Factoids

Playhouse Merced is one of Merced County's "Top Ten Attractions," with over 40,000 visitors annually, with upwards of 40% of those visitors from out of town.

Playhouse Merced boasts a budget, staff and theatrical offerings that are more in line with a city of 200,000 - 300,000, than with the 75,000 that make up the city of Merced.

Now in its 15th season, Playhouse Merced offers musicals, dramas, comedies, classics and children's theatre offerings, all created with an attention to detail and professionalism, by a mixture of professional staff, community actors and volunteers and visiting artists.

The performing arts promote CULTURAL TOURISM, which is a key component in the economic development of any metropolitan area.

Arts and cultrue contribute to the identity and cohesion of a community, help to increase literacy, break down social barriers and help foster economic development and civic improvements.                                              

The Black Box Theatre, located in the old Beverly Fabrics building was designed specifically to explore and learn more about ourselves and the creative process of playmaking and creative expression.  The Black Box is a place where it's okay to get our hands dirty.  It's okay to take risks.  It's okay to try something new.

The facility is primarily dedicated to two very specific activities.

1. To provide a safe and open environment for students ages 7-18 to truly explore the performing arts with after school and weekend clesses in dance, acting, voice and technical theatre.  Students will attend class and perform recitals, as well as perform their own productions within this intimate 99-seat shoebox flexible space.

2. To establish an artistic laboratory where new work, alternative art forms, creative freedom and the relationship between audience and artist can be tested beyond the limits of a commercial enterprise such as our mainstage.  From the perspective of audience and community, this will be a significant alternative to explore different performaing arts events not usually available outside and urban setting.  As the community grows, this can become a truly eclectic environment where different voices can truly express themselves to a larger audience.

The Black Box was designed as a flexible space able to reconfigure easily into many orientations.  Half the fun will be seeing how the shows are oriented and imagining where you'll be sitting next!  This is a wonderful opportunity to get right in the thick of it and enjoy the energy of live, spontaneous and invigorating artistic expressions.  Call (209) 725-8587 for rental information!
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Education Director - Noelle Chandler
Originally from the DC Metro area, Noelle is pleased to be able to bring her big-city experience to the ever-growing population of Merced.  Noelle has a degree in Theatre Performance from University of Maryland in College Park, and enjoys playwriting, acting, directing and of course teaching the eager young students who cycle through her door.  She believes firmly that schools should be palaces, learning needs to be interactive to be effective, and that teachers who mold the youth of tomorrow should be paid way, way more than someone who can hit a ball further than anybody else.  She sends her love, deep thanks, and honest regards to all of her wonderful Conservatory staff, her family and friends (East Coast and West) and the town of Merced for this wild and wonderful experience.  "Vive Le Conservatoire!"

Technical Director - Chad Phillips
Chad Phillips is the new Technical Director here at Playhouse Merced. Chad graduated from the Art Institute of Dallas in 2002 and handles everything tech related in the theatre. 

Assistant Technical Director - Samantha Narron
Samantha came to Merced one year ago to do an internship.  She is now back for a second year as the assistant technical director.  She adores acting and dancing on the stage but is also very attached to the technical side.  When Samantha isn't doing theatre, she enjoys reading, a good red wine and bathing in the moonlight. 

Marketing - Joseph Hypes

Box Office Manager/Administrative Assistant - Cheri Steck
Cheri is a local girl who moved back to Merced after 9 years in the frozen tundra of Spokane, Washington.  She started as a volunteer usher to keep her busy until she found a "real" job.  Little did she know that Playhouse Merced would end up being her "real" job.  She is thrilled to be working with such a fun group of people.  She would like to thank her mother for giving her the love of live theatre because without that, she would still be looking for a "real" job. 
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Junior Intern Company
Tess Parks
Tess is a junior intern here at Playhouse Merced.  She recently graduated from Turlock High School and plans on attending a four-year university after her stay here.  She feels blessed to be a part of such an inspiring establishment and is excited to work with and learn all that she can from the welcoming staff and community.

Goran Norquist
Goran is from Turlock, CA and is an 18 year old graduate of Turlock High School.  He has performed at the Playhouse for a couple of years now and is thrilled to finally be on staff.  "Why so serious?"

President - Andrew Neufeld

Vice President - Marilyn Fauerbach

Secretary - Bruce Logue

Treasurer - Carol Longobardi

Members -  William Cook, Eve Delfin, John Mayer, Jennifer Ossowski, Melissa Proeti,  Michele Speich, Terri Stefani, David Zacharias

Ex-Officio Members - Maciej Ossowski, Dunya Ramikova, Suma Thondapu, Ellie Wooten, Tony Varni, Terry Bohlke

Company Doctor - Maciej Ossowski, M.D.

Company Photographer - Tom Frazier
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We offer a pre-professional internship program to recent college graduates looking for the opportunity to enhance their college experience.  We offer them a small weekly stipend, as well as housing and utilities.  This intensive internship allows them an opportunity to work in all areas of the theatre, while performing in both our regular season and our educational outreach shows.

This program allows them a start in the world of professional theatre.  We receive applicants from all over the United States as well as from within California.
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Too much free time?  We'll keep you busy!

Playhouse Merced is constantly looking for new volunteers. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and we would not exist without the efforts of dedicated community members like you!  Whether you're interested in ushering, acting, sewing, scene-building, or publicity, we have a variety of opportunities for people of all skill levels.  If you would like to help, please call Cheri in the box office at (209) 725-8587.

Playhouse Merced, like any quality arts presenter, relies on the support of committed members of the community to help us continue to provide the best in entertainment and education. 

Here are just a few examples of what your individual sponsorship supports:

* Our educational Conservatory, serving close to 20,000 local students a year.

* The presentation of over 125 performances per year.

* A professional staff coupled with a strong volunteer pool.

* Continues our tradition of bringing in the finest local, regional and national actors, directors and designers.

Founders $5,000
Producers $2,500
Directors $1,000
Playwrights $500
Actors $250
Patrons $100
Understudies $50
Ushers $25

Won't you join our growing family? Endowments, gifts or bequests help support the theatre's mission, while making a difference in your community.  Please feel free to make an appointment with our staff or your financial planner to set this important work in place.

Becoming a business partner with Playhouse Merced helps provide exposure to the finest in the theatrical arts for a wide section of our community and region.  As a sponsor, you will acheive visibility and recognition throughout the year.  In addition, sponsors receive additional benefits, not available to most patrons!

This is an excellent opportunity to publicize your business or organization, while providing valuable, much needed support to one of the area's leading arts providers.

Business Sponsors:

Diamond - $10,000
Platinum - $7,500
Gold - $5,000
Silver - $2,500
Bronze - $1,000

With each level you receive an advantage package, recognition on our corporate board and season tickets!

Show Sponsorships

Want to sponsor a show for the season?  Individual show sponsorships are a great way to get your name out there and show support for the arts!

Talk with Joe Hypes in our Marketing/Sales Department to find out more details!  (209) 725-8587
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