The History of the Hudson Players

Located in Hudson, Ohio, the players were organized in the late twenties by the Robert Izants, Spencer Corletts, Harold Bells and the Neal Grays, The Hudson Players Guild performed many times during the thirties in Western Reserve Acadamy’s Chapel (when it still had a stage) to benefit the independent Hudson Primary School. The Guild ended its existence in the late thirties.

We owe our current existence to Glad Lewis and eight other Hudsonites who, while chatting over coffee in Saywell’s Drug Store (another Hudson institution) one morning in 1945, were inspired to revive the concept of community theatre in Hudson. The idea was received with enthusiasm by the community and the first production, a one set melodrama, “Fireman Save My Child” attracted an over-capacity audience to its single performance.  Encouraged by this response, the group went on to stage over 192 productions in its now 68 seasons of existence.

Currently, the Hudson Players perform at the Barlow Community Center on Oviatt St in Hudson, Ohio. This is a city owned facility the Players have rented for the last 20 plus seasons. While we have provided the furnishings, the equipment and the people hours to make our home a great theater, we have been very fortunate and appreciative for the support we get from the city of Hudson and the community members within in in providing a great space. We recently worked with the city on a backstage addition and facility upgrade to allow for even higher quality and more enjoyable performances.

In total, our group is comprised of all types. Professionals and amateurs, actors and stage hands, young and old, that all unite with a common goal. To create great theater along with fun and friendships. We believe in supporting all arts and collaborating beyond the stage. We have softball teams, bowling teams, Relay for Life efforts, group trips and more we continually partake in.

To summarize, while the group has performed many acclaimed productions and has received multiple Ohio Community Theatre Association awards for our efforts, we are perhaps best well known for our friendly environment, and dedication to offering good shows, making good friends and providing good times for audiences and participants alike.

“Good Shows, Good Friends, Good Times!”