Company/Theatre

Conejo Players Theatre

Thousand Oaks, CA USA

Style & Level

Musical Theatre
Emerging Pro

Description

The Conejo Players were born in 1958 with a "Let's start a theatre" attitude, a meager treasury, and a handful of volunteers to build a stage in a barn and put on shows. Within seven years -- and a history of some 20-plus productions -- that attitude evolved into: "Let's build a theatre!" With the generosity of the Janss Foundation and a no-interest construction loan, a 126-seat theatre opened at the current S. Moorpark Road location in July 1964. In 1974, on the 10th anniversary of the building (and nearly 50 productions later), the mortgage was paid. And after eight more years (that's another 40 Mainstage shows and eight Conejo Afternoon Theater [CAT] productions), the urge to grow lead to a new lobby, new restrooms, new theatre seats, and an increased capacity of 185.

Within the next decade (more than 40 more productions and 30 CAT shows later!), the space demanded a workshop and rehearsal/storage areas. In 1989, an 1,800-square-foot expansion was added to the back of the theatre; prop, set storage, and scene shop areas were all greatly enhanced. Ten more years pass -- that's over 60 Mainstage productions, 35 CAT shows, and three Children's Theatre productions -- and the interior of the auditorium began showing its age. The need to refurbish, improve, and remodel with air conditioning, improved access, and new seats became the "Reaching for the Stars" campaign. Due to several generous donations, the Phase One remodel was completed in 2002. And in 2005, the desire to enhance the Conejo Players' musical theatre capabilities lead to construction of an orchestra pit prior to the opening musical of the '06 season. In 2015, a Capital Campaign resulted in the purchase of a brand-new heating and air conditioning system, as well as several other needed improvements. Just two years later, further donations resulted in increased technical capabilities by way of a new lightboard; new LED stage lights; and a new soundboard. And in Fall 2018 -- due to the incredible generosity of our patrons and members -- we unveiled fresh, modern bathroom facilities complete with refurbished plumbing. At CPT, we continue these fundraising efforts with a keen eye toward the future ...

We're celebrating our incredible 60th Anniversary in 2018, and we're looking forward to the next six decades of providing professional-level live entertainment to the Conejo Valley and beyond ... There's no end to the creativity here at Conejo Players Theatre. Join us!




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