Our Mission:

The Players Ring provides the Seacoast with an intimate and distinctive performance experience by cultivating artistic creativity and freedom and by engaging audiences with unique and exciting theatrical opportunities.

Our History:

The Ring is located in the Puddle Dock section of Portsmouth, next to Strawbery Banke, and is part of Prescott Park. The area is steeped in history, which the Ring maintains in its upkeep of its 1833 facility.

In 1992, Gary and Barbara Newton founded the Players’ Ring, which quickly established itself as a center for the production of new and original plays by regional artists. It also provided perfect opportunities for actors, directors and technical staff to develop and hone their craft in a nurturing and intimate performance space.

The Ring has maintained the commitment made by the Newtons for thirty years, and is now expanding their mission by offering even more opportunities for the regional creative community to experience artistic freedom and mentorship.

Seven years after its founding, Gary Newton wrote this about the Ring. It resonates today: