Valley Players to trim 2026 productions to make theater improvements
November 30, 2025 | By Ruth Ann Pattee
The Valley Players Theater is located on Main Street/Vt. Rt. 100 in Waitsfield. Courtesy photo
The Valley Players, the Mad River Valley’s all-volunteer community theater company, will pause most of its productions for 2026 in order to focus on building repairs and safety upgrades at its namesake theater in Waitsfield.
“For more than 45 years, the Valley Players have been committed to bringing live theater and the performing arts to the Mad River Valley,” said Shannon Sanborn, Valley Players board chair. “The theater has always been more than a building — it’s a gathering place for creativity, laughter, and community connection.”
Built in the mid-1830s and known originally as The Old Brick Church, the Valley Players Theater building is among the oldest in Waitsfield Village. The Valley Players have performed there since 1981, maintaining the facility as a cherished home for plays, musicals, concerts, comedy shows, and community events. The group has now developed a Corrective Action Plan and hired Vermont Integrated Architecture from Middlebury to lead this renovation project.
Before the repairs begin in January, the Valley Players invite the community to celebrate the last 45 years of performing arts with a Holiday Party on Friday, Dec. 19, from 7 to 10 p.m. The evening will include light hors d’oeuvres and karaoke, and attendees may BYOB. To RSVP, email info@valleyplayers.com.
While the building is closed, the Valley Players plan to continue some favorite community traditions — including Cabin Fever Follies and the Mad River Story Slam — at alternative local venues in 2026. Likewise, the Mad River Craft Fair will go on as usual at Kenyon's Field over Labor Day weekend.
The theater is expected to reopen in 2027, with phase two of the project — accessibility improvements, including installation of an elevator and upgrading to accessible restrooms — beginning as soon as funding can be secured.
As a 501c3 nonprofit, the Valley Players welcome tax-deductible donations to support their work. Tuesday, Dec. 2, is Giving Tuesday, the national day of giving to nonprofit organizations, and longtime Valley Players members Shelia Hofmann and Peter Hurley have pledged to match up to $1,000 in donations from the community.
To contribute, go to valleyplayers.com. Send any questions by email to ruthann@valleyplayers.com.
A member of the Valley Players Board of Directors, Ruth Ann Pattee is the group’s Membership & Publicity Coordinator as well as a director and producer of Valley Players’ shows.