The Ghent Playhouse proudly announces a celebratory gala in honor of its 50th season of bringing live theater to Columbia County. The milestone event will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, beginning at 5 PM on the Playhouse lawn and inside its historic theater home.
The evening will begin under a festive tent with champagne and hors d’oeuvres, where guests will mingle with Playhouse board members, actors, directors, crew, and the many loyal volunteers and patrons who have supported the Playhouse through the decades. The celebration continues inside the theater with a special performance of songs and scenes from standout productions across the Playhouse’s five-decade history—featuring many familiar faces from years past.
Tickets are available now at www.ghentplayhouse.org.
Founded as the Columbia Civic Players, a traveling theater troupe performing throughout Columbia County, the group eventually settled into its permanent home in the historic Ghent Town Hall. The Playhouse has always remained rooted in a core mission: to deliver quality entertainment while fostering community involvement and artistic expression.
On this important anniversary, the Playhouse also continues its capital campaign to restore and preserve its historic building for future generations. Initially set at $50,000, the campaign goal was raised to $80,000 following the discovery of water and moisture issues in the building’s crawlspace. To date, more than $55,000 has been raised, enabling significant repairs, including:
· Repair of building’s metal roof and replacement of storage shed roof
· Rebuilding of the front entrance floor
· Replacement of degraded wood siding
· Improved ventilation of the crawlspace
· Reinforcement of structural support beams
Upcoming work includes painting the roof and building exterior, foundation repairs and the installation of a drainage system.
Looking ahead, the Playhouse aims to expand its programming beyond traditional productions. This summer, it will again welcome CCYT (Columbia County Youth Theater) for portions of their youth theater program, continuing its commitment to arts education and community enrichment.
“As we celebrate 50 years of memories, performances, and local talent, we invite our community to join us – not just to celebrate our past, but to help shape our future,” said members of the Ghent Playhouse Board. “Join us for this special evening of reflection and celebration—and be a part of what is still yet to come.”
For more information visit ghentplayhouse.org
To purchase tickets click on the 50 below.
About The Ghent Playhouse
The Ghent Playhouse is a nonprofit community theater in Ghent, New York, dedicated to presenting high-quality theatrical productions and encouraging local participation both on stage and behind the scenes. Since finding its permanent home, the Playhouse has become a beloved cultural institution In the community.