Tater Patch Players (TPP) is a community theater group founded in 1977. We are a registered 501(c)3 organization, guided by a Board of Directors elected annually.
Over the years, we’ve delivered quality productions across a variety of genres. We continually strive to involve members from the community in all aspects of production. TPP has grown from putting on a single show during the summer to our current, robust program. We seek to be a positive force in our community, hosting acting, technical and directing workshops for children and adults. We support our community by participating in local events and festivals. TPP is active in the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce, Jasper Merchants Association and is a very proud member of the American Association of Community Theaters.
MEET THE BOARD
OFFICERS
President | Vice President | Secretary | Treasurer |
September Hoeler | Betsy Robbe | Jeff Duval | Nan Nawrocki |
BOARD MEMBERS
- Kirstin Davis
- Alan Johnson
- Ann Mackenzie
- Cindy Parks
- Eve Sauer
- Maralie Thomas
- Phyllis Zerkle
ADDITIONAL STAFF
- Production Committee : Mary Ann Best
- Play Selection Committee: Phyllis Zerkle
- Facilities Manager: Alan Johnson
HISTORY OF THE TATER PATCH PLAYERS
The Tater Patch Players were born in 1977 when a group of people from the surrounding area came together to discuss the need for community theater in North Georgia. Among others, there were Berry Roper, Sam Rothermel, Paul Carden, Tom Quinton, Joe Cumming, Lawton Baggs, Janet Vardaman, and Lee Etta Ligon – all from Pickens County. All were active in the Pickens Community and saw the need for performances in our area. They were very organized, formed a Board, elected directors — then someone said, “Let’s put on a play” and the fun began, and hasn’t stopped yet.
Alan Van Lyle of North Georgia College was hired to direct the first play and L’il Abner was chosen. The performance was done in the Tate Elementary School Auditorium which became the troupe’s home for many years. Because TPP performed in the schools so often, the season was always the same as the school year — that is, our 1977 season, ran through the summer of ’78. For many years, the troupe performed just one summer musical, then began to expand into other types of plays and sometimes featured work by local playwrights.
A HOME AT LAST
Our fondest hope was achieved in February of 2011 when Tater Patch Players, after more than 30 years of bringing plays to Pickens County, purchased a warehouse at 95 Philadelphia Lane to turn into their own theater. [Use the “Contact” link above to view a map to our new home.] This building made the leap from office/warehouse to functioning theater in just ten weeks. The transformation was inspired by the leadership and guidance of Tater Patch President Robert Countryman. Robert planned, guided and inspired both contractors and volunteers through the build-out process. The transition would have been much more difficult without his guidance.
Thank you so much for all your support and love through the “gypsy” years during which we traveled from stage to stage to deliver our productions! From now on, you will know where to find us. The hundreds of volunteer actors, stagehands, scene painters and costumers, as well as the often-overlooked folks who hauled scenery, props and lights from place to place over many years, are the backbone of Tater Patch. A special round of applause goes to you, our audience. We are proud to be able to invite you to our permanent home for your future entertainment.
WE ARE FAMILY
Tater Patch has always been a family endeavor, whether referring to our theater group family or the families residing in our community. Theater offers everyone an opportunity to come together and enjoy community spirit. Quality live theater has always been, and will continue to be, the bedrock of the Tater Patch Players.
Since opening our theater on Philadelphia Lane, the troupe has expanded their repertoire. We now do 5 main stage performances each year plus added workshops and activities for all ages and interests. Over the years, our theater has produced musicals such as Annie Get Your Gun, Sound of Music and Nunsense. Productions also include comedies, dramas, and children’s tales too numerous to name here. Check the complete list of TPP performances brought to our audiences since 1978.