Dear PBTS family,

When we lifted the curtain on Season 60, we introduced a guiding vision for the year ahead: Hope. Joy. Togetherness. We believe those three ideas are intimately connected.

With hope and joy for togetherness.
With hope and togetherness, there is joy.
With joy and togetherness, we hope for a brighter tomorrow

That vision has guided every moment of this season, but what we couldn’t have predicted was how deeply we’d need to rely on it.

As you may know, a fire broke out inside our cherished theatre. Thanks to the sprinkler system, the fire was contained — but in the process, our facility suffered severe flooding and significant water damage. After the initial shock, the tears, and the fear, I felt immense gratitude: no one was hurt, and our building — standing since the 1940s — still stands today.

But the road to recovery will be long.

This building is so much more than four walls and a stage. For over 60 seasons, it has been a cultural landmark in Jacksonville Beach: a place where people from all walks of life have come together to create, connect, and celebrate. While offering entertainment and theatrical magic, it’s also been a sanctuary, a catalyst for transformation, and a creative home to thousands.

For me personally, it’s where I directed my very first production. It’s where I found my voice, honed my craft, and began a lifelong career in the arts. Players by the Sea is a home. And right now, that home needs us.

We’ve launched an Emergency Relief Fund for Players by the Sea as we navigate this challenging time. Financial support from the community will help with:

• Maintaining day-to-day operations while we’re displaced
• Cleaning and restoring our fire- and water-damaged facility
• Replacing destroyed furniture, equipment, costumes, and production essentials
• Securing safe, functional spaces for rehearsals and performances

So many people like yourself have asked how they can help, and as of right now, this is the way.

Will you consider giving a gift that’s meaningful to you towards our Emergency Relief Fund?

There’s no sugarcoating it: this will be difficult. When we return to our building, there will be an enormous amount of work to do before we can welcome our community safely back inside. But together, we’ve overcome so many challenges… and this will be no different.

I am hopeful that you will consider supporting the much needed relief efforts, which in turn will ensure many more joyful moments together.

Hope. Joy. Togetherness. — This is how we’ll get through this.

Thank you for your love, your support, and your belief in Players by the Sea. I can’t wait to be back in the theatre with you soon.

With love,

Bradley Akers

Managing Director of Players by the Sea