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Greendale Community Theatre

The origins of Greendale Community Theatre can be traced back over 60 years. In 1958, a non-profit organization interested in all aspects of theatre formed the Franklin Players, which moved to Greendale and were renamed the Suburban Players in 1961. Some early mainstage musical productions included Annie Get Your Gun(1963), Music Man (1965) and Guys and Dolls (1966). Another important component of the Suburban Players was the summer children’s program on creative dramatics, run through the Greendale Recreational Program. The Suburban Players final curtain call came with the 1988 production of Jesus Christ Superstar. After 30 years of existence, summer theatre in Greendale had come to a temporary end.

Fifteen years later, the idea for the rebirth of fully-staged musical theatre productions surfaced again in Greendale. Beginning in the summer of 2000, Brian Bzdawka and Tom Reifenberg worked together on directing theatrical productions for a group in nearby Cudahy, called CCYM. When Reifenberg was hired by the Greendale School District, the opportunity arose to bring community theatre back to Greendale. In the summer of 2003, in partnership with Jackie Schweitzer and the Greendale Park and Recreation Department, the Greendale Community Theatre was born with its production of Grease. The 2007 and 2008 summer seasons saw the group temporarily moved to Whitnall High School due to construction projects, but GCT is proudly returning to Henry Ross Auditorium inside Greendale High School for its tenth production, the regional premiere of the full-length version of RENT.

In addition to mainstage shows, GCT is committed to providing children with opportunities to learn the benefits of theatre. The GCT Youth Academy is the outlet for younger children when the mainstage productions do not include them. In the summer of 2008, a production of Aladdin Jr. was staged, and 2009 brings a workshop setting where students are going to create their own short musical.

Moving forward, GCT aims to be on the leading edge of community theatre in the area, choosing productions that challenge both cast members and audiences. GCT is thankful for support from many people throughout the years, including community members, the school district, the park and recreation department, and the countless number of volunteers that make the shows come together seamlessly.

Greendale Community Theatre is based at Greendale High School, in Greendale, WI in the newly renovated Reiman Family Arts Wing. Our performances take place in the Henry Ross Auditorium.

Past Productions