History, Community, Tradition… Because art requires creation through participation, all art must have a community in order to create. Theater has always been an influential factor in communities. As people are exposed to the arts, creativity flourishes, academics improve, and means of self-expression are developed. Supporting your community theater is supporting all these things, and contributing to a proven catalyst for economic development, community engagement and social enrichment.

This has long been the understanding of The Antrim Players, a pride and joy of Rockland County. Our not-for- profit community theater has been producing acclaimed plays and musicals every year since 1936. Through the years, Antrim has been the starting rung for many talented people who have gone on to professional theater, television, and big screen success. Our stage has been graced by Helen Hayes, Fred Gwynne, Henny Youngman, Burl Ives, Tyne Daly, Hugh McPhillips, Christine Andreas, Rene Auberjonais, Milton Berle, and many others.

The auditorium and stage at the Manse Barn have their own unique history as an entertainment venue. The Manse Barn served as one of four USO clubs for over 1 million soldiers departing from Camp Shanks in Orangeburg during WW2. It offered many opportunities for art, dance, recreation, and entertainment. Frank Sinatra, the Andrew Sisters, Vaudeville, Broadway, and Hollywood stars jumped at the chance to entertain outgoing troops at Camp Shanks. Guides offered historical walking tours of the neighborhood where George Washington had briefly camped with the Continental Army in 1780. In more recent years, various adult and children’s theater groups have produced shows on the barn’s stage. Special traditions continue at the Manse, including the annual tree lighting, South Orangetown Day and summer movies on the lawn.

It is Antrim’s vision to present multiple yearly main stage productions, consisting of both plays and musicals, as well as offering writing and acting workshops, scene studies and special guest performances. Additionally, a move to this area brings with it opportunities to explore collaborations with community organizations and local leaders to explore the rich history of Tappan through community celebrations, reenactments, guided (costumed) walking tours and period piece productions.