This year, CDS middle school theatre teacher, Julie Nelson, led the charge on starting a youth community theatre program. Thus, the Patriot Playhouse was created. The Patriot Playhouse is a community theatre program that is open to the entire Carrollwood community, providing an opportunity for theatre enthusiasts of all ages to come together and create something magical on stage.

This year, as part of the Patriot Playhouse initiative, aspiring thespians had the opportunity to work with performers from the travelling shows Wicked and Hamilton. CDS and non-CDS theatre students spent an afternoon learning choreography with Karlee Ferreira, cast member of the Hamilton national tour, and Marie Eife, cast member of the Broadway Show Wicked.

Recently, the Patriot Playhouse had its inaugural production with a three-night run of Annie Jr., featuring two separate casts, which was a resounding success. The production showcased the talents of the young actors and actresses, who brought the beloved story of Annie to life with energy, enthusiasm, and a true love for the art of theatre.

Julie Nelson, the director and driving force behind The Patriot Playhouse, said, "We are thrilled to be able to open up theatre to the entire Carrollwood Community through this initiative. We have seen so much talent and enthusiasm in our young actors, and we are excited to see how this program will grow and flourish in the years to come. Our mission is to create a space where everyone is welcome and where we can share our love of theatre with others."

The Patriot Playhouse uses the Carrollwood Day School theatre, which provides a perfect setting for community theatre productions. With its expansive seating and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, the theatre allows audiences to truly immerse themselves in the performance.

The Patriot Playhouse is not just a place for actors and actresses to showcase their talents. It is also a place where members of the community can come together to experience the power of theatre. The theatre program will offer a variety of productions throughout the year, from classic plays to modern musicals, giving audiences a chance to experience a diverse range of theatre productions.

The Patriot Playhouse is also committed to fostering the talents of young actors and actresses in the community. It’s possible that as the program grows, it will offer a variety of classes and workshops for young actors, giving them the skills and confidence they need to perform on stage. With its focus on community, The Patriot Playhouse is the perfect place for young actors to learn, grow, and develop their skills in a supportive environment.

The Patriot Playhouse is a program that is open to everyone, regardless of experience or skill level. Whether you are an experienced actor or just starting out, The Patriot Playhouse is the perfect place to explore your love of theatre and to connect with others in the community who share that love.

The CDS Community Theatre program is proud to have created The Patriot Playhouse, and we are excited to see how the program will grow and evolve in the years to come. We invite you to join us for our next production and to experience the magic of community theatre for yourself.

For more information about The Patriot Playhouse ask to join the private group on Facebook @PatriotPlayhouse or reach out to Julie Nelson, Director, The Patriot Playhouse jnelson@cdspatriots.org.