Stage Crafters Community Theater unveils 40th season

FORT WALTON BEACH — Founded in 1972 in Fort Walton Beach, Stage Crafters Community Theatre Inc. is the second oldest officially designated “Community Theatre Organization” in Florida.

An offshoot of the original Playground Players, this all-volunteer group of local actors, technical theater aficionados, and area craftsmen are celebrating their 40th season this year with a series of family-friendly productions sure to entertain any crowd.

This enduring community theater group has staged more than 150 plays and musicals, ranging from social dramas such as “Inherit the Wind” and “A Few Good Men,” to well known comedies like “Nunsense,” as well as consistently entertaining musical productions including audience pleasers “Godspell” and “1776” to more modern fare such as the dramatic, gripping “Jekyll & Hyde” or the joyfully exuberant “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Plays are staged at the Fort Walton Beach Municipal Auditorium at 107 Miracle Strip Parkway. Stage Crafters’ 2012 season will feature these productions: “The Devil and Daniel Webster” March 9, 10, 11, & 16, 17, 18; “The Dixie Swim Club” June 8, 9, 10, & 15, 16, 17; “There Goes the Bride” Aug. 17, 18, 19, & 24, 25, 26; and “The Fantasticks” Nov. 2, 3, 4, & 9, 10, 11.

All performances run from Friday through Sunday for two weekends; curtain time for the Friday and Saturday evening shows is at 7:30pm, while the two Sunday shows are 2 p.m. matinee performances.

General admission is $15, except for the musical show which is $20; however, discounted Student Tickets are sold at the door of the performances only for $10, with appropriate student ID. Tickets may be purchased at the door, or in advance at P.S. Gifts in Ft. Walton Beach or Bayou Books in Niceville or at the organization website: www.StageCrafters.com via credit card.

Season memberships start at $50, offering a savings of $15 off the cost of purchasing tickets for all shows individually, as well as providing patrons with multiple newsletter updates. For information on discounts for group ticket sales of 20 or more, call 850-678-7754.

For general information, call 850-243-1101, visit the website or email: executiveboard@stagecrafters.com.