By Sylvie McCarthy
Players by the Sea theatre celebrated their official re-opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 9.
Players by the Sea is an artistic theatre where community and storytelling meet through collaboration. It is powered by passionate volunteers and artists who spark conversation and celebrate creativity.
Fourteen months ago, Players by the Sea suffered severe fire and flood damage that forced them to close for extensive renovations.
Tuesday, Players by the Sea staff gathered along with Chris Hoffman, mayor of Jacksonville Beach, and Curtis Ford, mayor of Atlantic Beach, to celebrate the re-opening of the theatre.
“I want to thank everyone who supported us. To see all the hard work that has gone into getting us back up and running has been very touching,” said Players by the Sea Board President Delvina Wynn.
Players by the Sea has been in its current building at 106 N. 6th St., Jacksonville Beach, since 1999, and Bradley Akers, executive director of the theatre, is thankful for the strong community support.
“Players by the Sea is more than a building, it is a place for dreamers,” said Akers. “This event marks an important milestone in our story and would not have been possible without the generosity, support and encouragement of our community. We are proud to celebrate this achievement with those who stood beside us and lifted us up.”
Players by the Sea features a 150-seat theater and a wide stage, which allows for a lot of actors to be on stage at the same time.
For more information on Players by the Sea, including a list of upcoming shows, go to their website at playersbythesea.org.