Grove Players 75th Anniversary Event:
On September 17, 2010, we celebrated Grove Players' 75th Diamond Anniversary. We met at the Doubletree Guest Suites and Convention Center in Downers Grove for a black tie optional party. A whole year went into the planning for the gala banquet. The Planning Committee included the following: Dick Albright, Elaine Albright, Renata Allelujka, Mariellen Basalone, Beverly Blaa, Danna Durkin, Sharon Feeney, Susan Langenfeld, Mary Pavia, Mike Pavia, Mike Pemberton and Joyce Tumea. The food choices included Sliced Round of Beef, Boursin Chicken or Brie Cheese Ravioli. Music was supplied by Phase4. There was a great Silent Auction with lots of donated great items. A video slide presentation review of photos from many of our 75 years worth of plays was shown all night long. Remembering the beginning of our group was scripted and played by a number of members for the enjoyment of all. It was a special evening with special guests, newer members and those who have been around a long time.
Click
any
picture
for a
larger
view |
 |
 |
Christmas Party 2010:
December 6, 2010 found us, once again, at the Home Run Inn in Darien. There was a nice crowd, great food and fun games led by Steve and Jan Lown. Some new faces were in attendance as well as some 'seasoned members'. The cast of Shadow Box was announced. We had 15 new members for season 2010-2011. Welcome!
Storage Unit Move - May 7, 2010:
| Once again, Grove Players lost its storage space in Downers Grove. But never fear, our scouts were out to find a new place for our costumes, flats and props. We are now in Darien in another two car garage. Thanks to all those who helped with their time and energy. The new organization should be of help to the next crews in finding things. |
 |
Lamb Budach Awards for 2010-2011: Grove Players gives two awards each year to seniors from Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South High Schools. Grove Players has been awarding scholarships to deserving high school students for many years now, in memory of Carter Lamb and Chuck Budach, two outstanding thespians who were skilled as actors onstage and as crew backstage for numerous Grove Players productions.
This year South High School decided to split the award between two of their seniors who have shown extraordinary advancement in theatre activities both onstage and backstage. The awards were presented by Grove Players member, Michael Pemberton at their award night in May, 2011. The two recipients were Claire Drews and Alyssa Frewen.
Joyce Tumea presented Emma Smith at North High School with her award, also given at award night in May. Theater teacher Demetrios Pappageorge at North High School stated that Emma Smith has done just about everything there is to do. She has been a leader on their Drama Board with regard to planning and leading Drama Club activities like Monday Night Improv and field trips to local colleges to see shows. She started as the dead little girl in Frankenstein her freshman year and progressed through many technical crews and acting roles to become the director of her own show.
Membership Awards:
Rookie of the year went to Renata Allelujka.
Renata was a member of our 75th Planning Committee. She wrote drafts for our proclamations and was instrumental in getting them approved and signed from the Mayor of Downers Grove and also from the State of Illinois, House of Representatives. She was also seen at the welcome table at the banquet and has been seen many times at the box office table during our performances.
Member of the year award went to Marilyn Ludwig who has been invaluable throughout season 75. Some of her many talents were utilized for Program Editing, Props Chair for The Shadow Box, Producer for Moonlight and Magnolias, Play Reading Committee among many other involvements.
HAM of the year award went to Rich Gannon. Rich has been our Set Designer, Stage Manager and helped with Set Construction with Moonlight and Magnolias. He has sat at the Box Office table almost every show, has helped with Storage unit cleanup and served on the Play Reading Committee. Rich has been with Grove Players since the 1970's and has been a very active member throughout his tenure with the group. |
 |
New Board of Directors for 2011-2012 Season:
 |
At our final meeting of our 75th season, elections were held to elect a new Executive Board of Directors. Vote was taken and the following members took office: Danna Durkin, President, Linda Surlak, Vice President, Susan O'Byrne, Secretary and Treasurer, Michael Pemberton. At a subsequent meeting of the Board, Rich Gannon was appointed as Ways and Means Director to round out our current season's board. |
Chamber of Commerce Event - June 15, 2011:
This event took place at Rita's Roadhouse in Downers Grove and was specifically aimed at promoting not for profit members of the Downers Grove Chamber of Commerce. Linda Surlak and Danna Durkin set up a table and went to work letting everyone know who we are, getting information from them also. |
 |
Grove Players' Annual Picnic - July 24, 2011:
|
