Community Players
Celebrating Creativity, Collaboration, And Community On The Stage.
Community Players
Each year, this theatre program brings students, staff, and community members together to create a full-scale stage production.
Through music, drama, and teamwork, participants develop their talents, build lasting friendships, and share the joy of live performance with the wider community.
Our History
In 1975, the UMEI stage lit up with its first musical production, Around the World in Eighty Days. What began as a modest initiative quickly blossomed into a cherished community tradition. Year after year, productions like The Mikado, Fiddler on the Roof, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Hello Dolly brought Essex County together, weaving unforgettable memories into the fabric of our lives.
For over three decades, the UMEI Community Players enriched our region, thanks to the tireless dedication of performers, volunteers, and supporters. When the final curtain fell in 2008 after the retirement of long-term director, Helen Brown, it seemed like the end of an era. Yet the dream persisted.
In 2024, UMEI teachers Erin Armstrong, Jill Suta, and Alyssa Epp decided it was time to revive the cherished tradition of the Operettas on the UMEI stage. As former participants in the original UMEI Community Players, they understand firsthand the profound impact the arts have on individuals and communities alike. In 2025, teacher Nick Driedger joined the team as the Technical Director.
This revival is not just a return to tradition but a renewed commitment to the transformative power of the arts for both the school and the wider community.
Nick Driedger
Technical Director
With four years of experience in the electrical field, Nicholas Driedger brings a strong technical foundation to this year’s production. After assisting with the new lighting install and working on The Sound of Music, he was drawn into the world of live performance. He now looks forward to renewing the sound system to elevate the experience even further.
Alyssa Epp
Music Director
Alyssa Epp grew up watching and participating in the Alumni Players and performed in many shows. In addition to the Community Players, Alyssa also serves as the Director of Operations for Abridged Opera. In addition to performing on stage with the company, she has served as stage manager for a number of their productions.
Jill Suta
Artistic Director
Jill Suta is the visual arts and drama teacher at UMEI Christian High School, directing the UMEI Grade 11 Drama productions. After the tremendous success of last year’s The Sound of Music, she is thrilled to be directing this year’s production of The Wizard of Oz. She looks forward to sharing this timeless classic with the community.
Nick Driedger
Technical Director
With four years of experience in the electrical field, Nicholas Driedger brings a strong technical foundation to this year’s production. After assisting with the new lighting install and working on The Sound of Music, he was drawn into the world of live performance. He now looks forward to renewing the sound system to elevate the experience even further.
Alyssa Epp
Music Director
Alyssa Epp grew up watching and participating in the Alumni Players and performed in many shows. In addition to the Community Players, Alyssa also serves as the Director of Operations for Abridged Opera. In addition to performing on stage with the company, she has served as stage manager for a number of their productions.
Jill Suta
Artisitc Director
Jill Suta is the visual arts and drama teacher at UMEI Christian High School, directing the UMEI Grade 11 Drama productions. After the tremendous success of last year’s The Sound of Music, she is thrilled to be directing this year’s production of The Wizard of Oz. She looks forward to sharing this timeless classic with the community.
Meet the Directors
Contact Us
Sponsorships
Email: Jill Suta / communityplayers@umei.ca
Phone: Chani Wiens 226-346-6735
Volunteering
Email: Jill Suta / communityplayers@umei.ca
Past Productions
Each UMEI Community Players production is shaped by a unique cast, creative team, and group of supporters who come together for one season and one shared story. While the shows may change from year to year, the spirit of collaboration, creativity, and community remains constant.
This page serves as a growing archive of our past productions, celebrating the community members who have contributed their time and talent onstage and behind the scenes. It also recognizes the generous sponsors and donors whose support make each production possible and help sustain arts programming at UMEI.
By preserving programs, credits, and sponsor acknowledgements from each year, we honour the work that went into every show and the many people who helped bring these productions to life. Whether you were part of the cast, supported a loved one, or joined us in the audience, these past shows represent shared moments and memories that continue to shape the UMEI Community Players today.
OPERETTA 2026
After an incredible return to the stage in 2025, UMEI Community Players is thrilled to continue this tradition with another beloved classic The Wizard of Oz! Join us in February 2026 as we follow the yellow brick road on a journey filled with heart, courage, and unforgettable music.
This production not only showcases the incredible talent in our community but also supports the future of the performing arts at UMEI. Our next major fundraising effort will focus on upgrading the sound system, including the purchase of 16 new microphones and a new 32 channel sound board, ensuring that future productions continue to provide an exceptional theatrical experience.
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR 2026 OPERETTA SPONSORS!
Benefactors of the Operetta
Randy & Jane Wiens * Walt & Suzanne Balzer
Patrons of the Operetta
Alvena Sawatzky in Memory of John Sawatzky * Snoei Omstead Wealth Management Group of RBC Dominion Securities * Hearts All ‘Round Quilt Shoppe * JDC.ca Inc.
Supporters of the Operetta
Sun County Realty Inc. Brokerage * Rob & Lois Konrad * Ed & Helen Brown * Alex & Chani Wiens * Sawatzkys LLP * Lakeside Psychology * Mat & Jill Suta * Leonard & Janet Flaming * Speedprint Ltd. * Caroline Hamm * Mary Krueger in Memory of Paul, Steven, Jennie & Zoe
Friends of the Operetta
Ken Kroeker Consulting Inc. * CIBC Leamington * BMO Private Wealth Albano*Bommarito*Digrandi Investment Group * Louise Cornies * Paul & Ruth Warkentin * Anonymous * Anthony Balzer * Baker Tilly Trillium LLP * CF Industrial Products Inc. * MC3 Manufacturing Inc. * Ed & Linda Regehr * Realty House Sun Parlour Inc. Brokerage * Dave & Joanne Brown * Minke & Jeff Richey * Ellen Gosselin * Vic & Marilyn Winter * Anonymous * Ken & Helen Kroeker * Leadout Capital Inc. * Lycoland Farms * Ron & Mary Tiessen * Paul & Judy Cornies * Ben & Sarah Wiens * John Suta * Rob & Whitney Suta * Essex Animal Hospital * Abe & Susan Epp * Robert & Mary Janzen * Martin & Suzanne Tiessen
OTHER SUPPORTERS
John & Jennifer Fittler * Dennis & Helga Enns * Nick & Kim Dilaudo * Merle Northam * Nicholas Driedger
Presents:
OPERETTA 2027
UMEI Community Players is excited to head back to the stage in 2027 with the colourful and high-energy musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Packed with humour, heart, and unforgettable songs, Joseph is a show that brings people together and celebrates the joy of live theatre.
This year’s production continues our focus on upgrading our performance space and growing the arts in our community and at UMEI. Support from sponsors and audiences will help us keep building momentum toward future improvements to our theatre spaces, including early fundraising and planning for stage upgrades, equipment needs, and added safety features. Every show helps move us forward, and Joseph is an exciting next step in strengthening musical theatre at UMEI.
Want to sponsor us?
Click HERE to sponsor us online.
(Select '#12 Community Players' in the drop down menu)
Want to join the cast?
Audition information coming July 2026.
COMING TO THE UMEI STAGE FEBRUARY 2027.
YOUR CHILD'S FUTURE STARTS NOW
VISIT
INQUIRE
APPLY