Tred Avon Players (TAP), a community theater serving Maryland’s Eastern Shore since 1982, is excited to announce leadership updates, including the appointment of Sammie Adams-Mercer as part-time Executive Director and the election of new board officers.

Adams-Mercer has been involved with TAP for the past three seasons, serving as board treasurer and as volunteer coordinator, essential roles for a nonprofit organization. In her new role as Executive Director, she will provide leadership and strategic oversight across TAP’s operations, productions, and programming, working closely with the board to ensure smooth execution and long-term growth. Her focus will be on creating continuity from show to show, strengthening volunteer engagement, and building the systems and partnerships that support TAP’s sustainability and success.

“I’m honored to take on this role at an organization that means so much to me and our community,” said executive director Sammie Adams-Mercer. “TAP has always been about more than theater — it’s about bringing people together. I look forward to collaborating with the board, supporting our volunteers and directors, building partnerships, and putting the systems in place that will help TAP thrive for years to come.”

In addition, the TAP board elected officers at its September meeting:

• Alison Lynch, President (succeeding Melissa Barcomb-Doyle)
• Angel Perez, Vice President (succeeding Alison Lynch)
• Joe Tyler, Treasurer (succeeding Sammie Adams-Mercer)
• Brian McGunigle, Secretary (continuing in his role)

“We are grateful to Melissa (Missy) and Sammie for their leadership in their previous officer roles,” said board president Alison Lynch. “With Sammie as Executive Director and our new officer team in place, TAP is well positioned to build on more than four decades of creating dynamic theater and meaningful experiences for the community.”

About Tred Avon Players
Founded in 1982, the Tred Avon Players is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to enrich, educate and entertain its community by providing high-quality live theater. Hundreds of local performers, stagehands, audience members and donors have been the backbone of its success throughout the decades. To get involved, explore upcoming shows, or support TAP’s mission, visit www.tredavonplayers.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Tred Avon Players continues its 2025 season with Hot ‘n’ Cole: A Cole Porter Celebration! Words and music by Cole Porter. Directed by Marcia Gilliam, the show will be presented in eight performances, October 23–November 2, at the Oxford Community Center. Tickets are available online at www.tredavonplayers.org or by calling the TAP ticket line at (410) 226-0061.

The spotlight is on the timelessness of Cole Porter classics, presented with fresh arrangements and a contemporary twist. More than forty songs, from iconic standards like “Anything Goes” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin” to lesser-known gems, are woven into an evening that feels as much like a musical as a revue. Wry, romantic, irreverent, and touching, each number captures Porter’s signature blend of wit, elegance, and playfulness while remaining as timeless today as when it was first written.

“Cole Porter’s music has a sparkle that never fades,” said director Marcia Gilliam. “What excites me most about Hot ‘n’ Cole is how it both honors the sophistication of the original songs and gives them a fresh twist that today’s audiences will love. It is funny, touching, and a sheer delight from beginning to end.”

The talented vocal cast features both new and returning TAP performers: Erin Bradley, Emma Carmean, Jane Copple, Katie Cox, Bill Gross, Debbie Harmon, Ed Langrell, Erinne Lewis, Leigh Marquess, Matt Rein, Lisa Roth, Destiny Strawberry, Kiara Vos, and Herb Ziegler.

Music Director and pianist Michael Casey joins them on stage, along with dancers choreographed by Erinne Lewis and a band led by director and arranger Ray Remesch (piano/guitar) and featuring Ron Demby (clarinet/flute/sax), Amy Smith (string bass), Maura Thompson (French horn), and Cody Thompson (percussion).

Hot ‘n’ Cole: A Cole Porter Celebration! runs for eight performances, Thursdays through Sundays, from October 23–November 2 at the Oxford Community Center, 200 Oxford Rd, Oxford, Md. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students. They are available online at www.tredavonplayers.org or by calling the TAP ticket line at (410) 226-0061.

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About Tred Avon Players

Tred Avon Players (TAP) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing high-quality theatrical experiences for the Eastern Shore community. Founded in 1982, TAP produces four mainstage shows each year at the Oxford Community Center and offers opportunities for local actors, directors, and volunteers to participate in all aspects of live theater. For more information, visit www.tredavonplayers.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Moving day has never been this funny. Come audition and join the chaos!

Tred Avon Players (TAP) invites actors of all experience levels to audition for Things My Mother Taught Me, a hilarious and heartfelt comedy written by Katherine DiSavino and directed by Ed Langrell. Performances will take place February 12–22, 2026 at the Oxford Community Center.

AUDITION DATES & LOCATIONS:

• Tue, Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m. – TAP Office, 114 N Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Easton

• Thu, Oct. 9, 6:30 p.m. – TAP Office, 114 N Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Easton

• Sun, Oct. 12, 6:00 p.m. – Oxford Community Center, 200 Oxford Rd, Oxford

CASTING

TAP will be casting seven roles. All ethnicities, body types, abilities, and skill levels are welcome to audition and will be considered for roles. Readings will be selected scenes (sides) from the script provided during the audition. You can reach the director, Ed Langrell, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 410-226-0061 and pressing 0 at the prompt to leave a message. Please contact Ed if you need any special accommodations.

CHARACTERS

• Olivia Keegan (Female, late 20s-early 30s) Energetic, neat, slightly OCD.
• Karen Keegan (Female, 50s-60s) Olivia’s mother; caring but opinionated.
• Carter Keegan (Male, 60s) Olivia’s father; supportive and well-meaning.
• Gabe Lawson (Male, late 20s-early 30s) Good-natured; a bit overwhelmed by moving.
• Lydia Lawson (Female, 50s-60s) Gabe’s mother; practical, witty, and a little bossy.
• Wyatt Lawson (Male, 60s) Gabe’s father; friendly, easygoing, and sometimes awkward.
• Max Mirowski (Male or Female, 40s plus) Polish building superintendent.

PLAY SUMMARY

Olivia and Gabe’s big move to Chicago doesn’t go as planned, especially when both sets of parents arrive to help. This comedy explores relationships across generations and the lessons parents pass on, sometimes without even realizing it.

PRODUCTION CREW

TAP also needs a production crew – sets, lights, sound, costumes, and stage crew. If you are interested, come to any audition to find out more information or send an email to Ed Langrell at [email protected].

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ABOUT TRED AVON PLAYERS

Founded in 1982, the Tred Avon Players is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to enrich, educate and entertain its community by providing a high-quality theater experience. Hundreds of local performers, stagehands, audience members and donors have been the backbone of its success throughout the decades. To learn more, visit www.tredavonplayers.org and follow Facebook and Instagram.

Tred Avon Players (TAP), a growing, vibrant community theater serving Talbot County and the Eastern Shore, is seeking a part-time Executive Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for the organization.

If you are an enthusiastic leader with a passion for the arts, we invite you to apply. The ideal candidate will be a creative and strategic thinker who thrives in a dynamic environment, has experience working with volunteer-driven organizations, and excels at building and maintaining relationships with donors, partners, and community members. Flexibility and adaptability are essential, as the role supports the evolving needs of a community-based theater.

“We are excited to welcome a dedicated, community-minded leader to help guide TAP into its next chapter,” said Melissa Barcomb-Doyle, TAP Board President. “This is a unique opportunity for someone passionate about the arts and nonprofit leadership to make a meaningful impact.”

See the full job description here.

Applications should be submitted by Friday, August 29 to TAP Board President Melissa (Missy) Barcomb-Doyle at [email protected]. For any questions about the position, candidates are encouraged to reach out directly to Missy.

Tred Avon Players looks forward to welcoming a new Executive Director to help guide its mission of inspiring, engaging, and entertaining audiences through exceptional community theater. Founded in 1982, TAP has proudly served Talbot County and the Eastern Shore for over 40 years, building a rich tradition of connecting the community through the arts.

For more information about TAP, visit www.tredavonplayers.org and follow TAP on Facebook and Instagram.

 It’s murder, mystery, and mayhem this August as Tred Avon Players (TAP) brings the wildly funny CLUE: On Stage to life at the Oxford Community Center. Running August 14-24, this fast-paced farce by Sandy Rustin is based on the 1985 cult classic film and the infamous Hasbro board game that has kept us guessing for generations.

Directed by Jess Newell, CLUE: On Stage opens on a dark and stormy night at Boddy Manor, where six suspicious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party. When their host winds up dead, everyone becomes a suspect—and the hunt is on to discover who did it, with what, and where!

“This show is a blast,” said Newell. “It’s fast, it’s ridiculous, and it’s full of surprises. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or brand new to Clue, you’re going to have a great time.”

The colorful cast of characters includes both new and returning TAP actors:

• Bruce Grove as Wadsworth

• Natalie Page Laney as the Cook

• Zachary Schlag as Colonel Mustard

• Dena Transeau as Mrs. White

• Lynn Sanchez as Mrs. Peacock

• Mike Sousa as Mr. Green

• Erik Fair as Professor Plum

• Cecile Storm as Miss Scarlett

• Ben Milone as Mr. Boddy

• Matt Kimball as the Motorist

• David Cherry as the Cop

• Rob Sanchez as the Chief

The show is produced and stage managed by Sammie Adams-Mercer, with sets, lighting, costumes, and sound conjuring the eerie elegance of a murder mystery dinner party gone terribly wrong—brought to life by TAP’s talented and dedicated all-volunteer crew.

Performances run August 14-24 at the Oxford Community Center, with evening shows Thursday through Saturday and Sunday matinees. Tickets and full show details are available at www.tredavonplayers.org.

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About Tred Avon Players

Tred Avon Players is a nonprofit organization committed to providing high-quality theatrical experiences for the Eastern Shore community. Founded in 1982, TAP produces four mainstage shows each year at the Oxford Community Center and offers opportunities for local actors, directors, and volunteers to participate in all aspects of live theater. For more information, visit www.tredavonplayers.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.

Tred Avon Players (TAP) and the Oxford Community Center (OCC) are excited to invite youth to participate in Shakespeare Midsummer Stage, an immersive four-day Shakespeare workshop for students entering grades 5–12. This exciting new program runs July 28–31, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. each day at the Oxford Community Center, culminating in a free showcase performance for family and friends on Thursday, July 31 at 6:30 p.m.

As part of their shared mission to educate and inspire, TAP and OCC are launching this unique summer experience to offer students a fun, engaging, and educational opportunity to explore the timeless works of William Shakespeare.

Participants will work with veteran actor, director, and school teacher David Cherry to develop their skills in acting, voice, movement, and scene study—building confidence, creativity, and stage presence in a supportive and collaborative environment.

“This is not just about learning Shakespeare,” said Cherry, who leads the program. “It’s about connecting with the language, the characters, and with each other. Students will gain tools that apply both onstage and off—and they’ll have a blast doing it.”

“We’re thrilled to bring this kind of meaningful arts education to young people in our community,” said Liza Ledford, Executive Director of Oxford Community Center, and Melissa Barcomb-Doyle, President of Tred Avon Players, in a joint statement. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to providing opportunities that spark creativity, nurture talent, and build community through the arts.”

The workshop fee is $200 per student and includes a Shakespeare Midsummer Stage t-shirt. Space is limited. Registration closes May 31, 2025 or until full. To learn more and register, visit https://www.tredavonplayers.org/youth-workshop-2

About Tred Avon Players

Founded in 1982, Tred Avon Players is a nonprofit community theater dedicated to enriching, educating, and entertaining audiences with high-quality productions. For more than four decades, TAP has thrived thanks to the dedication of local performers, stagehands, audience members, and donors. To learn how you can get involved or purchase tickets for upcoming shows, visit www.tredavonplayers.org and follow TAP on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Tred Avon Players (TAP) continues its 2025 season with The Man From Earth, a thought-provoking sci-fi drama by Richard Schenkman, based on the book by Jerome Bixby and directed by Cecile Storm. The production runs from April 17-27 at the Oxford Community Center. Season passes and individual show tickets are available at www.tredavonplayers.org.

Hailed as one of the most intelligent science fiction stories ever written, The Man From Earth follows John Oldman, a retiring professor who stuns his colleagues with an extraordinary secret that challenges history, mortality and the unknown. What begins as an impromptu farewell gathering quickly spirals into a gripping intellectual and emotional battle as his friends struggle to separate fact from fantasy.

The extraordinary cast includes Greg Allis (John), Maddie Megahan (Harriet), Mary Ann Emerson (Edith), Zack Schlag (Dan), Cavin Moore (Sandy), Chris Agharabi (Art), Jenny Weske (Linda), and Corrie James (Lily).

Special Easter Weekend Performance Schedule

The Man From Earth opens on Thursday, April 17, and runs for seven performances through Sunday, April 27. Due to Easter Sunday falling on opening weekend, TAP will offer two performances on Saturday, April 19, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. instead of a Sunday matinee. This adjustment allows cast, crew, and audience members to enjoy the holiday with family and friends.

Tickets & Show Information

Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students (fees included). Preview Night (April 17) and matinees sell out quickly! Tickets are available online at www.tredavonplayers.org or at the door before each performance (while seats last).

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About Tred Avon Players

Founded in 1982, Tred Avon Players is a nonprofit community theater dedicated to enriching, educating, and entertaining audiences with high-quality productions. For more than four decades, TAP has thrived thanks to the dedication of local performers, stagehands, audience members, and donors. To learn how you can get involved or purchase tickets for upcoming shows, visit www.tredavonplayers.org and follow TAP on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Tred Avon Players (TAP) invites actors of all experience levels to audition for our upcoming production of PLAZA SUITE by Neil Simon which will be performed Feb 13-23, 2025 at the Oxford Community Center.

AUDITION DATES AND TIMES

• Monday, Nov 4 at 7 pm

• Wednesday, Nov 6 at 7 pm

• Sunday, Nov 10 at 2 pm

LOCATION
Oxford Community Center
200 Oxford Rd, Oxford, MD 21654

CASTING

Each act of PLAZA SUITE features different couples staying in Suite 719 of New York City’s Plaza Hotel, bringing a blend of humor, heartbreak, and human connection. We encourage actors to audition for multiple roles if interested.

TAP will be casting 11 roles, 6 men and 5 women. All ethnicities, body types, abilities, skill levels, etc. are welcome to audition and will be considered for roles.

ACT 1 – Directed by Ed Langrell

Karen Nash (Female, 40s-60) A wife trying to rekindle the romance in her marriage. Loving, sentimental, but frustrated by her husband’s inattentiveness.
Sam Nash (Male, 40s-60) A distracted, workaholic husband. Struggling to deal with midlife crises and his marriage.
Jeane McCormack (Female, 25-35) A young secretary involved in an affair with Sam Nash. She is confident, professional, and subtly manipulative.
Bellhop (Male, 20+) A polite, efficient, and professional staff member, with minimal dialogue, but plays a role in setting the hotel atmosphere.
Waiter (Male, 20+) A courteous and attentive staff member who serves Karen and Sam during their stay. His role is brief but important in creating the upscale, formal setting of the hotel suite.

ACT 2  – Directed by Angel Perez

Jesse Kiplinger (Male, 30s-40) A confident, successful Hollywood producer, visiting his old flame in hopes of rekindling a romance.
Muriel Tate (Female, 30s-40) A housewife and old girlfriend of Jesse’s with a warm, easy-smile. She seems naive and vulnerable.

ACT 3  – Directed by Maureen Curtin

Norma Hubley (Female, 30s-50) A concerned, harried mother trying to get her daughter to come out of the bathroom and get married.
Roy Hubley (Male, 30s-60) A father of the bride. Gruff, impatient, and at his wit’s end.
Mimsey Hubley (Female, 20s-30) The nervous bride who locks herself in the bathroom on her wedding day.
Borden Eisler (Male, 20s-30) Mimsey’s fiancé, nervous but eager to get married.

Readings will be selected scenes (sides) from the script provided during the audition. You can reach Ed Langrell by emailing [email protected] for any special accommodations.

 

PLAY SUMMARY
Karen and Sam are a long-married pair whose relationship may be headed for an early checkout. Muriel and Jesse are former high school sweethearts who seem destined for an extended stay. And Norma and Roy are the mother and father of the bride, ready to celebrate their daughter’s nuptials — if only they can get her out of the bathroom. Through witty dialogue and humorous situations, PLAZA SUITE explores the complexities of love, marriage, and relationships with Neil Simon’s signature blend of humor and heart.

PRODUCTION CREW

TAP also needs a PLAZA SUITE production crew – sets, lights, sound, costumes, and stage crew. If you are interested, come to any audition to find out more information or send an email to [email protected].

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ABOUT TRED AVON PLAYERS

Founded in 1982, the Tred Avon Players is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to enrich, educate and entertain its community by providing a high-quality theater experience. Hundreds of local performers, stagehands, audience members and donors have been the backbone of its success throughout the decades. To learn how you can get involved and to purchase tickets for upcoming shows, visit www.tredavonplayers.org and follow Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Tred Avon Players (TAP) is delighted to announce its upcoming production of Noël Coward’s classic comedy BLITHE SPIRIT, running from Oct 24 to Nov 3, 2024, at the Oxford Community Center. Directed by TAP veteran Alison Lynch, this spirited and witty play promises an evening of supernatural hilarity and sophisticated charm.

BLITHE SPIRIT tells the story of novelist Charles Condomine, who invites an eccentric medium, Madame Arcati, to his home to conduct a séance as research for his next book. However, things take a turn for the otherworldly when Madame Arcati accidentally summons the ghost of Charles’s first wife, Elvira, who is determined to disrupt his new marriage. Chaos ensues as Charles finds himself caught between two wives—one living and one deceased—in a battle of wits and wills.

The production features a stellar cast of local talent, bringing Coward’s unforgettable characters to life. Greg Allis takes on the role of Charles Condomine, the skeptical novelist, with Christina Underwood as his strong-willed second wife, Ruth. Jackie Royer portrays the ghostly and mischievous Elvira, Charles’s first wife, while Michelle Spain embodies the spirited medium, Madame Arcati. Herb Zeigler and Debbie Harmon play Dr. Bradman and his wife Violet, the Condomines’ loyal friends, and Lindley Bounds completes the cast as Edith, the eager-to-please maid.

“We are incredibly excited to bring BLITHE SPIRIT to the TAP stage,” said director Alison Lynch. “This play is a perfect blend of comedy, wit, and the supernatural, and our cast has truly embraced the challenge of bringing these iconic characters to life. Audiences are in for a delightful evening of laughter and ghostly fun.”

Performances will be held at the Oxford Community Center, 200 Oxford Rd, Oxford, Md. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. Tickets are adults $25 / students $15 (fees included). Thrifty Thursday (October 24) and Sunday matinees sell out quickly!

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.tredavonplayers.com or contact the box office at (410) 226-0061.

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About Tred Avon Players
Tred Avon Players is a community theater dedicated to producing high-quality performances that entertain, educate, and enrich the local community. TAP is committed to fostering local talent and providing opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate in the theatrical arts. Hundreds of local performers, stagehands, audience members and donors have been the backbone of its success throughout the decades. To learn how you can get involved, visit www.tredavonplayers.org and follow Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.