While Clear Space in Rehoboth might be thought of as the “Big Kahuna” of theater in Sussex Country, it has plenty of company with Possum Point Players (PPP) in Georgetown and Second Street Players (SSP) in Milford. During much of the year, there is plenty of live stage performances to give any Broadway devote a reason to smile.
Both Possum Point Players and Second Street Players preceded Clear Space as live theater entities in Sussex County. Both position themselves as community-based theaters. Possum Point was founded by a group of Millsboro residents in 1973 with the goal of “contributing to the cultural diversity and vitality of Sussex County by bringing the experience of live theater for education and enjoyment to residents and visitors alike”, according to its web site. It is an all-volunteer operation. None of the performers, directors or technicians are paid. Several members have come from professional theater, and some have gone on to professional careers on stage or other forms of entertainment.
The originators of PPP deliberately chose that name to project a “grass roots” image they felt would attract participants and audience members from throughout the community.” Possums” include a preacher, teachers, hospital administrators and lots of students. It is truly a grass roots effort.
The organization is a 501© (3) that is governed by a Board of Trustees and a set of by-laws. Possum Juniors is a group of secondary school age youths who have their own set of by-laws. The “Juniors” conduct their own meetings, and they produce their own shows under the supervision of an adult mentor.
Possum Point Players literally started in actual people’s homes then migrated to constructing sets at local high schools. Its first permanent home, in 1975, was at the H. W. T Purnell Hardware store on North Bedford Street in Georgetown where the group used the storefront for set construction and storage. In 1985, the Possums settled on a vacant metal building originally constructed to house youth recreation programs.
Significant improvements made to “Possum Hall” over the years included a major capital improvement in 1999 that transformed the metal building into a community theater setting in order to “improve the comfort, convenience, accessibility, and safety of patrons.”
The group has received funding from the Delaware State Arts Council and the State Division of the Arts. PPP maintains collaborative relationships with other arts organizations including the Delaware Symphony Orchestra, the Delaware Theater Company, the Rehoboth Art League, and others. Several PPP members have been appointed to the Delaware State Arts Council.
The Second Street Players’ Riverfront Theater is in downtown Milford, on the south bank of the Mispillion River. Like Possum Point Players, it also is a year-round theater. Productions include musicals, dramas, comedies, original works, a Children’s Theater program and collaborations with other cultural organizations. It’s recent production of “Little Shop of Horrors” sold out quickly. One more show is planned for 2025 – Coney Island Christmas in late November and early December.
Auditions for their 2026 opening show “The Diary of Anne Frank” take place at 6 pm on October 24 and 25 at the theater.
SSP is also governed by a board of trustees and maintains 501©(3) status. Second Street Players also receives funding from the Delaware Division of the Arts in partnership with the National Endowment of the Arts.
By Mary Jo Tarallo, Resident Journalist
Mary Jo Tarallo spent much of her career in public relations with various non-profits and spent 40 years involved with the ski industry as a journalist, public relations director for a national trade association and as executive director of the Learn to Ski and Snowboard initiative. Prior to her ski industry involvement she worked for the Maryland International Center in Baltimore and United Way of Central Maryland. She won a Gold Award for TV programming for a United Way simulcast that starred Oprah Winfrey. She has been cited for her work by numerous organizations. Mary Jo grew up in Baltimore, attended the University of Maryland and Towson University, lived in Washington, DC for 21 years and has been a full time resident of Rehoboth Beach and Milton since May 2019.
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