Historical Society Presents a History of Door County Theater

Learn about the history of Door County theater from two of the county’s oldest acts – Northern Sky Theater and Peninsula Players at the Door County Historical Society’s presentation on July 17 at 2 pm in the Collins Learning Center in Sturgeon Bay.

Peninsula Players’ Business Manager Audra Baakari Boyle and Northern Sky Theater’s Director of Development and Public Relations Holly Feldman will create a duet of stories about these two beloved and long-standing community performing art organizations.

Northern Sky Theater traces its history to the Wisconsin Idea Theatre, founded in the 1940s by historian Robert Gard to preserve and promote regional lore and literature in performance venues across the state. One of his protégés, Professor David Peterson of UW-Extension, created a troupe called the Heritage Ensemble in 1970 to present the state’s folksongs and tales in musical revues at Peninsula State Park. Ever since the company emerged from the Heritage Ensemble, its growth and development have been phenomenal.

Peninsula Players Theatre was founded in 1935 in Fish Creek by brother and sister Richard and Caroline Fisher. Today, 81 years later, their dream of a professional live theater in Door County is thriving at the Players’ shoreline location. Boyle will share images from the Players archives as well as stories and other tidbits.

Collins Learning Center is located at 2041 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay, adjacent to the Society’s Heritage Village. This program does not have an admission fee, but a freewill offering will be taken. Heritage Village is open for tours prior to the presentation at 1 pm. Adult admission is $5. For more information, call 920.421.2332 or email [email protected].