Sheldon Fallon, president of Center Players, and Bernice Garfield-Szita, artistic Director for the theater that presents live presentations of everything from comedy to drama, has issued a plea for help in finding a new location.
Fallon said that Center Players may be homeless after 21 amazing seasons when their lease on the small and intimate theater at 35 South St. expires in March 2024. The new landlords are planning to open a grocery store at the location, he said.
The all-volunteer community theater group has been a 501(c)3 non-profit organization since 1996 and opened its doors as a resident theater in 2001. Despite its size limiting audiences to 49, and with a 14×18 foot stage, Center Players has won statewide acclaim for productions. It was recognized by the Freehold Chamber of Commerce as Nonprofit of The Year.
“We embraced diversity through our artistic participants and audience members and have worked to make Freehold Borough and its fine restaurants a destination for audience members from all parts of New Jersey, New York City, Philadelphia and beyond, “ Fallon said, in looking back over the decades the theater has been a vital part of Freehold’s downtown area..
The New Jersey Association of Community Theaters (NJACT) recognized Center Players as one of the finest community theaters in the state with many nominations and awards for artistic excellence. Garfield-Szita received the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
Fallon explained that when COVID-19 hit in 2020 and all live, in-person performances were shut down, Players went dark. Yet the Board continued to pay rent, secure grants, produce virtual theater presentations and find outdoor venues to keep theater alive in Freehold. Doors opened once again in October of last year with California Suite and continues its current season with live, in-person performances.
The group is looking for a new venue and raising funds to transform it into a theater to continue its reputation for excellence, inclusiveness and community involvement. Fallon is urging anyone with knowledge of a new location or funds to create a new theater space to contact Monmouth Players at 732-462-9093 or email at info1@centerplayers.org.
“Without support,” Fallon said, “unfortunately, the Playhouse will need to close its doors permanently and that would be a great loss for all. “
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