From Survival to Revival
For nearly 50 years, Carrollwood Players has been a place where stories come to life and community takes center stage.
But this moment is different.
Following a half-decade of navigating uncertainty, adapting, and simply working to keep the lights on in a post-COVID world, we’ve reached a turning point.
We’re done with survival mode.
It’s time for The Next Act.
A Bold New Chapter Begins
Today, we’re embarking on the most significant and exciting facility improvement project in our theatre’s history.
Though we are working hard to find a new and permanent home in the future, we have signed a new lease to remain in our current location for several more years - and we're determined to transform our "home for now" into everything it can be. To create a space that is more welcoming, more inspiring, more comfortable, and more accessible than ever before.
This is what's coming in 2026:
A comprehensive overhaul of all air conditioning systems.
A complete redesign of our Black Box Theatre including dedicated floor level seating for patrons with mobility issues, new cinema-level-comfort seating, expanded backstage space and a new and more capable tech booth with lighting and sound upgrades.
New safety and accessibility systems including an automatic push button front door, emergency push bars for all doors, a new electronic assistive listening system and more.
A complete redesign and makeover of our lobby, restrooms and Mainstage theatre including enhanced lighting, new carpet, new furniture, a redesigned and relocated concessions stand and more.
Expanded props storage and a new, urgently needed secure office space.
A redesign and upgrade of our street-facing storefront, including vibrant full-window statics advertising our shows and new, modern roof-front signage.
And these are just the big things.
The Next Act Visionary Circle and Community Challenge
We are thrilled to share that a small circle of visionaries who steadfastly believe in the mission and future of CWP has come together to establish a "war chest" of $30,000 in leadership gifts to launch "The Next Act."
Their generosity has brought us to the halfway mark of the $60,000 we need to raise to make all of the above come true.
And now, they want you to know: "We believe in this, and you should, too, so we're going to fully match every dollar you give up to $30,000."
Every dollar you give will be matched, $1 for $1—until we reach our full goal of $60,000.
After years of making do, stretching resources, and putting off larger improvements, it’s time to stop limping along—and start building a space that matches the quality, passion, and creativity happening on our stages.
These are not small fixes—they are transformational upgrades that will impact every audience member, performer, and volunteer.
And these aren't just dreams.
We have already ordered our new, plush black box audience seats.
A major overhaul was completed yesterday on our Mainstage AC systems (you'll feel the difference this weekend.)
Before Lady Windermere's Fan opens in the Black Box on May 15th, a 3-ton air conditioner on the roof that hasn't worked at all for almost a decade is being replaced with a brand new one.
This Is the Moment. Double Your Impact
The Visionary Circle has stepped forward with $30,000 in matching funds.
Now, we need our community to unlock this transformation. And we have a limited window to complete this match.
If you give $1,000, we'll get $2,000.
If you give $500, we'll get $1,000.
If you give $250, we'll get $500.
But this isn't just about big amounts. Every gift of $100, $50, $25, even $5 or $10 will be DOUBLED.
We need a LOT of people to give what they can.
Are you:
Someone who came to our theatre once to support a friend performing in a show?
Someone who has already donated to CWP but can do a little more at this historic time?
A cast or crew member who has never donated before but has a few extra bucks to help make your theatre better than ever?
A new "regular patron" or "regular volunteer" who has discovered CWP as your new theatre home?
We need you to join the momentum created by our leadership visionaries so we can begin the Next Act.
This is our chance to move from maintaining to transforming.
From getting by to building something better.
From surviving to truly thriving.
With immense gratitude to our Leadership Visionaries for coming together to establish the $30,000 Community Match Challenge:
Anonymous Visionary
Anonymous Visionary
Anonymous Visionary
Sandy Cunnagin
Patricia and Steven Farber
Jen and JC Martin
John and Barbie Michelich
Bill and Marlene Miller
Jim Russell
Judith Sachs
Pamela Senk
Christine and Charles Smith
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