We had five guests, including Christopher Garth, Director of Language Instruction and Teacher Education with the Japan Center for Michigan Universities; Interact students Siddh Sheth, Emma Loosvelt, and Brennan Deel from Stoney Creek High School, and their advisor, Megan Terbrack.
It’s time once again to turn poinsettias into greenbacks for our Charities! Flyers will be sent to all members this week, so start calling your friends, family, business associates—and even your enemies—to help grow the pile of greenbacks. 
Judy Privasky, Vice President of Community Relations
The Avon Players is a nonprofit community theater group based in Rochester. Founded in 1947, the theater was named after Avon Township and in honor of William Shakespeare. The group operates from its permanent home, the Avon Playhouse, which opened in 1965 after members built it through their own volunteer labor.
Now in its 77th season, Avon Players continues its proud tradition of producing five full-scale shows and one youth production each year. The theater is recognized for its high-quality performances and strong commitment to community engagement.
Longtime member Judy Privasky has been involved with Avon Players for 37 years, and our own pianist Paula D'Ambrosio served as musical director for 16 years. The playhouse is located on Washington Road at the second roundabout on Tienken.
The Van Hoosen family originally donated the land. There is an aggressive renovation schedule in conjunction with the theater’s upcoming 90th anniversary. Planned improvements include upgraded restrooms, outdoor landscaping, and new staging equipment.
Avon Players relies heavily on volunteers—builders, painters, costume designers, hair and makeup artists, sewers, and others who contribute their time and skills. The theater also welcomes community service volunteers and offers an excellent team-building experience.
The group runs a popular summer program for children that encourages creativity and collaboration through hands-on theater activities.
The next production, The Diary of Anne Frank, opens in the next two weeks. Donations are gratefully accepted to help cover production costs, which typically average:
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Set design and construction: $3,200–$5,000
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Costumes: $4,800 (up to $10,000 for larger productions such as The Prince of Egypt)
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Musicians: approximately $9,000
Avon Players invites everyone to volunteer, attend a performance, and support live community theater in Rochester.
Judy concluded her presentation with a performance of “I Wish You a Waltz” from the musical Ballroom.