Maxinkuckee Playhouse Green Barn

A UNIQUE, converted green barn, hidden away among the trees on the east shore of beautiful Lake Maxinkuckee, is presently home and workshop for the 17 members of the Maxinkuckee Playhouse.

Auditioned and selected at universities from California to New Jersey, these actors are participating in a kind of community project . . . sharing the burden of labor, maintenance and histrionics that make up a season of summer stock.

Thus far, eight shows have been produced and two more remain to complete this year's program.

Plays ranging from simple comedy--Dear Ruth--to powerful dramas like Steinbeck's of Mice and Men were included in their season.

Conceived three years ago, the Playhouse has steadily grown in dimension, popularity and repute.

Seating capacity has been increased, an airconditioning unit has been added for the comfort of the theatergoers, and members of the company, for the first time, are getting a token payment for the 12-week stint.

Actual payment for their effort, however, is the opportunity to "tread the boards" and gain experience in the realm of dramatics.

Players do their own make-up and dressing room is usually crowded a few minutes before curtain time

Every spare minute, even when awaiting cur for the current play, is spent working on the next show

Display board, books on theater arts and recorded music help the 12-minute intermission time along.

The small stage area taxes thhe ingenuity of the director, the set men, and actors alike. Props for the various productions are borrowed from friends and patrons all arounf the lake

Paul Rutledge acts as Playhouse co-director

On the warm evenings of August, a cool glass of orange juice and chat on the broad front porch helps to speed the waiting time between acts.

The final curtain falls... Then a midnight dip ends another busy day

by Tommy Wadelton
Aug 24, 1952, Indianapolis Star