Discover the dynamic world of Columbus JCC Gallery Players, your destination for engaging theatrical performances and cultural events. From captivating plays to vibrant musicals, our ensemble celebrates artistic diversity and community spirit. Join us for an unforgettable cultural experience, where creativity thrives on stage. Explore our upcoming productions and immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene at the JCC!

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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

HISTORY

In the late 1940’s, the foremost community theater in Columbus was the Players Club Theater. As a club, this group did not permit the participation of African Americans or Jews. Finally, a group of Hadassah women who were interested in theater, met at the home of Florence Zacks (Melton) to organize a theater activity in which members of the Jewish community could comfortably take part.

The R. G. Barry Corporation offered loft space to this fledging drama group on the top floor of its factory at 80 1/2 East Long Street. It was within this space that Gallery produced its first production in May 1950 and this initial effort was met with great interest by the Jewish community.

The new Jewish Center was under construction at the time and the program department of the agency offered its multi-purpose room as a site for the group to stage its future productions. The group readily accepted and became an adult activity offered by the Center. Realizing that in order to present plays at their highest level and have audiences accept the playwright’s intention, the group reached out to the general community for additional talented individuals.

Thus, Gallery Players became the first community theater in Central Ohio to implement a casting policy that did not discriminate on the basis of race, religion or gender.

Today, Gallery Players continues this inclusive tradition. We always strive to bring Central Ohio the very best that community theatre can offer, which can only be achieved by relying on the talents of a diverse cross section of people. These talented people will be the ones that ensure Gallery stays strong for another 60+ seasons!

Benny Zelkowicz, Committee Chair

 

COMMITTEE:
Sarah Blumenfeld
Ken Clubok
Allan Finkelstein
Jeff Folkerth
Carol Luper
Jen Myers
Pam Scheer
Ira Scheer
Jon Schelb
Aaron Shatz
Amy Silver Judd
Rena Vesler

Tony Winner

 

 Bonnie & Allan Finkelstein

Fred Luper Gallery Players Memorial Fund

Producer

Carol Folkerth Fund for Jewish Inspiration

Ohio Holocaust Memorial and Genocide Commission

Wendy & Steven Cohen

Musical Director

Amy & Jason Judd and Family

Stage manager

Carol & Jeff Folkerth
Carol Luper
Denise & Mike Klapper
Jay & Bat-Ami Moses
Jean Krum & David Neubauer
Jennifer & Seth Cammeyer
Julie & Doug Cohen
Karen Shore Meyer and Jon Meyer
Lavea Brachman & Andrew Smith
Linda & Frank Kass
Lisa Newmark & Arnie Good
Luper Neidenthal & Logan
Marcy & Mark Ungar
Melissa & Ronnie Conn
Pam & Ira Scheer
Robin & Kenneth Brenneman
Rozanne & Jerry Stern
Ruth & Joe Sniderman
Sarah & Michael Blumfeld

Ensemble

Betty Klapper
Elaine & VIctor Goodman
Joanne & Steve Grossman

Judy & Fred Isaac
Lil Strouss Fund for Gallery Players
Linda & Howard Schottenstein
Tali & Benny Zelkowicz
Updated as of 11.8.23