HELP US CELEBRATE
OUR 60TH SEASON

The Melon Patch has provided generations of Lake County Residents with true “community” theater productions. Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who give their time and services, we have been fortunate to bring almost 60 years of enjoyable entertainment to the people in and around Leesburg as well as offer an opportunity for aspiring actors and technical hopefuls.

In order to keep The Patch viable in today’s economy, we must continue to grow. Please help us by inviting a friend to accompany you to a performance and by encouraging acquaintances to audition for a production either on stage or volunteer for behind the scenes. We are always looking for new members, too. Become a Patch Friend or a Corporate Sponsor; applications can be found at the Box Office. We also “sell” seats for $150.00 in honor of your loved ones. We commemorate your memory by placing a plaque on the seat of your choice. All donations are graciously accepted and greatly appreciated. Of course, these funds help support our Scholarship program and our children’s theater - Patchwork Productions.

Thank you Leesburg, and surrounding Counties, for giving us the opportunity to provide a “mainstay” in the community. We need your support!

REMINDER: It’s membership renewal time. Memberships expire May 31st of every year. IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO, PLEASE RENEW. WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!!!

Don’t forget to order your season tickets. RESERVE YOUR SEATS IMMEDIATELY FOR THE BEST SHOWS IN TOWN!!

BOX OFFICE HOURS
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday

TICKET PRICES
Adults $15.00
Students $7.00

SHOW TIMES
All Friday's ~ 8:00 p.m.
1st & 2nd Saturday's ~ 8:00 p.m.
3rd Saturday ~ 2:00 p.m.
All Sunday's ~ 2:00 p.m.

We've been reviewed by the Community Foundation of Central Florida, and we are proud to be one of the first nonprofits in Central Florida to be recognized by the Community Foundation with a Reviewed Portrait in its new knowledge base. As one of the most transparent nonprofits in the region, we want you to see right through us. Now donors, constituents, and volunteer leaders can see everything there is to know about us in one place http://cfcf.guidestar.org/NonprofitProfile.aspx?OrgId=1052107

While you're there, you can make a gift by credit card or from your donor advised fund at the Community Foundation. To search the knowledge base or share it with others, visit www.mycfcf.org .

Please view our links section.

The History of the Melon Patch Theater

In 1951, Emily Faulhaber, a member of the Leesburg, Florida Junior Women’s Club, had an entertaining idea. Mrs. Faulhaber shared her dream with two other of Leesburg’s mid-century movers and shakers – Ruby Herlong and Mildred Howard. The “little theater” idea began making headlines when an article appeared in the Leesburg [Daily] Commercial in 1951. In part, this article read…“Local folks urged to attend little theater meeting.” And, so it began. The Leesburg Women’s Club offered use of their building for organizational meetings and rehearsals. Several names were considered for this fledgling theater. However, since, at that time, Leesburg was considered the watermelon capital of Florida, and its citizens celebrated an annual Watermelon Festival; the theater was named “The Melon Patch.Theater.”

The first shows were at the Lee Elementary School auditorium. Use of The Women’s Club and The Leesburg Community Building for productions followed. The Patch finally built its current facility on 13th street in 1955. The first production there was”Father of the Bride.” Frances Lovell was the first director; Sara Barcus was an untiring founding supporter. The Melon Patch’s current awards for theatrical excellence -- The Sara Awards -- are named after Ms. Barcus.

The City of Leesburg donated the property on 13th, Street, and bonds were sold to finance construction. Much volunteer time and labor were needed to build the present day theater. Over the years, The Melon Patch Theater’s structures have been expanded to include administrative space, a new lobby, and a refreshment corner; plus two outbuildings, one for props and a climate controlled shed for costumes.

In 2002, Patchwork Productions was begun to offer classes to area youngsters in drama, dance, comedy, and musical theater. Through Patchwork’s efforts, children of varying ages learn many aspects of the theater; the youth grow through enhanced self-esteem and honed individual language arts skills.

The Annual Sara Awards for the Melon Patch Players was held Saturday evening, June 26 at the Melon Patch Playhouse. The gala event was a delightful evening of refreshments and entertainment for all invited guests. Hors’d ouevres and wine was served from 6:00 and the presentations started at 7:00. Entertainment encompassed songs from our 2009-10 season as well as performances for our upcoming 2010-11 season. The Winners...

Due to many qualified applicants this year, this year's scholarship was split. This year’s recipients of the Melon Patch Players Award in the Performing Arts in Memory of Eileen Batsch are Emily Miraglia and Kelly Zipperer.

	What to get the person who has everything ???