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Founded in 1910 and incorporated in 1911 by a group of prominent Detroit businessmen,
the Players Club of Detroit is a non-profit [501(c)(3)] gentlemen’s club whose official
purpose is to encourage amateur theater. On the first Saturday of the Season (October
to April), Player members perform three one-act plays at what is called a “Frolic.”
In the Shakespearean tradition, all roles on stage are played by gentlemen. Player
members also do the costuming, directing, producing, set construction, makeup and
other technical jobs, including those involving lights and sound. If you are interested
in becoming a Player or would like to attend a Frolic as a guest, please call (313)
259-3385.
From the founding of the club in 1910 until construction of this Playhouse in 1925,
the gentlemen of Players lead a gypsy-like existence. Each month they were forced
to find another Detroit stage in order to put on their three one-act plays. Venues
included the Detroit Athletic Club, the University Club and the Twentieth Century
Club. Designed by Player member and architect William Kapp, the Historic Players'
Playhouse was constructed of what were, in 1925, revolutionary materials, i.e.,
cinder blocks. Look closely; that’s what they are! The building includes an upstairs
formal meeting room with fireplace, a small commercial kitchen, a professional four-story
high stage, dressing rooms, a back-of-the-house, state-of-the-art tech booth from
which all lighting and sound may be controlled, and an assortment of basement storage
and prop rooms. The Playhouse is both a Federal and State of Michigan designated
historic site. The old bed of Parent's Creek runs under the northeast corner of
the Playhouse. Parent's Creek was the site of the battle known as "Bloody Run" during
Chief Pontiac's "Uprising" of 1763.
The six auditorium wall murals depict a traveling troupe of troubadours. They were
painted by famed artist Paul Honoré. The eight smaller banners represent skills
and trades needed to stage a theatrical production. The external façade of the Playhouse
is in Florentine Renaissance style. We welcome you to what has been described at
the "world’s biggest tree house." It may be rented for weddings, receptions, anniversary
parties, showers, seminars, corporate meetings and theatrical productions. For information,
call 313-259-3385.
Contributions to Players
The Players is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that has been designated as
a 501(c)(3) organization by the IRS. Contributions to The Players may be made directly
to The Players, to its Endowment Fund or to the newly organized "Friends of the
Playhouse" program and are tax deductible as allowed by law. Any donations to help
us preserve what is affectionately called the "Beautiful Lady" are greatly appreciated.
Information may be obtained from and/or contributions may be made by contacting
The Players at the contact information below.
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