PLAYMAKERS

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. (3) A near capacity audience "enthusiastically received" the three act play. (4)

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 1951 Stierman directed "The Playboy of the Western World" and appeared as the play's young hero. (5) The same year he appeared as one of the two main characters in "Outward Bound," the first drama produced by Playmakers. (6)

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Source:

1.

2.

3.

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

5. Ibid.

6.

7.