Photo by Michael Feldser

While fundraising continues, construction is set to begin on the new permanent home for the Hershey Area Playhouse this month with hopes of opening for business at the start of the 2006-2007 season in December.

Revised construction costs have pushed the new campaign goal to $1,500,000 instead of the original $1,000,000 estimate because construction materials have dramatically increased and the scope of the project has been altered.

With the help of many friends and businesses, the Playhouse has raised more than $952,000 toward its goal to turn the 137-year-old barn on Country Meadow’s campus into its new year-round theater. Both Country Meadows and The Hershey Company pledged $100,000 each and Senators Jeff Piccola and Chip Brightbill helped the Playhouse acquire a $125,000 Community Economic Development Grant. The remaining donations have come from foundations, local companies and generous individuals.

"We are naturally disappointed that the costs have increased but not surprised that we are facing this additional fundraising challenge. While the community has been generous, we are confident many others in the township and surrounding communities will contribute to the Playhouse campaign to ensure the success of this new treasure in our town," said Susan Cort Black, Playhouse Chairperson.

"Individual contributions have come from approximately 300 donors. If about 2,000 others in our community could pledge just $250, we’d be able to meet the new goal easily. Naming opportunities exist for pledges of $1,000 or more," she added. 

The Hershey Area Playhouse has produced close to two dozen quality amateur theater performances in a variety of local venues since its inception in 1999. After years of research and planning, the Playhouse board accepted the generous offer from the Leader Family and Country Meadows of Hershey to convert the historic barn on its campus into an intimate 150-seat community theater.

The theater will not only house the community theater’s productions, but will serve as a home for a variety of acting and theater workshop classes, including year-round acting classes for children, lectures, and other community arts activities. The Hershey Area Playhouse involves hundreds of volunteer actors and backstage workers of all ages and experience levels from across Central Pennsylvania each year.

The new Hershey Area Playhouse at Country Meadows is designed by Hummelstown native, Charles Alexander. Brechbill & Helman of Chambersburg will serve as general construction manager in this design/build project. Local building inspector and engineer, Roger Olson, has volunteered to be a liaison between the Playhouse and the construction manager.

Anyone interested in supporting the Hershey Area Playhouse or learning more about its programs and volunteer opportunities may call 533-8525 or email info@hersheyareaplayhouse.com.

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