I started out with Great River Players in 2005 when I had just finished 5th grade; and I have already been in 5 of their shows. It was then that I knew I wanted to act for the rest of my life and pursue an acting career. Fortunately, I don't have to leave them just yet! Being a sophmore, I still have some years. Everybody involved with GRP is what I consider family. Some of them are my closest friends! Driving 30 minutes back and forth everyday for rehearsal is definitely worth my time if it means I get to see the most loving/caring people I've ever known every day! :)
Over a span of many many years I have been involved with Keokuk Community Theater which is now named Great River Players. Acting, producing, working backstage,makeup,props and more has been a wonderful and fullfilling experience. We are blessed with people of all ages who share their talents, time and friendship. The Keokuk Community responds very positively to our productions. Great River Players provides a variety of live theater experiences for our tri state area to enjoy.
I joined Great River Players because I needed something to do. How little did I know that this organization would become a big part of my life. I always enjoyed sewing, but in Great River Players, sewing became more of a joy than at any other time. I've held offices from board member to president of the board, but it is being among the actors, directors, stage hands and other voulunteers than brings the most joy to my life. I have seen Great River Players grow so much in the almost 40 years that I have volunteer with this group. The quality of the shows has become one equaled to a professional troup. All the volunteers that I have encountered have been dedicated and talented people that strectch beyong the bounds to present to the community the best that theatre has to offer. We are all volunteers, but you wouldn't know by the love we have for this organization, a love that is rewarded by the interest the community has in our productions.
Having been involved with Great River Players since 1987, I have seen the organization grow, not only in the amount of patrons and season ticket holders, but quality of shows presented and the quality of talent produced. GRP offers a 3 show regular season, in addition, 2 free summer theatre program are in place, which offers students from grades 4-7, and 8-12 grades from the tri-state area a chance to meet other like minded students, with an interest in theatre. GRP also awards an annual scholarship to a graduating HS seniior that is going into the field of performing arts in any capacity. Members of GRP are often asked to perform at various community activities such as dinner theatres for Big Brother Big Sister and United Way. Being a part of GRP has been very rewarding to me personally, by letting me discover unique ways to matter to my community, by directing, acting, singing or by encouraging new talent. Everyone in GRP is a volunteer from director, actor, stagehands and ticket takers.
I have work with GRP for almost 20 years, I have directed, acted and done several tech and back stage jobs such as make up. I find this group to be Inventive, Active in the community and professional. They are organized about how they run the business of show business. this croup has several members with varying expertise and we are all willing to teach and train community members who come to get involved. This organization works hard to provide our community with thought provoking entertainment.
I am an Independent Film Director and I have been involved with Great River Players (GRP) for over a year now. In 2008, I ran sound for the Christmas performance and found the experience to be totally thrilling! I have been on many film sets but I really enjoy working with Theatre. Everyone at GRP is great to work with, very professional and really have the heart to make the productions right. This year I am "stage manager" for one of their performances and I am looking really forward to it. If you have never seen GRP in action then you have been deprived my friend, I would say "go see them soon, it will not be disappointing."
After 20 years of involvement in almost every phase of production for this active community theater group, I am still amazed at the fresh and active group who continue to provide quality live theater for Keokuk, Iowa and the surrounding area. Beyond the three formal productions each year, we sponsor two summer shows for youngsters and teens and produce a minimum of two fund-raising projects for our patrons. Involvement by the members goes beyond the theater and finds them in many community groups, helping to enhance quality of life and arts in our midwestern town. Our current production is in its final week of prep and our next show goes up in April. My perception of community theater is that its purposes are entertainment, social interaction and education. Great River Players does it all.