Art Park Players, in its 42nd season, is the only dinner theatre in Southeast Texas. From actors to dancers and tech crew to hospitality, these shows are put on by the best volunteer theatre lovers in the area and is produced by the Art Park Players creating show experiences full of people with a true passion for theatre.
In early 1979, a small group of Deer Park residents, led by Jeff Smith and Jean Riggs, met at the Deer Park Community Center to begin a script-reading club. After several weeks went by, and the number of people attending grew, this hardworking and talented group decided it was time to put on a show. Later that year they staged their very first production, Once Upon a Mattress at Deer Park High School’s Gaines Mason Auditorium.
These theater lovers continued their recruitment efforts and soon the “Not-Yet-Named Theatre Company” sprang to life, offering their first season of shows. The City of Deer Park recognized the love for the theatrical arts in our community and was fortunate to hire Sue Fenley Meyers as the full time artistic and managing director. And the “Not-Yet-Named Theatre Company” became the Art Park Players.
It has been a long, but exciting journey from our humble beginnings back in Room 6 at the community center to the lovely theater facility the City of Deer Park afforded us in December of 1986. In April, 2004, Susan Mele, longtime theater performer, junior Art Park Player director and volunteer, took over the reins upon Sue’s retirement. Susan has been with the theater company since 1981.
Art Park Players have grown in both number and spirit. Our pride in our theatrical endeavors knows no bounds. We are blessed to have a successful company run by our theater family. Our success relies heavily on the efforts of more than 100 steadfast volunteers who are instrumental in helping us present over 10 productions to the community each year – including our highly acclaimed dinner theater shows.
Our youth theater school began with six students, and now has more than 250 eager young minds. These students gain self-confidence and grow their creativity through participation in a myriad of activities, such as: acting, singing, and dancing.
Art Park Players
1302 Center St. Deer Park, TX 77536 | 281.478.7288
Box Office
281.794.2448
