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Our History

For more than 70 years, Stow Players has been bringing the magic of live theater to the heart of our community.

Stow Players performed for years in the basement of the old city hall. In 1983, we relocated to the Heritage Barn, a great addition to Silver Springs Park, meant to host both Stow Players and The Stow Historical Society.

Stow Heritage Barn - Stow Players

Our first production in the new space was the classic musical Mame — a fitting beginning for a new chapter. Since then, the Heritage Barn has become a vibrant multipurpose venue, hosting both private and public events throughout the year. For five months, from November through March, Stow Players transforms the Heritage Barn into our home: a black box–style theater and intimate performance space.

What makes our productions truly special is that intimacy. No seat is more than a few steps from the stage, drawing audiences so close that every laugh, every line, and every moment feels shared. In this setting, our stories don’t just unfold in front of you — they surround you, making every performance personal and unforgettable.

We also take pride in offering a season that balances variety and discovery. From beloved classics that have stood the test of time to popular new plays, we aim to provide something for every theatergoer. In recent years, we’ve expanded our mission by championing new voices through original works by local playwright Brandi Eaton and our Emerging Playwright Series, which gives up-and-coming writers the opportunity to present staged readings and receive valuable audience feedback.

Our commitment to theater extends to the next generation as well. Through youth theater workshops and performances, we provide a supportive space for young people to explore their creativity, build confidence, and discover the joy of storytelling. Many of our youth participants carry their love of theater into high school, college, and beyond.

Looking ahead, we are excited to continue growing. Our goals include upgrading our technical equipment, offering more theater classes, and launching an improvisation group — all designed to expand opportunities for performers and enrich the experience for our audiences.

Behind the curtain, none of this would be possible without our dedicated board of trustees and volunteers, who devote countless hours to making each season a success. Their commitment, paired with the enthusiasm of our community, keeps Stow Players thriving year after year.

Whether you join us as an audience member, performer, or volunteer, you become part of the Stow Players family. Together, we celebrate the power of live theater — and keep its magic alive for generations to come.