Falls Players History

The Idea of the Falls Players was the dream of Black River Falls Middle School music teacher Margaret Severson. It began its germination in the summer of 1964 as a term paper. Personal affairs put the idea on hold, but it broke loose in 1974. A friend thought it would be fun to do "1776" for the bicentennial.

The Falls Players was organized as a non-profit organization and launched with a debut performance of two, one-act plays to local community groups. February 1975 was proclaimed "Community Theater Month" by Black River Falls Mayor Mike Anderson. The first real season (1975-76) began with "Come Blow Your Horn," "The Brave Little Tailor," and "1776."

Today's productions are overseen by an active board of directors and hundreds of enthusiastic volunteers and patrons, drawing acting talent and audiences from a 50-mile radius.

Early productions were held in the Third Street Middle School Gym - a beloved room with huge windows, a hardwood floor, and the acoustical qualities of a vast cave. With the creation of the Lunda Community center and Theater in 1993, the Falls Players were blessed with a modern and well-designed facility. Each January, the set-construction crew, with the help of the mules*, transforms Hensels' Castle Hill Club into a weekend dinner theater.

The Falls Players looks back with great satisfaction at the past, and forward with great anticipation, as we continue to bring live theater to area residents. Now in 2008 having produced over 80 shows and special events, we welcome you to our 33rd season!