Sunset Playhouse

About Sunset Playhouse

Sunset Playhouse is a non-profit theater in Elm Grove, established in 1960, where an active and diverse pool of volunteers work in conjunction with paid professionals. Sunset does a variety of eight main stage shows a year, (comedies, mysteries, musicals, and dramas) plus up to six additional shows in its studio theater which also acts as a reception room. Volunteers have educational experiences, which result in personal and professional growth. Sunset has been a training ground for many nationally recognized professional actors and technicians.

Each year since 1960, Sunset has staged at least one production geared expressly for families as an outreach and educational service. The program includes a repertoire of original plays written expressly for the Sunset audience. An "invited audience" program has been an important part of the children's theatre project. It has allowed us to perform for many metro Milwaukee children and other residents who might not otherwise experience live theatre. Sunset has been honored by Milwaukee County for our efforts with County institutions on behalf of children and adults.

Sunset has offered drama classes for children and adults since 1960. Taught by professional personnel, the classes provide a disciplined, positive program that instills confidence in students. In the 1970's, adult workshops were added.

In 2000, the classes were expanded and renamed The Sunset School for the Arts. Summer classes for students from preschool to adulthood were added to the spring semester in 2001. During the 2000-2001 school year, Sunset offered 38 classes with an enrollment of 291 students. Additional classes in the arts fields are under consideration.

In August 1982, a scholarship program was established as another addition to our educational services to the community. Students and teachers in theatre and related fields have received 13 scholarships totaling $10,540. Additional scholarships have been awarded through the Sunset School of the Arts. Many of our scholarship recipients have moved on to professional careers in theatre arts, also, theatre direction and theatre management.

Since 1960, Sunset has offered its lobby gallery to 7-8 artists per year free of charge. Many of our exhibitors have since established state or national reputations.Since 1960, Sunset has offered its lobby gallery to 7-8 artists per year free of charge. Many of our exhibitors have since established state or national reputations. Currently, new display space is being designed to continue this tradition.

Volunteers help in all areas of production including (but not limited to) set construction, acting costumes, props, stage management, lights, sound, ushering, house managing, fund raising and promotional mailings. Volunteers are welcomed and needed in all areas of Sunset. PLEASE JOIN US AND BECOME A PART OF THE SUNSET HERITAGE.

Sunset has been giving benefit performances for various school, civic and community organizations. Sunset also regularly contributes tickets to assist organizations in their fund-raising activities. Sunset has been honored for its leadership and support of area outreach programs.

Sunset has been honored for its leadership and support of area arts outreach programs. Some of these activities include:

technical assistance to other community theatres, high school and college drama departments
in-school career presentation
previews for seniors
scouting service projects

Sunset is a not-for-profit community theatre organization, incorporated in 1954. A building fund drive was launched, enlisting the support of the entire metropolitan Milwaukee area, and in March of 1960, the doors of the Playhouse were opened to the public! Twenty years later, in February of 1980, Sunset's family celebrated its success with a gala mortgage burning ceremony.

Sunset is the first theater in the state of Wisconsin to be built entirely by a community theater group.Sunset's air conditioned auditorium has a seating capacity of 297, with a large well-equipped proscenium stage. The offices, lobby, auditorium, stage and shop occupy the main floor. The Green Room, dressing rooms and storage areas are located on the lower level. And costume storage, light and sound booth and video taping facilities are above the lobby.

Sunset is governed by a Board of Directors elected by the membership. The Theater staff consists of an Artistic Director, a Business Manager, a Technical Director and several box office associates.Sunset volunteers work as actors, set painters, carpenters, costumers, stage managers, crew members, etc. We haven't any "stars"...everyone is important to our productions. The volunteer who pulls a rope or works the light board is as vital and as appreciated as the principal player on our stage! From the many long hours of hard work our volunteers derive the tremendous satisfaction of contributing something of cultural value to their community.

Sunset is thriving today through the selfless efforts of these volunteers (many of whom join the Sunset membership and help to determine our policies and direction). We have organized each area of our operation - from building maintenance to cast parties, from financial planning to advertising, from the technical crews to the publicity - into committees, chaired by volunteers and overseen by the Board of Directors.

Sunset welcomes volunteers in all these areas of production and operation. If you would like to be a part of our future - please join us. Share your talents, or gain some new skills by working with the volunteers and professional who so willingly share their talents. There is much you can offer, much you can learn, and many new friends to be made!