National Players fun facts

SINCE 1949!

FUN FACTS

¨1949-2007

58 Consecutive Seasons

The longest-running classical touring company in the United States.

6,970 Performances

Plays by Shakespeare- at least one each year- Moliere, Sophocles, Shaw,

Oscar Wilde, Peter Shaffer, Eugene O’Neill.

1,923,000 Miles on the Road

Traveling through 40 states in truck, van, and car.

2,765,820 People in the Audience

Players present complete productions- sets, lights, and costumes- in universities,

colleges, high schools, and community arts centers.

674 Young Artists; 70% working in the theatre professionally

Talented graduates of drama programs are selected from among many hundreds

of actors and actresses who audition to become Players. Their membership in the

Players’ acting company enables them to cross the bridge from educational to

professional theatre. 70% of alumni of National Players are now working in theatre,

film, television, and educational theatre.

In response to invitations from the Department of Defense and the State Department,

Players have toured Europe, Asia, and the Middle East performing for American

military. During the Korean War, they made a six week tour of Japan and Korea to

entertain battle-weary GI’s.

In appreciation for outstanding service.

National Players is an educational outreach program of