Since 1959, Podium Players has gone through many changes from its start as a Hebron based Quartet to its relocation to the groups present home in East Hampton. Yet through all the changes and the years Podium Players has strived to fulfill its mission to entertain and educate adults, youth and families in the community through quality theatrical experiences. It is through the generosity of our members and our patrons that the last 60+ years have been so successful. Thank you all!
Through the theater, people of all ages, and walks of life come together and share a bond like no other group activity. The only requirements needed to be involved is a desire to work hard and to have fun. So please consider joining our “community”, either on stage or behind the scenes. We’d love to have you.
OFFICERS
Podium Player of the Year
Scott Minnick, 2019-present
Scott devotes many hours to designing and building sets for Podium productions.
Past Podium Players of the Year
PODIUM TESTIMONIALS
When I was a little girl, I was drawn to theater productions – I watched a lot, but rarely participated. That changed when my kids and I got involved with Podium -musicals, big productions, small straight plays. I wanted to give them the opportunity to try it out and it was great. They enjoyed being able to try out different parts – acting, technical, costuming. The best part was being in a community and making something larger than ourselves. It took our living room productions to the stage and made us all better storytellers.
Better still, we’ve made friends and connections that have lasted us for years.
Community theater changes you for the better and helps you to grow in ways you don’t foresee. I think everyone should do it.
My daughter and I were involved with Podium for many years. At first my little one at the time back in 2004 began participating in their wonderful shows! We also participated regularly in their theater summer camps. I truly enjoyed helping out at the camp and volunteering on the board for a few of those years! I eventually started to audition and participate in the shows too! All of it brought both my daughter and I so much joy! We learned so much about teamwork and the creative process! My now almost 22 year old daughter is a senior at Western Connecticut State University and about to graduate with a Musical Theater degree! Thank you Podium and so many others for introducing the world of theater to our family!
I was never a person that was interested in theater. Watching a show, maybe, but never would I have considered myself a performer. That all changed in 2017 when I found Podium Players.
That year, my daughter who has been involved in local theater groups since she was 5 years old, wanted to try out for the musical Annie. I love to support her and her love of the theater so I took her to auditions. When I walked into the room, several people separately asked if I was there to audition as well.
I remember talking with Cindy Harrington and she said that I would be a great addition to the show. I felt very welcomed right from the beginning and I felt a comfort that I just might be able to join my daughter and perform in a musical.
That night, I learned an Annie song and decided to audition the next day. I was nervous, but I felt at ease with all the support from the Podium Player members in the room. I got a call from the director and I was asked to join the cast! I was so excited to join the Podium Players and be in my first ever performance. It was an amazing experience- from the many rehearsals to the four performances.
I loved being part of the cast and the Podium Players so much, that I decided to perform again in the musical Matilda in 2019. The feeling of being welcomed into this great community is something I would love for everyone to feel. The love and support they gave me to be myself and not worry about how I will appear on stage or if I make a mistake is something I treasure. I truly feel that because I am part of this great organization, I will continue acting/performing in the future. I have grown in many ways and have developed lasting friendships in my community.