History
Founding and Early Years
(1965-1980)
Founding by Constance Welsh
Davidson Community Players (DCP) was founded by Constance Welsh, a drama teacher, director, and actress. The first production, "Time of Harvest," was staged in July 1965, featuring a cast of college and town residents. Connie, a Carnegie Mellon theatre arts major, led the organization in producing one or two plays every summer, primarily in Hodson Hall on the Davidson College campus.
Notable Productions
During this period, DCP produced several significant plays, including "The Bald Soprano," "You Can’t Take it With You," "Our Town," "The Crucible," "Major Barbara," "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf," and "The Cherry Orchard."
HAY FEVER, 1979
Transition and Structural Changes
(1981-1989)
Leadership Transition In the early 1980s, Connie moved to Charlotte, prompting the hiring of Pam Stephenson as the first executive director and the organization of an executive board chaired by Max Polley. Connie returned to direct "A Thousand Clowns" in 1981 and her final production, "The Rainmaker," in 1990.
Organizational Developments From 1982 to 1989, DCP achieved several milestones, including obtaining non-profit status, increasing performances to two weekends per production, and establishing Fireside Readings. The first children's play in collaboration with Davidson College's Theater Department was produced in 1985. DCP began compensating set designers, stage directors, technical coordinators, and the executive director.
HARVEY, 1982
CLOSE TIES, 1985
Growth and Expansion
(1989-2009)
Kim Beard's Tenure (1989-1999) Kim Beard served as Executive Director for ten years, during which 23 plays were produced, including DCP's first musical, "The Music Man," in 1991. In 1996, The Connie Company, a children's theater company, was formed under Rupert Barber's direction. Annual children's plays continued in collaboration with Davidson College.
Karen Sorenson's Leadership (2000-2002) Karen Sorenson served as executive director from 2000 to 2002. During her tenure, DCP presented its first production in the Duke Family Performance Hall, "The Sound of Music," breaking attendance records.
Cindy Rice's Leadership (2003-2009) From 2003 to 2009, Cindy Rice, DCP's first full-time executive director, led significant growth, including acquiring the Armour Street Theatre to enhance education programs and productions.
Recent Developments (2011-present)
Matthew Merrell's Tenure (2011-2023) Matthew Merrell, a former board member and chair, was hired as executive director in 2011. He secured greater corporate support, expanded educational programming, and maintained high-quality performances.
Steve Kaliski's Leadership (2023-present) Steve Kaliski, a Davidson College alum and experienced New York director, actor, and producer, took over as executive director in 2023.
Current Productions and Programming DCP now produces multiple adult plays and musicals annually, along with an ambitious roster of teen and youth shows. They are recognized as a regional leader in theater education programming, operating at the Armour Street Theatre, Cain Center for the Arts, and the Duke Family Performance Hall.
CONNIE WELSH COLLAGE, 2009