Info@enchantedplayhouse.org
About The Enchanted Playhouse
Enchanted Playhouse was founded in 1991 by Susan Sluka (Gutierrez). When she started Enchanted Playhouse, there were no other theatres in the area that were offering plays for kids to see (she had an 8-year-old son who therefore could not enjoy her passion for theatre). She wanted to create a company that would present theatre: good, respectable, quality theatre, designed for young audiences, yet sophisticated enough to appeal to adults as well. In February 1992, Enchanted Playhouse opened with its first production of Rumpelstiltskin at Rotary Theatre.
The same season the company presented The Secret Garden, Merlin’s Tale of Arthur’s Magic Sword and Beauty and the Beast. This also started field trips for school children to attend the shows.
EPTC & The Main Street Theater
THE SHOW WILL GO ON
In the summer of 1997, Enchanted Playhouse moved into the Main Street Theatre where we performed until 2019. Now Enchanted Playhouse performs at the Fox Theatre, with 3,000 school children attending each production. Soon embarking on our 30th anniversary, we take pride in our history and look forward to enchanting school children and families for many more years to come. Our organization is run completely by volunteers and none of our actors pay anything to participate in a production. Our auditions are always open to the public and many first time actors find their start on our stage. We are only able to do this by the generous support of our community partners and individuals in the Central Valley.
With everyone’s support, the Enchanted Playhouse will continue to fulfill its original mission to “ enchant, surprise, excite and amuse audiences, young and old ”!
THE EPTC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
WHO’S WHO
SHANNA MEIER
President
KAY WHISTLER
Vice President
DEBBIE HARDIN
Secretary
The EPTC has been a passion for Debbie since 1992 when founder Susan Sluka cast Debbie and her son as King Arthur and his mother. Because of the family-friendly nature of Enchanted, Debbie has been a board member for over 20 years. Live theater at Enchanted Playhouse, specifically geared for children, has been very close to her heart. as a teacher, actress, board member, and director. Her favorites – Role: The Witch “ A Walk in the Woods ” – Director: “ The Truest Story of the Big Bad Wolf ” – both written by board member, Debbie Metzler.
ROBERT MEIER
Treasurer
MONA WHALEY
BRIDGET ELLIS
JOHN ROZUM
John Rozum is a Chief Deputy at Tulare County Counsel, representing Child Welfare Services and the Public Guardian and Mental Health. John joined the board of the Enchanted Playhouse after seeing how fulfilling and rewarding the Playhouse has been for his son and daughter. There is a true sense of community that focuses on wholesome values.
JOHN ZSIDO
LYDIA IRWIN
SHERIAHNA IRVIN
EMILY WILLIAMS
SUSAN RICHARDSON
Susan is an advocate for children and a patron of the arts. Her daughter’s passion for theater is what led her to the EPTC in 2011 and in 2013 she joined the Board. A Pediatric Nurse Practitioner by profession, she values community programs for children that are confidence building and available to all ages, advantages, and academic ability. Susan is also a figure skating instructor and VP of the Ice Skating Club of Fresno.
DONALD WILLIAMS
Donald is a certified public accountant with Sciacca & Company, CPAs for 32 years. He became involved with the EPTC in 1998 when he was encouraged by his nephews to audition for the Playhouse’s production of Robin Hood. Cast in the role of the Bishop of Hereford, he fell in love with the Playhouse. In 2002 he co-direct the Playhouse’s production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. In 2008, Donald had the privilege of directing a stage play he wrote especially for the Enchanted Playhouse entitled “Return to Where the Wild Things Are” a sequel to “Where the Wild Things Are”. He joined the Board in 1999. He currently serves as treasurer.