About


HISTORY
Royal River Community Players is a multi-generational, non-profit community theater located in Yarmouth, Maine. Founded in the Fall of 2016 by a group of like-minded theater enthusiasts who decided it was time to have a performance group that wasn't "just for kids" nor "just for adults", our goal is to provide performance opportunities for all ages and to produce plays and musicals that the whole family can participate in, watch, and enjoy. RRCP is welcoming to people of all ages, abilities, races, ethnicities, religions and orientations.
MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of the Royal River Community Players is to create multi-generational performing arts experiences for Yarmouth and surrounding area residents. These opportunities of education, culture, and creative expression are provided through theatrical productions for all ages.
VISION
Royal River Community Players envisions a dynamic theater company presenting three full-scale productions annually as well as smaller, more focused events such as Clam Festival appearances and open mic performances. We also envision growing local talent by offering classes in acting, improv, clowning, musical theater, and other theater-related topics. Finally, we believe providing a space for other local artistic groups to perform as well as bringing talent from outside the area, such as professional groups, comedians, dance troops, etc., will continue to enhance the cultural opportunities in our community and surrounding areas.
RRCP Board of Directors
Kathleen Connelly
Andrew Gabrielson, Secretary
Jocelyn Handy
Andrea Stanley Hester
Greg Lee, Treasurer
Rachel Lotstein
Ian Michaud
Melissa Reagan
Melina Roberts, President
Avery Schmeisser
Kathy Slack
Kelly Walton, Vice President
RRCP Staff
With nearly two decades of experience working with non-profits in the southern Maine, Chris Sullivan has made a career of creating accessible art experiences for audiences of all ages.
Chris has led the way in designing and creating spaces for the arts all over Maine, most notably in his key role as the Consulting Exhibits Director for the new Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine, which opened in 2021 and features 30,000 square feet of exhibits spanning three floors and a 90 seat proscenium theater. As a longtime leader at the organization since its days on Free Street, Chris was instrumental in preserving the organization’s mission, vision, and heart while expanding its reach. He proudly served as Board President for Mad Horse Theater Company. His leadership efforts helped secure several key sources of funding. This expanded organizational capacity that empowered Mad Horse to continue its proud creative legacy of bringing innovative, challenging performances to the greater Portland community.
For 10 years, Chris served as a professor of Fine Arts at St. Joseph’s College, where he mentored students as they explored new skills, passions, and careers in visual art. He also led several vital campus initiatives, establishing an artist lecture series, securing grant funding for a partnership with local public schools, and guiding a comprehensive revision of the core curriculum to increase flexibility and encourage students to explore more interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Caleb is an actor and theater educator with a B.A. in Theater from SUNY Plattsburgh. He brings a wealth of experience to his work, particularly in youth-focused theater education. Prior to joining Royal River, Caleb worked extensively with the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine. His roles included performer, stage manager, technical theater intern, and after-school program educator. Through these experiences, Caleb has had the privilege of collaborating with young artists, fostering an environment where creativity, confidence, and teamwork can thrive.
Caleb has also directed youth productions such as *Annie Jr.* at Stages and the TYA edition of *Tuck Everlasting* at Gorham Middle School. His dedication to his students shines through in the supportive and encouraging relationships he builds, creating spaces where young artists feel empowered to explore their creativity and grow as individuals.
As a performer, Caleb has appeared in a variety of productions. Recent roles include Larry in The SpongeBob Musical at Lyric Music Theater, Gus in White at Mad Horse Theatre Company, and Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web at Maddy’s Theatre.
He is thrilled to join our growing community and looks forward to helping nurture the next generation of young performers through meaningful and enriching theater experiences.
RRCP IN THE NEW
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Yarmouth to host live town-focused storytelling event, Northern Forecaster. Jan 23, 2024.
Heartwarming ‘Heidi’ coming to Yarmouth stage, by Sydney Richelieu. Forecaster. Jan. 16, 2024.
Tales from the dead will come alive at Stroll Haunted Yarmouth, by Sydney Richelieu. Forecaster. Oct. 3, 2023.
Theater company brings Yarmouth ghost stories to life, by Kate Irish Collins. Forcaster Oct.8, 2019
Alice! An Original Musical. Press release. Mar. 2019