The Twin Valley Players (TVP) got their start in 1970 when the local Lions Club asked William "Blake" Blackway, English teacher, vocal music teacher and drama coach at Halifax High School, to direct a summer production that they would back as a fund raiser. It all started with Mame, the first production of what has been a run that spans more than 30 years.

To say that "Blake" was the foundation on which the group built its reputation for outstanding local casting and production is an understatement. His dedication, persistence and patience over the first decade helped guide and influence the TVP through its formative years. During this time a small core group of 25 students and residents, donned the beards and trod the boards to the delight of a growing audience of supporters. Six week rehearsals culminated in ten productions that lasted a mere 4 nights. But what nights they were! The community was treated to the likes of Cabaret, Hello Dolly!, Plain and Fancy, The Pajama Game, and even the infamous Fiddler On the Roof.

The 1980's was the decade of expansion and incorporation. During this time, having attracted talent from outside the area and expanding its presence to other communities, The Twin Valley Players branched out. "Blake", with his co-producer Karen McCormick, took the show on the road. A series of variety productions were put on at various organizations such as the Tall Cedars of Lebanon and at private parties. Comedies now broadened TVP's shows to two productions per year. Around mid decade, the "Blake" era came to a close as he moved on to another community. Some of the original core group remained but the TVP now saw an influx of new talent to continue under incorporation. The Lions Club turned over the support reins to banks and other institutions to carry on the legacy it had established.

The third decade of quality theater came under the guiding hand of Raymond "Ramie" Enders, who has successfully integrated upcoming actors, dancers and singers from the local area with a wide-ranging geographical base of non-professionals. Supporters have been treated to Annie, Will Rogers Follies, Grease!, Music Man, OZ, and now Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This maturing period of the Twin Valley Players saw bigger sets, various producers, professional choreographers, tons of special effects, different directors as well as the development of a scholarship program open to all students who have participated in TVP productions.
The new millennium and a new home will mark another period of growth for the TVP. Stagnation in the form of the "same old players and the same old plays," is the kiss of death for any theater company. Fresh, young talent willing and able to take chances and approach productions in a new light will propel the TVP into its fourth decade. New directors, a wider area of recognition and support from other communities, enhanced publicity and even a more full "regular" season of several productions will keep theater and the TVP competitive with the new world of electronic entertainment. Local resident support is still needed. If theater goes stagnant or dies, we cannot "Put the Blame on Mame," but only on ourselves.

Here's to another 30 years of quality theater!