The Valley Players, Waitsfield, will pause production activities beginning in January 2026 to focus on building repairs and safety upgrades.
“For more than 45 years, the Valley Players have been committed to bringing live theater and the performing arts to the Mad River Valley,” said Shannon Sanborn, Valley Players board chair. “The theater has always been more than a building – it’s a gathering place for creativity, laughter, and community connection.”
Built in the mid-1830s and known originally as The Old Brick Church, the building is among the oldest in Waitsfield Village. The Valley Players have performed there since 1981, maintaining it as a home for plays, musicals, concerts, comedy shows, and community events.
The group has now developed a Corrective Action Plan and hired Vermont Integrated Architects to lead this project.
Before the repairs begin, the Valley Players invite the community to celebrate the last 45 years of performing arts with a holiday party on Friday, December 19, from 7-10 p.m. The evening will include light hors d’oeuvres and karaoke, and attendees may BYOB. To RSVP, email
While the building is closed, the Valley Players plan to continue some favorite community traditions – including Cabin Fever Follies and the Mad River Story Slam – at alternative local venues. The Mad River Craft Fair will go on as usual at Kenyon's Field over Labor Day Weekend. The theater is expected to reopen in 2027, with phase two of the project – accessibility improvements, including an elevator and accessible restrooms – to begin as soon as funding can be secured.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Valley Players, an all-volunteer community theater, welcome tax-deductible donations to support their ongoing work. On December 2, Giving Tuesday, all donations to the Valley Players were matched, up to $1,000 thanks for longtime members Shelia Hofmann and Peter Hurley, To contribute, go to valleyplayers.com or contact Ruth Ann Pattee at
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