Mission & History
Our Mission
Stage Coach Players is incorporated in the State of Illinois as a not-for-profit corporation. The organization was founded for and retains the purpose of fostering an appreciation of the theater, creating opportunities for all who are interested in the theater to participate in its activities and to promote the general cultural and aesthetic welfare of the community.
Diversity and Inclusivity Statement
Stage Coach Players believes the importance of community theater is bringing together diverse voices to tell unique, powerful, and entertaining stories. We strive to promote an inclusive atmosphere for all performers, creators, and patrons in which their talents and perspectives can be celebrated. We will continue to do our part by listening, learning, and fostering an environment free of racism and discrimination of any kind.
Our History
Why the name Stage Coach Players?
Ann Eddy Gray directed a group of young people in 1947 in Pure of the Driven Snow. They performed their show at the Masonic Temple, located at 318 on Locust Street in DeKalb. The performers enjoyed themselves so much that they asked Gray to form a theatre group. Gray approached John Ellwood and requested the use of the loft in the...
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Stage Coach Players’ Many Stages
Having first performed in 1947 at the Masonic Temple in DeKalb, the Stage Coach Players moved into the Ellwood family’s barn loft at Ilehamwood Farm for their next show in the summer of 1947, and they performed in that same space through the summer of 1949. At that point, the Ellwoods needed the barn to function as a barn, and...
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The Stage Coach Players original box office.
Stage Coach Players performed in the DeKalb Illinois Masonic Temple in 1947.
The Ellwood horse barn loft was used from 1947-1949.
The Loves Road building was home from 1953 to 2001.