| Since 1936, a strong theatre
training program has been a core component of the Players. In 1996,
this program expanded into the development of a Second Company, a
group of 15 to 20 interns and apprentices who work with the professional
company in the shops and backstage, appear in support roles on the
mainstage, and perform in 2 concurrent productions intended for children
and families. In recent years, the Players
has sought ways to engage more young people with the theatre. In
1997, they initiated a series of co-productions with the drama program
of the local high school; the project has since expanded to include
3 regional high schools serving 14 area towns. Productions have
included A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Peg O’ My Heart,
Light Up the Sky, and Love’s Labour’s Lost.
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