Happy November, Playhouse Family!

As this newsletter reaches you, we're coming off an incredible closing weekend of The Addams Family, and what a way to wrap up our final production of Season 19!

Over the past two weekends, we welcomed six SOLD-OUT audiences to the Playhouse! What an amazing accomplishment and a wonderful reminder of just how much our community loves and supports live theatre.

Congratulations to the entire cast, crew, and production team for bringing such a fun and memorable show to our stage!

As Season 19 comes to a close, I want to take a moment to say THANK YOU! To our volunteers, members, sponsors, and supporters, your unwavering dedication and generosity continue to make everything we do possible. Whether you've been onstage, worked behind the scenes, helped around the campus, attended a performance, or simply encouraged someone to get involved, you've played a part in our success.

And what a season it's been! Season 19 has truly been one for the record books. We've brought some wonderful productions to the stage, welcomed new faces into our Playhouse family, and celebrated some exciting accomplishments behind the scenes. There's so much to be proud of, and I can't wait to share more with you.

Our December newsletter will take a special look back at everything we've accomplished this year while also celebrating what's ahead!

Speaking of what's ahead, we're getting ready for a very special milestone—Season 20, our anniversary season! It's hard to believe we're approaching our 20th season, and I couldn't be more excited about what the future holds for Spanish Trail Playhouse.

Before we officially turn the page, though, we've got two wonderful opportunities to come together and celebrate the Christmas season at the theatre!

On December 12, our newly formed Spanish Trail Community Choir will make its debut with a special Christmas concert! We're excited to introduce this new addition to our Spanish Trail Cultural Arts family and hope you'll come out to support these talented singers. The concert will be FREE, with admission being a donation of a nonperishable food item or canned good to benefit our local food pantry. What a great way to enjoy some beautiful Christmas music while helping neighbors in need!

Then, on December 19, we'll welcome the Northwest Florida Community Band to our stage for their annual Christmas concert! This performance will be especially meaningful as it marks the band's first concert with us since moving to our campus! We're excited to have them as part of the growing Playhouse family and look forward to celebrating this new chapter together. What a wonderful way to continue bringing music, the arts, and our community together under one roof!

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, I can't help but feel especially grateful for the people who make Spanish Trail Playhouse what it is. We have a lot to celebrate, but more than anything, I'm thankful for the friendships, dedication, and sense of community that continue to grow within these walls.

Thank you for being part of our Playhouse family and for helping make Season 19 one we'll remember for years to come. Here's to a wonderful holiday season and an exciting Season 20!

See you at the theatre!

Kevin Russell

President

Spanish Trail Playhouse

Season 19 Takes the Stage in Loving Tribute to Our Devoted Champions, Kelly & Marlene Brock

Kelly and Marlene Brock were devoted champions of the Spanish Trail Playhouse, dedicating years of unwavering support to its growth and success. Their love for the arts was evident in their consistent presence at performances and their deep belief in the Playhouse’s mission. They didn’t simply attend shows—they invested their time, energy, and resources to help ensure the theater remained a vibrant and thriving part of the community.

When the Playhouse needed improvements, including replacing auditorium curtains and seating, Kelly stepped forward to help lead the charge—encouraging participation and inspiring others to give. Together, Kelly and Marlene were steady advocates who understood that a strong arts organization depends not only on volunteers, but also on faithful supporters who believe in its purpose. Their encouragement, generosity, and visible commitment strengthened the Playhouse and uplifted the volunteers who made each production possible.

President Kevin Russell shared, “The Spanish Trail Playhouse has been successful not just because of the dedication of our volunteers, but also because of supporters like Mr. Kelly and Mrs. Marlene. I will forever remember them and the constant support they were to me and this organization. The world needs more people like Kelly and Marlene Brock, and I am thankful to have known them.”

Their legacy lives on in the heart of the Spanish Trail Playhouse. Through their steadfast support and belief in its mission, Kelly and Marlene helped build a lasting foundation for the arts in our community—one that will continue to inspire audiences, performers, and volunteers for years to come.

The Addams Family & Spanish Trail Playhouse Joins the Homecoming Fun!

Things got a little spooky at the 2026 Chipley High School Homecoming Parade as the cast and crew of The Addams Family joined in the festivities!

Our delightfully creepy crew brought a little Addams Family charm to the celebration while showing their community spirit. What a fun opportunity to celebrate and connect with the community, and share a little theatrical magic along the way!

A big thank-you to our cast and crew for representing Spanish Trail Playhouse and reminding everyone that even the Addams Family loves a good homecoming!

A Spooktacular Finale to Season 19!

The Addams Family: A New Musical Brings Sold-Out Crowds!

What a frightfully fantastic way to close out Season 19! Our final Main Stage production, The Addams Family: A New Musical, was a MONSTER success, delighting audiences and bringing our 19th season to a spectacular close!

Over its six-performance run on October 23–25 and 30–31, the production welcomed enthusiastic audiences, with FOUR of the SIX performances completely SOLD OUT! From the delightfully spooky characters to the incredible music, laughter, and unforgettable performances, this production was truly one for the books. And what better way to take our final bow than on Halloween night?

A very special THANK YOU to our incredibly talented cast, dedicated crew, hardworking volunteers, and amazing community supporters who helped bring this production to life. Your passion, commitment, and continued support are what make live community theatre so special!

We couldn't have asked for a better way to wrap up Season 19.

Thank you for helping us close the curtain on another unforgettable season with a SOLD-OUT SUCCESS!

That's a wrap on Season 19 — and what a wonderfully wicked ride it's been!

Visit www.spanishtrailplayhouse.com to view productions photos from the production!

As Spanish Trail Playhouse continues settling into our new home at the former Chipley High School campus, we're learning that caring for a historic property comes with its share of challenges. One of our biggest right now is getting the auditorium's air-conditioning system back to full capacity.

As many of you know, a lightning strike in July damaged one of the large HVAC units serving our auditorium, leaving us operating at approximately 50% of our normal cooling capacity. While we've been able to continue hosting performances and events, restoring the system remains a priority as we work to make our facilities as comfortable and welcoming as possible.

The damaged system dates back to renovations completed in the 1980s, so getting things back up and running isn't quite as simple as replacing a part. The project will require significant work, including repairs or replacement of the equipment and improvements to the system located in the attic above the auditorium.

The good news is that we're moving forward!

We're currently collecting bids from several HVAC companies and making plans to either restore the existing system or replace it with a more reliable, long-term solution. Our goal is to carefully evaluate the options and make the best decision for both the building and the future of Spanish Trail Playhouse.

Investing in the Future of Our Campus

While an unexpected expense like this is never something we look forward to, it's also part of the responsibility that comes with bringing a historic campus back to life.

As we continue transforming the former Chipley High School into the Spanish Trail Cultural Arts Center, we're not simply maintaining old buildings. We're preparing them to serve as a gathering place for theatre, music, education, and community events for years to come.

Of course, projects like this require financial resources, and community support will play an important role in helping us move forward.

If you'd like to help with the auditorium HVAC project, we invite you to consider making a donation. Every contribution, large or small, helps us get closer to restoring full cooling capacity and ensuring that our audiences, performers, and volunteers can enjoy a comfortable experience at the Playhouse.

Spanish Trail Playhouse is a nonprofit organization, and donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

We're grateful for the continued encouragement and generosity of our community. There's a lot of work ahead as we care for this historic campus, but there's also so much potential in what we're building together.

We'll continue sharing updates as bids are received and plans are finalized.

Thank you for helping us preserve the past while preparing this special place for the future. And, hopefully, we'll have that cool air flowing at full capacity again before too long!

Together, we're keeping the curtain rising and giving this historic campus a new purpose!

ONE MONTH DOWN, AND THE CELEBRATION IS JUST BEGINNING!

Spanish Trail Playhouse Celebrates the First Month of Our Season 20 Membership & Sponsorship Drive!

What an incredible first month! As we wrap up the opening month of Spanish Trail Playhouse's 20th Anniversary Season Membership & Sponsorship Drive, we are filled with excitement and gratitude for the wonderful individuals, families, businesses, and organizations who have already stepped forward to support our theatre!

A HUGE ROUND OF APPLAUSE TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS!

To everyone who joined our theatre family during this first month, THANK YOU! Your generosity, encouragement, and belief in Spanish Trail Playhouse mean more than words can express. We are honored that you've chosen to be part of this milestone season!

For 20 seasons, Spanish Trail Playhouse has been a place where stories come alive, local talent shines, friendships are formed, and memories are made. From the excitement of opening night to the applause following the final curtain, our stage has brought people together through the shared experience of live theatre.

And none of it would be possible without the incredible support of our community!

Every membership and sponsorship makes a difference! Your support helps us bring quality theatrical productions to our stage, provide opportunities for performers of all ages, encourage creativity, and ensure that live theatre continues to thrive in our community for generations to come.

OUR FIRST MONTH WAS JUST THE BEGINNING!

As we look ahead to the rest of our 20th Anniversary Season, we invite YOU to become part of the celebration! Whether you've been attending our productions for years, recently discovered Spanish Trail Playhouse, or simply believe in the importance of supporting the arts, there's a place for you in our theatre family.

Our Season 20 Membership & Sponsorship Drive continues through February 15, 2027, and there's still plenty of time to join us!

Become a member, renew your support, or consider becoming a season sponsor! Every contribution, large or small, helps us continue creating unforgettable theatrical experiences right here in our community.

JOIN OUR THEATRE FAMILY TODAY!

Visit www.spanishtrailplayhouse.com to learn more about membership and sponsorship opportunities.

To our newest members, longtime supporters, and everyone who continues to cheer us on, THANK YOU for making the first month of our membership drive such a wonderful celebration!

We are incredibly grateful for the community that has supported us throughout the past 20 seasons, and we can't wait to see what the future holds!

Season 20 Is Almost Here — Let's Celebrate 20 Years Together!

With another wonderful season of live theatre coming to a close, there's something especially exciting on the horizon for Spanish Trail Playhouse. Season 20 is just around the corner, and it's our anniversary season!

As we reflect on the success of Season 19, including our recent sold-out run of The Addams Family, it's amazing to think about how far we've come. What started as a dream of bringing quality live theatre to our community has grown into something much bigger. Over the years, we've welcomed countless performers, volunteers, and audiences through our doors, creating memories and friendships that extend well beyond the stage.

And now, we're getting ready to celebrate twenty seasons of it all!

For this special anniversary season, we've put together a lineup of four productions that offer a little something for everyone.

We'll kick things off with Big Fish: The Musical, February 26–28 and March 5–6, 2027. Filled with beautiful music, humor, and heart, this larger-than-life story reminds us of the importance of family, the stories we share, and the memories we leave behind.

Next, we'll bring a little mystery and plenty of laughter to the stage with Clue, May 7–9, 2027. Based on the classic board game, this hilarious comedy brings together familiar characters, unexpected twists, and enough surprises to keep everyone guessing until the very end.

In September, we'll present Death of a Salesman, September 10–12, 2027. Arthur Miller's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama explores the hopes, struggles, and relationships that shape our lives. It's a powerful story that continues to resonate with audiences today.

And to close out our anniversary season, we'll present one of the most beloved musicals of all time, The Sound of Music, November 12–14 and 19–20, 2027! With its unforgettable songs and timeless story of family, courage, and love, it's the perfect way to bring our 20th season to a close.

Be Part of Our 20th Anniversary Season!

As we celebrate this milestone, we hope you'll consider becoming a Season 20 Member or Sponsor.

Our annual Membership and Sponsorship Drive began October 1 and is now in full swing! This year's drive is especially meaningful as we prepare to celebrate twenty seasons of live theatre while continuing to grow into our new home at the former Chipley High School campus.

Your support helps make our productions possible, but it also does so much more. It helps us maintain our facilities, provide opportunities for performers and volunteers, and continue developing the campus into the Spanish Trail Cultural Arts Center.

The membership drive continues through February 15, 2027, and we'd love to have you join us!

Our Season 20 brochures are now available at the Playhouse office, so be sure to pick one up when you have a chance. Take a few extras to share with friends, family, and neighbors. We hope you'll help us spread the word and invite others to be part of this exciting anniversary season.

Twenty Seasons of Memories — And We're Just Getting Started!

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, we have so much to be grateful for. Spanish Trail Playhouse wouldn't be where it is today without the dedication of our volunteers, the generosity of our members and sponsors, and the continued support of this wonderful community.

Season 20 is more than just another year of productions. It's an opportunity to celebrate the people, performances, and memories that have shaped our Playhouse over the years while looking ahead to all the possibilities still to come.

Whether you've been with us since our very first season or are planning to attend your first show, we hope you'll be part of this special celebration!

Twenty seasons. One incredible community. Countless stories still waiting to be told.

Let's make Season 20 one to remember!

A New Season, A New Sound: Spanish Trail Playhouse Expands in 2027

For more than 20 years, Spanish Trail Playhouse has brought stories to life onstage through community theatre. In 2027, we’re building on that tradition with an exciting expansion of our programming—one that brings together theatre, live music, and new performance experiences for audiences across our community.

Alongside our 2027 Main Stage season, we are thrilled to introduce the Spanish Trail Playhouse Concert Series, presented in partnership with the incredible Will Thompson Band, as well as a special Studio Series presentation of the contemporary musical The Last Five Years, featuring Hunter Williams and Jasmine LaRocca.

Introducing the Spanish Trail Playhouse Concert Series

Live music takes center stage in 2027 as Spanish Trail Playhouse launches a brand-new concert series featuring nationally inspired tribute performances spanning decades and musical genres.

At the heart of this new partnership is Will Thompson, a fifth-generation musician whose connection to music began at an early age. Raised in a family where instruments lined the walls and music was part of everyday life, Will developed a passion that has carried him throughout an impressive career.

Known for combining the energy of a live concert with the precision and polish of a professionally produced recording, the Will Thompson Band creates performances designed to be more than concerts—they are celebrations of the music audiences know and love.

Will’s career has included sharing the stage with acclaimed artists including Sheryl Crow, Brandi Carlile, and Death Cab for Cutie, among others. Today, he calls Panama City, Florida, home, where music continues to be an important part of life with his wife—herself a songwriter, musician, and vocalist—and their children.

Together, Spanish Trail Playhouse and the Will Thompson Band are bringing audiences five distinctive musical experiences in 2027:

90’s Country Tribute — Friday, January 8 at 7 p.m.
A Motown Review — Friday, March 12 at 7 p.m.
A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac — Saturday, May 15 at 7 p.m.
A Celebration of the Beatles & the Eagles — Friday, July 23 at 7 p.m.
A Southern Rock Tribute — Friday, September 17 at 7 p.m.

From the country hits of the 1990s and the unforgettable sound of Motown to Fleetwood Mac, the Beatles, the Eagles, and Southern Rock, the inaugural series offers something for nearly every music lover. Whether these songs bring back memories or you're discovering them for the first time, audiences can expect outstanding musicianship, high-energy performances, and plenty of opportunities to sing along.

An Intimate Studio Series Experience: The Last Five Years

Our 2027 season will also feature something very different—and very special.

On June 18–19, Spanish Trail Playhouse will present Jason Robert Brown’s acclaimed musical The Last Five Years, featuring Hunter Williams and Jasmine LaRocca, as part of our Studio Series.

This intimate two-person musical tells the story of a relationship between Jamie, an emerging novelist, and Cathy, an aspiring actress. What makes the show particularly unique is the way their story unfolds: Cathy tells the story backward, beginning at the end of their relationship, while Jamie tells his story forward, beginning when they first meet. Their timelines cross only once—at their wedding in the middle of the musical.

Through its inventive storytelling and powerful contemporary score, The Last Five Years explores love, ambition, success, disappointment, and the ways two people can experience the same relationship very differently. The intimate nature of the production makes it an ideal addition to our Studio Series and gives audiences an opportunity to experience musical theatre in a more personal setting.

More Ways to Experience Live Performance

The addition of the Concert Series and Studio Series represents an exciting step forward for Spanish Trail Playhouse. Theatre will always remain at the heart of who we are, but our mission is also about creating opportunities for people to experience, participate in, and celebrate the performing arts.

In 2027, that means even more reasons to walk through our doors.

You might join us for a beloved musical, experience the intensity of a classic drama, spend an intimate evening with two performers telling a deeply human story, or bring your friends for a Friday night concert filled with songs you know by heart.

As Spanish Trail Playhouse moves into a new season, we're also moving into a new chapter—one filled with more music, more artists, more experiences, and more opportunities to bring our community together through live performance.

A Delightfully Spooky Visit to Wild Roots Apothecary and Seed Shop!

Even the Addams Family enjoys a little shopping… especially when things get wonderfully weird!

During Homecoming Weekend, several cast members from Spanish Trail Playhouse's production of The Addams Family enjoyed a special visit to Wild Roots Apothecary and Seed Shop! Our creepy, kooky crew felt right at home as they explored unique teas, discovered delightfully unusual treasures, and enjoyed a little spooky-season shopping.

A huge THANK YOU to Wild Roots Apothecary and Seed Shop for inviting our cast and making them feel so welcome! We love opportunities to connect with local businesses and share a little theatrical magic throughout our community.

After all, when the Addams Family comes to town, you never know what wonderfully strange adventures await!

The Music Is Back!

Welcoming the

NWFL Community Band

If you've been around the Spanish Trail Cultural Arts Center lately, you may have noticed something wonderful happening in our Music Building. The sounds of instruments warming up, musicians rehearsing, and music filling the halls are becoming part of campus life once again!

We're excited to officially welcome the Northwest Florida Community Band to their new rehearsal home at the Spanish Trail Cultural Arts Center!

The band kicked off rehearsals for its fourth season on October 20, and we couldn't be happier to have these talented musicians joining our growing arts community.

There's something pretty special about this partnership. For generations, the former Chipley High School campus was a place where students learned to play instruments, practiced for concerts, and developed a love for music. Now, years later, those same halls are once again filled with the sounds of musicians coming together to do something they love.

And that's exactly what we hoped would happen when we began dreaming about the future of this campus!

A New Home for Music and Community

The Northwest Florida Community Band brings together musicians from throughout our region who share a love for making music. Some have been playing for years, while others simply enjoy having the opportunity to pick up their instruments and perform with fellow musicians.

One of the wonderful things about a community band is that it reminds us that music doesn't have to end after high school or college. There should always be opportunities for people to continue learning, playing, and sharing their talents, regardless of age or experience.

We're proud that Spanish Trail Cultural Arts Center can now provide a home for those opportunities.

Their First Concert at Their New Home!

We're especially excited that the band will present its annual Christmas concert on December 19, marking their first concert since moving to our campus!

What a wonderful way to celebrate this new partnership and the Christmas season at the same time!

We hope you'll make plans to join us for this special performance, support these talented musicians, and help us give the Northwest Florida Community Band a warm welcome to their new home.

Watching Our Vision Come to Life

When we talk about the future of the Spanish Trail Cultural Arts Center, we often share our hope of creating a place where all kinds of artistic opportunities can come together.

While live theatre will always be an important part of who we are, our vision has never been limited to what happens onstage.

With our theatrical productions, the creation of the Spanish Trail Playhouse Community Choir, and now the Northwest Florida Community Band rehearsing on campus, we're beginning to see that vision take shape.

It's exciting to think about how much has already happened and how many possibilities are still ahead of us!

We're grateful to the Northwest Florida Community Band for choosing to make the Spanish Trail Cultural Arts Center their rehearsal home, and we look forward to seeing this partnership grow in the years ahead.

Welcome to the family, Northwest Florida Community Band! We're glad you're here!

And to our community, we hope you'll join us on December 19 as we celebrate the band's first concert at their new home.

The music is back on campus, and that's something worth celebrating!

Finding Our Harmony!

Spanish Trail Community Choir Prepares for December 12th Debut

Three weeks ago, the Spanish Trail Community Choir began its journey with a room full of enthusiastic singers, a little nervous excitement, and a shared love of music. Today, those individual voices are beginning to blend into something pretty special!

Under the direction of Kristi Hinson, the choir has been hard at work preparing for its debut performance on the Spanish Trail Playhouse stage on December 12th. And while the music is certainly coming together, something else is happening along the way. Friendships are forming, confidence is growing, and a group of individuals is discovering the joy of creating something together.

Even better, their first performance will be about more than sharing music. It will also be an opportunity to give back to the community!

From First Notes to First Performance

Anyone who has ever sung in a choir knows that the first few rehearsals can be an adventure! There are notes to learn, rhythms to master, and harmonies that don't always come together on the first try. But that's part of the fun.

Over the past three weeks, our singers have been learning to listen to one another, blend their voices, and find their place within the group. Each rehearsal brings them one step closer to the moment when all that practice will come together in front of an audience.

For some members, performing on stage may be familiar territory. For others, December 12th will be an entirely new experience. But regardless of their backgrounds, everyone is working toward the same goal—sharing their love of music with our community.

That's what makes a community choir so special. Every voice matters, and together those voices can create something wonderful.

A New Chapter for the Spanish Trail Cultural Arts Center

The Spanish Trail Community Choir is an exciting addition to the Spanish Trail Cultural Arts Center, reflecting our continued commitment to expanding opportunities for people to experience, participate in, and enjoy the arts.

The vision behind the Cultural Arts Center is simple: to create a welcoming place where individuals can discover their talents, explore their creativity, and connect with others through shared artistic experiences.

The choir is an important part of that vision. It is not simply about preparing for one performance, but about building something that can continue to grow, bringing music, friendship, and fellowship to our community for years to come.

We are especially grateful to Kristi Hinson for sharing her time, talents, and leadership as she guides this new group through its first season.

And to our choir members, thank you for taking a chance on something new! Your enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to be part of this adventure are what make it possible.

Sharing Music, Spreading Kindness

What better way to celebrate the choir's first performance than by using music to make a difference in the lives of others?

The Spanish Trail Community Choir's debut concert on December 12th will be FREE and open to the community!

Rather than purchasing a ticket, guests are simply asked to bring a canned good or nonperishable food item for the Care & Share Community Food Pantry. It's a small gesture that can make a meaningful difference for individuals and families in our area who may be facing difficult times. We love the idea that the choir's first performance will not only fill the theater with music but also help fill the shelves of a local food pantry.

After all, the arts have always had the power to bring people together. What makes this occasion even more special is the opportunity to turn that shared experience into an act of kindness.

Bring your family, invite a friend, and don't forget your canned good or nonperishable food donation!

There is something magical about the moment when the lights come up, the music begins, and weeks of hard work turn into a performance worth remembering.