The Ritz Players have become more than a theatre company – they have grown into a true family, bringing together people of all ages, all professions, interests, and backgrounds. The audience is a part of the family as season after season, faithful fans return to buy tickets and encourage the company’s efforts through their applause.
While fostering local talent and entertaining residents and visitors, the Ritz Theatre has helped promote a number of different relationships within the community. The Ritz Theatre has worked with a number of local organizations and businesses, including the Hawley’s Women’s Club, the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, The Settler’s Inn, and Ehrhardt’s Waterfront Restaurant (now known as The Dock at Silver Birches Resort) to establish a number of packages including a train/theatre trip and dinner & theatre arrangements.
Other non-profit organizations have been able to arrange fundraising events using the theatre. Local, regional and national groups have helped broaden the Ritz program schedules to include musical concerts, barbershop quartets, old-time fiddlers, dance groups, ballet companies, college theatre companies, and children’s magic shows. Internationally known authors have also made presentations on the Ritz stage.
The business of the Ritz Players is run by a board of directors under the nonprofit corporation named Company Players, Inc. The Company Players, Inc. is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 corporation.