Leigh Moore
In August 2024, the Backlot Players were reveling in memories of past performances and actively planning for a spectacular 30th-anniversary celebration during their 2024-2025 season.
All of that changed with a midnight phone call – the Branded Starr Western Boutique next door to the Rose Theater had caught fire – the 2nd fire-related damage in the theater’s history.
When they first entered the building, the billowing smoke completely shrouded their view. There was a hole in the ceiling, 4 inches of water in the upstairs restrooms, and all costumes, 150 seats, carpets, etc. were ruined. The smell of smoke was overwhelming.
The history of the Backlot Players and their Rose Theater is a lesson in resilience and the incredible impact of inspired people. They have weathered many challenges – purchase, and financing of the Rose Theater, constant fundraising, 2 theater restorations after the neighboring Grits Café fire in 2012 and recent 2024 fire damage, and the COVID shutdown. As a non-profit relying on donations, volunteers, and theater revenue, they have mastered the art of doing more with less.
With an initial anticipated re-opening date of December 2024, team members have been navigating the complexities of an insurance claim, design, construction, and some self-funded improvements. After numerous delays, late July 2025 has been set as a more realistic timeline for the grand re-opening. They are enthusiastically planning a 2025-2026 season that features 2 previous productions, a total of 4 plays, and a children’s production which includes:
SUMMER PLAY – “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “CINDERELLA” (Musical) music by Richard Rodgers. Book and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Show Dates: July 18th – 27th 2025
FALL PLAY – “Scrooge, The Stingiest Man in Town”: (Musical) Music by Fred Spielman, Book and Lyrics by Janice Torre. SCROOGE, STINGIEST MAN IN TOWN Is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
Show Dates: Dec 12-14th 2025
WINTER PLAY – “A Talent for Murder”(Mystery) By Jerome Chodorov and Norman Panama. Presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. Show Dates: March 13-22nd 2026
SPRING PLAY – “Drinking Habits”: (Comedy) By Tom Smith. Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. Show Dates: May 8th -17th 2026
Backlot Children’s Theater Troupe Production for Schools: Show Dates: Nov 5 -12th 2025. “The Adventures of Bad” by Alaska Reece Vance. This show is performed to students in Monroe and surrounding counties to provide them with an opportunity to experience live theater.
The Backlot Players have contributed extensively to the training of students and adults in numerous aspects of acting, set building, theater productions, lighting, cameras, costumes, PR, and marketing. The BOOYA (Backlot’s Own Original Youth Actors) for 6th grade through college has had a significant impact on young actors and artists who have subsequently demonstrated their talents in professional-level productions.
The Backlot’s inspiration has expanded beyond the Rose Theater doorstep. They were instrumental in helping Monroe County recognize the need to invest in Arts & Cultural programs for students and provided support for the development of the Monroe County Fine Arts Center, a 1200-seat facility that opened in 2016 and serves the entire Middle Georgia region.
So, what’s it like to be involved in the vibrant Backlots Players? Longtime volunteers have this to say:
My experience with the Backlot Players has been wonderful. When I first started in the mid-90’s my children shared the enthusiasm of being on the stage with me and we loved all aspects of live theater- from makeup to costumes and props to set designs. It built character and confidence in us all! I am most proud that we were able to open the arts up in our community and pull in the local talent just waiting to spread their wings. From all walks of life– farmers, businessmen, teachers, preachers and so much more! Come join us–you will be blessed!
Connie Copelan, VP of Marketing
Volunteering at the theater has been a great way to keep my mind active, keep my creativity flowing, continue to learn things from others, and form great friendships while having lots of fun! It’s not just about being onstage though; it’s volunteering to help gather set pieces, painting, costumes, decorating, props, directors creating a vision, box office and ushers preparing…all working as a team to put a story together for others to enjoy. The process is amazing! It’s cool to see everything come together when the curtains open and the show begins.
Jane Walker, Membership
In a world riddled with ambiguities, armaments, and arguments, it is indeed refreshing to reflect on the power, resilience, and impact of inspired people and have living examples in our own Monroe County community.
Monroe County has offered tremendous support for over 30 years for the Backlot Players & the Rose Theater, and it is an excellent time to renew that calling as they re-open this summer and celebrate their 30th anniversary! Monroe Matters will offer updates periodically on their progress!
For only 30 dollars, you can be a sponsor for the 30th season. Go to: https://buy.ticketstothecity.com/venue.php?org_id=505 and look for the 30 for 30 tab under “Make a donation”
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebacklotplayersattherosetheater/
Website: https://thebacklotplayers.weebly.com/
History of the Rose Theater: https://thebacklotplayers.weebly.com/history.html
Volunteering: Join us at the Presbyterian Church building at 63 N. Jackson Street at 6 pm the 1st Tuesday of each month. Additionally, you can call/email Connie Copelan at 478-960-9430/ ccopelan@bellsouth.net about volunteer opportunities/interests.
