Dave Ranney’s journey with Island Players is of passion, dedication, and community. Explore the diverse roles, from lighting and sound to directing and acting, undertaken by Dave since 2000. Over the past 22 years, he has contributed his talents to numerous plays, co-wrote an unforgettable production, and discovered the joy of directing.

Hamilton Rutledge was a perfect example of someone discovering a love of theater through Island Players. Over the years he has been in many great plays in a variety of roles. When asked for any standouts, he shared some of his memories.

Rylee Johnson has been involved in theater since she was in 5th grade, when she debuted in a school reading of ‘A Christmas Carol’. She became a regular attendee of summer Acting Camps with Peter Daniels.

The Island Players will be hosting two drama camps this summer for children of different age groups. The camp for 6-9 year olds, will take place from July 17-21, 2023 and the camp for 10-14 year olds, will be held from July 10-14, 2023. Students will have the opportunity to learn communication, storytelling, improvisation, and crafting skills through various activities led by director Rylee Johnson.

Meet Cindra Hokkanen! Many will recognize long time Islander Cindra for her work on stage and at Sievers as well as hosting Under the Big Top. We wanted to know more about her involvement with Island Players. When did she first become involved with Island Players? Cindra shared her story.

Jake Kooiker moved with his family to Washington Island approximately eight years ago. As he describes, his start on stage was acting in the play “Shadowlands” at the Trueblood Performing Arts Center. Now completing his senior year of high school, you’ll find Jake in the Control Booth managing the lighting for TPAC performances.

Like many people who become involved with Island Payers, Carol Amadio and her husband Anselm retired to the Island without any stage experience. Her previous professional vocations as a lawyer, a social worker, and an Episcopal priest left no time for stage drama. Previous IP managing director, Joyce Morehouse, unlocked her talents and got her on stage!

Island Players is community theater. Many, many people from the Washington Island community have contributed to enabling live theater on the island, over many years.