Gulfport Community Players Provides Professional Entertainment

In 1980 a group formed and dubbed themselves The Gulfport Community Players. Unlike other community theater groups, The Gulfport Community Players is run by volunteers.

“No one gets paid in our organization,” Gulfport Community Players’ President, Eileen Navarro. “We are one of the last all-volunteer groups out there.”

From the directors and the sound guys to the actors and the lighting crew, everyone involved with the group is there for one reason: passion. The Gulfport Community Players and its affiliates possess a passion to perform and a love to entertain. There’s even a group of volunteers that build the stage sets.

“The theater is our avocation,” said Navarro.

That passion fuels the group to present five plays a year at the Catherine Hickman Theater.

Catherine Hickman was the founder of the group, so the theater is a constant reminder of the group’s foundation. But the group is constantly on the lookout for fresh talent.

A board of directors selects five plays a year to be put on at the Catherine Hickman Theater. Open casting calls fill the available roles.

After months of preparation, the plays are held during selected times throughout the year.

“We make plans for these performances a year in advance,” said Gulfport Community Players’ President, Eileen Navarro.

Directors are chosen from an outside source or within the board of directors. “It’s not a select group,” said Navarro. “It could be anybody.”

Currently, The Gulfport Community Players are putting on performances of the feel good comedy “The Curious Savage.” Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at , , or the .

Show times:
Friday, January 20 at 8 pm
Saturday, January 21 at 8 pm
Sunday, January 22 at 2 pm