Selections for the upcoming 2009-2010 Season 

A Thurber Carnival by James Thurber July 2009	George M!. September 2009
Inspecting Carol November 2009	Rumors, by Neil Simon January 2010
Bell, Book & Candle by John Van Druten March 2010	Most Happy Fella by Frank Loesser May 2010

** Dates are subject to change.
Call the Box Office at (352) 787-3013 for further information.

Melon Patch Players, Inc., Receives Grant from Target

Melon Patch Players, Inc., today announced a partnership with Target® in recognition of its efforts in encouraging and promoting performing arts for residents of all ages.

“We’re so proud to be a part of Target’s work within our community, and we’re thrilled to have this grant so we can continue the great work of The Melon Patch,” said Sue Thomas, president of the board of directors for Melon Patch Players, Inc. Melon Patch Players, Inc., is in its 57th season and has been in the same building since 1955. With the help of the board of directors and a strong group of dedicated volunteers, everything from the technical aspects of lighting and direction to sets and wardrobe come together in quality productions on stage. The Melon Patch Players are dedicated to providing high quality entertainment, education, and encouragement to the public: entertainment to enrich the quality of life for all citizens; education to expand their appreciation and love of the theatrical arts, and encouragement to use their creative, artistic, and technical talents in performances and productions

The theater is in its seventh year of offering young people’s theater to the youth in Lake, Sumter, and South Marion Counties through Patchwork Productions. The $3,000 grant will be used to enhance our children's program, Patchwork Productions. All age students receive the opportunity to perform live on stage and learn theater skills that help them bridge the gap between children’s theater and adult main-stage theater.. The theater showcases musicals, dramas, and comedies for all ages. Coming in November, Patchwork Productions younger students will present “The Velveteen Rabbit.” and the older students will present “Nutcracker”. Our next mainstage productions, “Scrooge: The Musical.” will open December 5 and run through December 21. For information on performances, contact the box office at 352-787-3013.

This grant is part of ongoing efforts by Target to strengthen families and communities throughout the country. Since opening its doors, Target has given 5 percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today that translates to more than $3 million every week.

“At Target, our local grants are making a difference in the communities we serve,” said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. “We’re proud to partner with The Melon Patch Players and Patchwork Productions as part of our ongoing commitment to give back to the communities where our guests and team members live and work.”

This year's season is funded in part by a grant from the

The Melon Patch Players, 311 North 13th Street, Leesburg, are proud present the 2009 Patchwork Production's Fall program, Ebenezer. Registration for the fall classes will be held on Thursday Aug. 13th from 4-6 PM and Aug. 22nd from 10AM-12PM. CLICK HERE for more Info

THE MELON PATCH PLAYERS PRESENTS 2009 PATCHWORK SUMMER CAMP THEATRE WORKSHOP

2009 Patchwork Summer Camp Workshop will be held from July 13th through July 24th. A performance will be given on July 23rd at 6PM to which the public is invited! To register your child please call the theater at 787-3013.

Dream, Write, Discover, Produce and Star in your very own play. Come and Experience the quilting of a Production No auditions! Come and join the fun as you bring your talents to the stage. Choose various costumes, challenge yourself in creating props, backdrops, choreography, music, etc. Listen to guest speakers who are in the “art of theatre”! Bring a friend and let’s have some fun!

Camp dates: July 13th - 17th, m-f 9:00 am to 12:30 p.m. July 20-22, m - w, 9:00 a.m to 12:30 p.m. July 23 (production day) 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. July 24 wrap-up! 9 am - 12:00 p.m. Register now - 352 787-3013 ages 7 - 17 registration fee (non refundable)- $15.00 Tuition $135

REGRISTRATION GOING ON NOW! If YOU would like to be a member of the Patchwork Productions and be in the fall classes and performance. Details: 352-787-3073

The Melon Patch Players Proudly Presented their 56th Annual Sara Awards on  Saturday, June 21, 2008 at the Melon Patch Theatre.  This annual event recognized the outstanding actors, technicians, designers and directors who produced and/or worked in this year's season of plays.  This event was also a celebration of appreciation to all of the volunteers who worked so hard throughout the year at the Melon Patch.  
Please Click Here for the Results

The Melon Patch is pleased to announce the recipients of their annual Scholarship Award in Memory of Eileen Batsch.  This year, our scholarship was underwritten by Leesburg Concrete Co., owned by Lannie and Sue Thomas.  Their generous contribution enabled the Melon Patch to award three separate $1,000 scholarships.  The three recipients are:

Jerrod Baxter, 18 , senior at South Sumter High School in Bushnell.  Jerrod plans to attend Lake Sumter Community College to major in Elementary Education and minor in Theater.  Jerrod has performed  with the Melon Patch children's theater as well as mainstage.  He also spent many volunteer hours helping behind the scenes at the Theater.   

Ben Tyson, a senior at Leesburg HIgh School, has been very active in the performing arts at the Melon Patch and in Central Florida theaters.  He plans to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, that will keep him involved in the performing arts with a  career in musical theatre. 

Emily Givens, 18, honors student at Leesburg High School, has decided to attend the University of South Florida at Tampa.  Her major will be mass communications with a minor in Musical Theater, which she believes will keep her involved in the performing arts after graduation from college.  Emily has given countless hours to the Melon Patch Theater, both on stage and off.  She assisted with Children's theater as well as performed with Children's theater and Mainstage.  She is also very active in the community, volunteering with Hospice, participating in Honor Society as well as Choir and Dance Choir. 

	What to get the person who has everything ???