New nonprofit group supports arts community

Its mission statement says a new nonprofit group, The Waterford Players, a mobile troupe of thespians, was formed to create and support a vibrant and resilient performing arts community in Southern Tuscarawas County.

Waterford was once the name of Uhrichsville. Officially formed in November 2023, the group already has activities planned this year and ideas for many more events. It anticipates first-year events will mostly be centered around Uhrichsville but plans are to spread opportunities to all of Southern Tuscarawas County.

Laura Gray serves as board president of the Waterford Players. It was her mother Sarah Fouts, a teacher at Claymont Schools for 35 years and St. Mary’s School for five years, who helped her see a need for the group. Her mother involved Gray in the performing arts while she was growing up.

“We attended church in the Twin Cities, and we have just been part of the music scene of the Twin Cities in Southern Tuscarawas County for decades, especially mom,” Gray said. “We felt there is a huge need for more performing arts activities in Southern Tuscarawas County. The Little Theatre exists up north, and they do a phenomenal job, but I think there’s a need down here for something local and very easily accessible and available.”

The group sees the need for more performing arts opportunities for children is even greater.

“That’s definitely going to be a large part of our focus — the use and offering of singing, dancing,” Gray said. “The goal is to do a full musical. I doubt we will have the finances to do it this summer, but hopefully next summer, we’ll have enough money. The licensing is very costly.”

Other ideas they’ve been considering include a children’s summer workshop where children could learn the basics of Broadway plays. They also would like to host a murder mystery dinner theater event. Another idea is a hymn sing where the community gathers to sing hymns they select.

The group is still putting together a website where they will be able to accept donations, and they plan to have fundraisers to support their projects.

The group has a program scheduled for St. Patrick’s Day weekend with events March 15 and March 17.

“We’re calling it Green Music, folk songs of Appalachia. We’re going to include a lot of Celtic folk music,” Gray said, adding her mother plays the harp and organ and will be among those performing. The group is hoping to include a fiddler and recently held auditions for the show.

The show will be held at First Presbyterian Church at 633 N. Main St. in Uhrichsville. More information will be posted on the Waterford Players Facebook page.

The group plans to utilize existing buildings and spaces for events in Southern Tuscarawas County.

A series of Latin dance classes are being held on the third floor of the Uhrichsville Elks at 322 Main St. Latin Dance Singles 101 is held at 5:30 p.m., and Couples Merengue is at 6:30 p.m. Classes are $10 per person, per class, and no preregistration is required. Students do not have to participate in all the classes; they can come to one or more. The remaining class dates are Feb. 16 and 23 and March 1.

The dance class fees go to the instructor, not Waterford Players.

“That’s one of the goals of our organization. We don’t want our prices to exclude anyone. We want to keep it very affordable and accessible to the local community,” Gray said.

Bringing events to the Southern Tuscarawas County community is important because lack of transportation can sometimes be a barrier to participation.

Gray has been a professional soloist from the age of 12. She runs Brigadoon Homestead with wool sheep, dairy goats and poultry, as well as her home business, Fibers by Laura. She has five children and also is on the board of the Uhrichsville Farmers Market.

Shana Angel is vice president of the group. She is a local farmer and arts enthusiast. Her family operates Angel Farms, raising pigs, goats and cattle. She also owns Foraged and Feral, a business that features handmade salves and body care products. She plays the bassoon and other instruments and recently made her stage debut as a vocal soloist.

Danielle McMillen serves as secretary of the group. She graduated from Indian Valley Schools and is now a math teacher there. She is a supporter of the performing arts.

Daniel Everett, owner of Everett Consulting Services LLC, serves as treasurer of the group. He is a native of Uhrichsville and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Kent State University.

Other board members include the following:

—Cassie Brown, who works as an RN, is passionate about women’s ministry and community. She helps lead the local nonprofit organization Grit and Glitz, which focuses on supporting and connecting women in business. She also helps lead On Purpose Ministries and is a vocalist.

—Michelle Gossett is the owner of Solace Relaxation Massage LLC. Gossett helped lead children’s productions at NewPointe Community Church. She holds a diploma in biblical studies and a degree as a relaxation therapist.

The group is looking for volunteers who would like to get involved. Volunteers do not have to be performers. Contact the group through its Facebook page or email Gray at lvanvick@gmail.com.