Arts, Culture, and Heritage

Peninsula Players Theatre was presented with the Governor’s Award for Arts, Culture and Heritage on June 17, the opening night of its 79th season at the world premiere of Sean Grennan’s The Tin Woman. This award is presented to a business or destination that showcases the arts, culture, or heritage for the enhancement and economic well-being of a community.

Dave Fantle, Wisconsin’s Deputy Secretary of Tourism, presented the award to Artistic Director Greg Vinkler and Managing Director Brian Kelsey in front of a capacity audience at Peninsula Players.

The Governor’s citation stated, “As America’s Oldest Professional Resident Summer Theater, Peninsula Players has been committed to developing the arts and artists in northeastern Wisconsin and Door County since 1935. The theater became the cornerstone of a burgeoning performing and visual arts scene which continues to grow to this day,” the citation read. “Since it first opened, Peninsula Players has presented over 450 plays, enhancing the lives of tens of thousands of audience members. Many talented and distinguished actors have graced the stage, establishing a reputation for an outstanding theater experience. Peninsula Players is a pillar in the local community and helped establish the region’s reputation for having one of the very best and most unique performing arts scenes in the nation.”

Kelsey and Vinkler thanked all the donors and supporters in the audience. “Peninsula Players is very proud to have received this award,” Kelsey said. “We are very thankful for all of the local businesses, residents and the many tourists who have supported our organization over the past 79 years.”

Vinkler and Kelsey stressed the award is shared by all Peninsula Players, past and present.

For more information, call 920.868.3287 or visit peninsulaplayers.com.