Flint Community Players is 81 years old

The Flint Community Players celebrate their 81st season this year.

The group was created in 1928 by Flint residents Bertha Creighton and Robert K. Adams. Their first show, Meet the Wife, premiered June 27, 1929 at Central High School.

From 1928 through 1929 they were known as the Flint Theatre Guild, but changed their name to Flint Community Players.

The group generally performs at Bower Theater and occasionally at the UM-Flint Theater.

Steven J. Mokofsky, executive artistic director, has been with the group since 1990 in a variety of capacities " as a performer, choreographer, director and writer.

Mokofsky says donations, sponsors and grants are "the three staples of how every theater survives. We are always seeking grants and donations."

He points out that the group has involved themselves in community events, antique fashion shows and fundraisers, "We do everything and anything to help promote theater and theater education."

There have been hundreds of members over the years. There are always about 30 people available when needed.

The group pays two technical directors, an administrative assistant, musical directors and orchestra members.

Orchestra members are selected and paid on an as-needed basis. These musicians are found locally in schools, music programs, clubs and even the Flint Symphony Orchestra. Mokofsky says there are pit musicians that have played for the group as long as he has been there.

The actors and backstage workers are all volunteers. Shows have been performed in many different formats including a show with just two actors (I Do, I Do) and others with up to 60 actors (The King and I, Oliver and Annie). The larger shows typically involve a large number of children. Kids as young as 6 and adults as old as 85 have been involved in productions.

The theater season normally runs from fall through spring. There are at least five productions every season. This generally includes three non-musicals (often comedies) and two musicals, usually done in November and May.

A non-musical typically runs for six or seven performances over the course of a couple weekends. A more popular show may be extended to eight or nine shows. Musicals often run up to 12 times over the course of a few weekends.

There is a play selection committee that works together to select the shows that will be done each season. This committee is made up of different people from within the group.

Andrea Consiglio has been a part of players since 1997. She estimates that over the years she has been involved in about 50 shows in one way or another.

"The Flint Community Players bring quality theater to the city," Consiglio says. "It has been around for 81 years for a reason " it is a wonderful group of people who really care about bringing a wide variety of shows to the people of Flint. If you look at any of the seasons over the past several years, you will find something for everyone."

"If you have always wanted to try your hand at acting, managing, building or designing, this is a very welcoming, non-judgmental place to do it

," Consiglio adds. "But most importantly, the friendships you will forge during a show will last long after the curtain closes."

Mokofsky says, "The theater is probably the best holistic medicine there is. If there - something that ails you, chances are we'll cure it."

The group is now performing the musical, Hair, at 8 p.m. Nov. 14, 20 and 21 and at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 15 and 22 at the Bower Theater, 1220 E. Kearsley St.

Call 235-6963 or visit www.flintcommunityplayers.com for more details.