80-year Richland theater open house. Its importance ‘goes beyond’ an artistic mission

Blocky black letters are lined up on the lighted marquee at the historic Richland Players Theater in The Parkway.

It’s one of the oldest community theaters in Washington and home to an amateur theater group first created over 80 years ago to entertain Manhattan Project workers and their families arriving at the Hanford nuclear site.

For the last 54 years, the mostly volunteer casts have offered various productions at the iconic theater building off the George Washington Way entrance to the city. Before buying the Richland theater building, its productions were held in Richland High’s auditorium.

On Saturday, Jan. 11, the theater opened its doors to the public, but not for a new performance.

The nonprofit was looking to build up its volunteer numbers with an open house and volunteer fair.

“The ‘community’ part of community theater is vital to this organization and is inherent to this theater,” said Ron Harman, vice president of operations for the Richland Players’ board. “Its importance to the city of Richland goes beyond the artistic mission.”

Ron Harman, vice president of operations, stands in the lobby of the historic Richland Players performing arts theater building at 608 The Parkway in Richland.
Ron Harman, vice president of operations, stands in the lobby of the historic Richland Players performing arts theater building at 608 The Parkway in Richland.

Harman grew up in the Tri-Cities and attended Richland High School. After more than four decades working in the Portland, Ore., theater community, he moved back to Richland two years ago. Now, he’s working to help bolster support for the Richland Players.

There’s a core group of about 75 active volunteers, but he would like that number to grow to 100.

The open house featured stations led by current volunteers who explained their roles at the theater and describe opportunities for new volunteers.

The marquee sign of the Richland Players theater building at 608 The Parkway in Richland.
The marquee sign of the Richland Players theater building at 608 The Parkway in Richland.

Harman said the theater needs folks to help build sets, create props, sew costumes, work as stage managers and crew members, operate lighting and serve as ushers, among other tasks.

“It could be anybody,” Harman said. “One of the beauties of community theater is that this is a place to start. You don’t have to have a background in theater. Come in and we will show you what to do.”

Volunteers also support the organization’s fundraising and marketing efforts.

The green room in the historic Richland Players performing arts theater building in Richland.
The green room in the historic Richland Players performing arts theater building in Richland.

The theater has just three employees who work part-time — two box office staff members and a theater manager.

Everyone else — from the actors, crews and directors on stage to the ushers — are volunteers.

The Richland Players were established in 1944 and bought the historic theater in 1971.
The Richland Players were established in 1944 and bought the historic theater in 1971.

What’s coming up at the theater

For more than 60 years, the Richland Players has had five annual productions each season.

The theater is also rented out for special events and performances.

The control booth for lighting and sound in the historic Richland Players performing arts theater building.
The control booth for lighting and sound in the historic Richland Players performing arts theater building.

On Jan. 18, there will be a presentation about the origins of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a Dream” speech, featuring local speaker Arthur T. Broady and singer Daphne Jackson.

Harman said that the Richland Players is fortunate because it’s the only arts organization in Tri-Cities with its own performance space. Most rely on school auditoriums.

He’s also backing a proposed performing arts center in the Tri-Cities because it could provide a venue for other local arts organizations.

The exterior of the Richland Players performing arts theater building in Richland.
The exterior of the Richland Players performing arts theater building in Richland.

In February, Richland voters will be asked to raise the local sales tax by two-tenths of a percent, or 2 cents on a $10 purchase, to support construction of the $81 million, 800-seat cultural hub.

Someday, he hopes Richland Players can also raise the money to renovate its theater and build a support facility nearby, including a rehearsal space, dressing rooms, a green room, and costume and prop storage.

Upcoming shows include “Unnecessary Farce” in February, “Becky Shaw” in March and April and “12 Angry Jurors” in May.

For more information visit the Richland Players website.

Posters from previous performances are displayed on the walls of the Richland Players theater building at 608 The Parkway in Richland.. The organization, established in 1944, is holding a Open House and Volunteer Fair from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on January 11.
Posters from previous performances are displayed on the walls of the Richland Players theater building at 608 The Parkway in Richland.. The organization, established in 1944, is holding a Open House and Volunteer Fair from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on January 11.