Peterborough Players Raises $900K for Housing

The Peterborough Players will break ground later this month to build on-campus housing for its actors and interns. Six cottages, each accommodating four people, plus a separate building where people can gather for meetings or casual dining, are planned for a meadow adjacent to the theatre. The project will be completed in time for the opening of the 2013 season. To date, $900,000 has been raised and/or pledged toward the goal of $1.2 million. This amount also included $155,000 in tax credits from the NHCDFA (Community Development Finance Authority) that in turn benefit the local corporate donors who contributed the $155,000.

The addition of housing will greatly reduce the Peterborough Players’ expenses, since housing for the actors and interns has become increasingly expensive over the years. It will also eliminate the need for extra cars to transport them back and forth to the theater and keep them from having to drive late at night.

A kick-off celebration announcing the On-Campus Housing Initiative was held at the theatre last month. Approximately 125 people attended to hear the plans and listen to the rousing and inspiring remarks by James Whitmore, Jr., son of James Whitmore, Sr., the Hollywood actor who got his start at the Peterborough Players in 1947. James, Jr. is an accomplished actor in his own right and is the director of several popular television series, including NCIS and The Good Wife. Opening remarks were offered by Keith Stevens, Managing Director, and Gus Kaikkonen, Artistic Director. Bob Pettegrew, Campaign Chair, presented an on-screen review of the project.