Francis Wilson Playhouse is the successor to the Clearwater Players, organized in 1930 as a community theatre which presented productions in ad-hoc venues around Clearwater for several years. In 1935, the first president of Actors Equity, Francis Wilson, a winter resident in Clearwater, convinced a friend, Mary Bok, to contribute $5,000 for the construction of a permanent home for the Clearwater Players.
Mrs. Bok agreed to the contribution on the condition that the Theatre would be named after Francis Wilson, who at that time was the premier actor of the New York stage. The bronze plaque of Mary Bok over the fireplace in our lobby is the only thanks she would accept.
The City of Clearwater leased the land the theatre currently sits on for a term of 99 years for the rental sum of $1.00 per year, and the theatre was built in 1936.
Our Guest Directors and our Music Directors are paid a nominal fee which works out to be less than minimum wage considering the hours they contribute. All of the actors and the "back-stage" workers are volunteers.
FWP produces 8 main season shows (comedies, musicals, drama and mystery) each year, plus one or more summer shows with a shorter run. The production schedule of 8 shows per season (September to April) is the most shows of any community theatre in Florida. In addition to our 8 show season, FWP sponsors a Childrens Theatre Summer Camp as our contribution to the community.
Fund Raisers - As an additional source of revenue, the Theatre holds a special Premier Performance on the opening night of each of the musicals. The First Nighters, a group of civic minded ladies, sponsors this performance which is preceded by a Champagne cocktail party. The proceeds go to capital improvements of the Theatre.
Periodically, FWP offers additional special performances outside our normal 8 show season. The proceeds go to capital improvements (new air conditioners, new curtain, etc.) and to our "Building Fund".
Building Fund - The FWP is 70 years old and building maintenance is increasing every year. Several years ago the Board of Directors began looking for a potential site for a new theatre as we only have 30 years remaining on our current land lease from the City of Clearwater. Faced with the proverbial "chicken & egg" syndrome, the Board elected to start raising money so that if (and when) a new theatre site becomes available, FWP would be in a position to acquire it. No specific site is currently available. Additional contributions and donations to our Building Fund are periodically graciously made by our members.
Ticket Prices - The ticket prices and season membership prices charged by FWP are designed to breakeven at the end of the show season. Currently show prices are $20 for a regular play and $25 for a musical, with students at $10.
Francis Wilson Playhouse makes traditional theater available to the community and builds and enhances the community's cultural image by offering a season of eight main stage productions. About 14,000 people a year see shows in the 182-seat theater. Opened in 1930, the Playhouse annually includes at least two to three musicals and a family-oriented program in December. Auditions are open to the community and volunteers are welcome in all areas of theater production. A four-week summer theater workshop is given for middle through high students.
Francis Wilson Theatre is run almost entirely by volunteers. There are many ways that you can become involved in the work of the theatre - from sponsorship to working with our thriving education department, from joining us as a Friend of The Playhouse to working here as an usher!