PLAYMAKERS

Photo courtesy: Telegraph Herald

PLAYMAKERS. In 1949 Vern STIERMAN was also introduced to the community as the president of Playmakers, Dubuque's Little Theater group which chose to incorporate as a non-profit organization in January of that year. (1) In October, 1949 the group presented its first play, "Petticoat Fever," to the public in the auditorium of WASHINGTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. Stierman had the principal role. (2) A near capacity audience "enthusiastically received" the three act play. (3)

Mayor Clarence P. WELU became the first community member of the Playmakers in July 1950 during the group's first membership campaign for the 1950-51 season. A limited number of letters were also sent to residents of Dubuque encouraging their membership and participation. In comments about the membership campaign, President Fred Hersche emphasized that audience patrons would be eligible to take part in any of the group's activities. K. S. Gordon, the membership chairman, explained that while colleges and high school offered opportunities to teach drama and develop talent, the experience was "practically non-existent" for the community at-large before Playmakers was established. (4)

One of the first activities of the local group was to affiliate with Playmakers with the American National Theater and Academy. This group operated under a federal charter which offered professional assistance from some of the nation's theatrical leaders. The affiliation would also create the possibility of professional actors appearing locally in productions. Headquarters of Playmakers were located at 410 Main. (5)

In October, 1949 the group presented its first play, "Petticoat Fever," to the public in the auditorium of WASHINGTON JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL. Stierman had the principal role. (6) A near capacity audience "enthusiastically received" the three act play. (7) The Playmakers had the opportunity in November, 1949 to hear Paul GILMORE, talk about his experiences in the theater and working with little theater groups. (8) People interested in radio drama were given the opportunity to audition for parts in a series of weekly radio programs scheduled to begin in early January, 1950. (9)

The performance of Moss Hart's 'Light Up the Skies' was presented in the Washington Junior High auditorium in April, 1950. A review of the play cited excellent performances, but a "seedy set" and costumes which did not "contribute to the illusion of people with lots of money." (10) The actors presented the light comedy drama 'The Late Christopher Bean' in November.

In 1951 Stierman directed "The Playboy of the Western World" and appeared as the play's young hero. (11) He explained that the play was chosen under the group's policy of staging various types of plays consistent with it's physical and financial resources. (12) The same year he appeared as one of the two main characters in "Outward Bound," the first drama produced by Playmakers. (13) The group presented 'Hell Bent for Heaven' in mid-October and 'Male Animal' in December.

'Payment Deferred,' a play in which famed English actor Charles Laughton made his American debut in 1932, was performed in 1952. Described by the newspaper critic as a "competent performance," the play's actors were praised but "nearly every curtain fell too slowly leaving the actors frozen in the attitudes of their punch lines." Lighting, costumes, and set, however, were above average. (14) The Playmakers also performed "Suspect" that year. There is no record of plays being performed beyond this date.

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Source:

1. "Playmakers to Air Drama," Telegraph-Herald, December 18, 1949, p. 18

2. "Playmakers' Debut Set for This Week," Telegraph-Herald, October 16, 1949, p. 10

3. "Playmakers Score Hit in Debut," Telegraph-Herald, October 20, 1949, p. 20

4. "Little Theater Opens Drive," Telegraph-Herald, July 23, 1950, p. 7

5. Ibid.

6. "Playmakers' Debut Set for This Week," Telegraph-Herald, October 16, 1949, p. 10

7. "Playmakers Score Hit in Debut," Telegraph-Herald, October 20, 1949, p. 20

8. "Little Theater Expert to Talk," Telegraph-Herald, November 17, 1949, p. 26

9. "Playmakers to Air Drama," Telegraph-Herald, December 18, 1949, p. 18

10. "'Playmakers' Comedy Tops,'" Telegraph-Herald, April, 23, 1950, p. 27

11. 'The Playboy' Satirizes Hero-Worship," Telegraph-Herald, April 1, 1951, p. 2

12. "Playmakers Set to Stage Irish 'Playboy,' Telegraph-Herald, April 5, 1951, p. 9

13. "Playmakers Will Present Unusual Drama," Telegraph-Herald, January 21, 1951, p. 13

14. "Playmakers Do Good Job," Telegraph-Herald, May 6, 1952, p. 4