History
Role Players’ Ensemble Theatre was founded in 1983 by a group of Danville residents who wished to establish quality community theatre in the San Ramon Valley. In addition to providing a venue where local actors, directors and technicians could ply their craft, the group hoped to attract an audience throughout the Tri-Valley and Contra Costa County and expand their theatrical alternatives. The company was formed as a California non-profit organization.
Although the mission has evolved over time, the fundamental aim has always been, and remains, to provide provocative, high quality theatre productions that both entertain and educate.Between the inaugural season and 1991, the Role Players occupied storefront space in Danville and produced five full-length productions a year. In 1991 the Role Players entered into a co-sponsorship arrangement with the Town of Danville and moved to the historic Village Theatre on Front Street.
Since that time the Role Players has produced three stage productions a year, providing a professional-quality theatre experience and garnering substantial critical success. Role Players Ensemble productions have run the gamut from serious dramas such as Arthur Miller’s, All My Sons and Reginald Rose’s terse courtroom drama Twelve Angry Men to Steve Martin’s comedy Picasso at the Lapin Agile and Marc Camoletti’s outright farce Don’t Dress for Dinner Role Players has, in many cases, enhanced the theatrical experience of our audience by sponsoring after-show discussions related to the subject matter of the show. For example, an attorney familiar with military law gave a talk after performances of The Caine Mutiny Court Martial. In addition Role Players Ensemble has taken the theatre experience into community schools with workshops such as the stage combat demonstrations in conjunction with The Three Musketeers in 2003. Both discussions and workshops have been well-received and RPE regards projects such as these as a fundamental part of the community theatre’s mission.
In the last several years, the Role Players’ Ensemble has seen our already excellent reputation further enhanced by winning several Shellie Awards— the Contra Costa County Community theatre awards that are presented every January. Role Players’ productions were awarded Best Production Shellie for 1997–98, 1999–2000 and 2000–2001 seasons. In addition Role Players’ actors have captured several Supporting and Lead Acting Shellie awards. Most recently Karen Fryer won the 2004 Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Dinner with Friends. In addition directors and technical staff have been recognized. Overall, in the last several years, the Role Players’ Ensemble has been, far and away, the most awarded non-musical community theatre company in Contra Costa County.
