playmakers. It is the highest honor and most distinguished award that OCTA presents. It recognizes the outstanding contribution to the development of community theatre in Oklahoma and her heart-felt desire for the progress and success of OCTA.
2015 JEANNE ADAMS WRAY SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD to Tom Sanders, business supporter of the Playmakers since 1995. The award is given to those selected people who are not working directly with community theatre in Oklahoma, but have or are making contributions to its progress.
History
The Grove Community Playmakers, Inc. was founded by Suzanne and Jim Boles in 1995. The success of the first production convinced the participants that there was a place for theatre in the Grand Lake area. A Board of Directors was organized and a 501(c) (3) tax status was obtained.
A Policy Governing Board of Directors, comprised of five community leaders, guide the organization and help The Playmakers’ Management Team create more demand for the quality theatre provided by this award-winning community theatre. A committed group of long-term volunteers continues to operate as volunteer staff members on a Management Team, supplying and managing all Playmaker programs. One of the founders acts as Artistic Executive, supervising all Playmaker programs and the Management Team. Seven community leaders with specific expertise act as Advisors to The Playmakers.
The program of The Playmakers includes:
- An annual Season of four productions for the public. 114 plays in our 22 years have given our area wide community a balance of comedy, drama, mystery, musicals, and youth plays.
- A Readers’ Theatre, mostly short comedies, but sometimes one-acts, giving actors of all ages the fun of performing without having to memorize or having too many rehearsals. 94 performances of plays in this format have been presented at local restaurants, for organizational meetings, and at our theatre.
- A Comprehensive Youth Theatre program, which:
- Introduces all Grove Public School students in grades 4-6 to theatre through classroom programs and performance opportunities. The Grove Public Schools allow Playmakers volunteers to use 101 hours of class time
each year for the in-school program;
- offers an after-school program of workshops and activities for those interested in more performing; and
- gives students opportunities to perform in regular Season productions and Readers’ Theatre plays.
- Introduces all Grove Public School students in grades 4-6 to theatre through classroom programs and performance opportunities. The Grove Public Schools allow Playmakers volunteers to use 101 hours of class time
each year for the in-school program;
The Playmakers have been supported by over 200 area businesses and 350 individuals over its 22 year history. This illustrates a culture that believes in the importance of the arts for economic development, their children, and the quality of life.