The Spanish Trail Playhouse started in the fall of 1962

It began under the leadership of Ann Jensen, Howard Pelham, Mickey Balaban, and Ralph Nolan, who had a dream of bringing live theatre into the little town of Chipley Florida. The first Executive Committee for the playhouse consisted of Ann Jensen as Chairman, Robbie Stanton as Secretary/ Treasurer, and directors Mickey Balaban, Leon Rice, and Bob Goss.

→1962

Season 1 •

The group decided upon three plays per year and on September 7, 1962 the Spanish Trail Playhouse opened its curtains for the first time with Southern Exposure, a 1950’s romantic comedy, under the Direction of Mickey Balaban. The second show was New Moon, a musical by Sigmund Romberg, under the direction of Ralph Nolan followed by the final show for the first season, Dial M For Murder.

→1963

Season 2 • •

The Playhouse was really beginning to make an impression on the local community and opened its second season in 1963 with the musical, Picnic and Sabrina Fair, directed by Mickey Balaban, and the musical, Carousel completed the Playhouse’s second season.

→1964

Season 3 • • •

The year was 1964, and the Spanish Trail Playhouse opened its 3rd Season with Blithe Spirit, a comical play written by Noel Coward. Showboat, a well-known musical, directed by Ralph Nolan, choreographed by Bob Goss, with the musical assistance of Edna Myers followed in 1965. The season ended with Candita, also in 1965.

→1965

Season 4 • • • •

The 4th season followed up with three timeless and memorable stage classics such as Pygmalion, Kiss Me Kate, and Solid Gold Cadillac that was very well received.

→1966

Season 5 • • • • •

The 5th season stormed in with highly acclaimed stage shows including The Importance of Being Earnest, Mikado, and Arsenic and Old Lace.

→1967

Season 6 • • • • • •

In came season 6th with shows such as Night Must Fall, Oklahoma starring Ann Jensen as Aunt Eller, and A Man Called Peter, directed by Winona Vanlandingham.

The curtains close in 1968

In 1968, the members of the Spanish Trail Playhouse presented Dan and Ann Jensen, who were instrumental in the establishment of the playhouse, a crystal punch set. Ann was stepping down as President after five years of service to the playhouse and Roger Vanlandingham was to be installed as the new President.

The Spanish Trail Playhouse ran for seven very successful years but after their final performance of The Sound of Music, the playhouse closed its curtains for the last time in fall of 1968.

→2006

Bringing back the Spanish Trail Playhouse

In August of 2006, under the leadership of Kevin Russell, work began to bring the Spanish Trail Playhouse back to Washington County and its citizens. A womanless Beauty Contest, held at the Historic Chipley High School Auditorium, raised over $1,000.00 toward the reestablishment.

→2007

STP Becomes Incorporated

The Spanish Trail Playhouse became incorporated through the State of Florida on April 8, 2007. The first public organization meeting, held at the Washington County Public Library, took place on September 4, 2007. A second meeting followed on December 3, 2007. In an effort to introduce the playhouse to the community, the group sponsored a Halloween costume contest on October 31st.

→2007

First Board of Directors Selected

On December 3, 2007, Kevin Russell selected the first Board of Directors which included, Kevin Russell as President, Zedra Hawkins as Vice President, Cheryl Withrow as Secretary, Tiffani Wolfe as Treasurer, and Valerie Park and Trish Payne as Members at Large. Trish Payne became Secretary and Polly Kneiss became Vice President within the following 3 months.

→2008

STP Presents Skits-O-Phrenia

The Spanish Trail Playhouse presented the fundraiser, Skits-O-Phrenia, on January 10, 2008 at the Chipley High School Auditorium. Skits-O-Phrenia, written by Chris Calton and Kevin Russell as a night of comedy scenes and songs, and become a favorite of the local communities for the next few years.

STP Officially Opens with Steel Magnolias

On September 5, 2008, merely one year since its reestablishment, the Spanish Trail Playhouse officially opened its curtain again with a 3-day performance of Steel Magnolias. This production was sponsored by the Washington County Tourist Development Council and the Washington County Arts Council and took place at the Chipley High School Auditorium as the Playhouse did not have a permanent home. Under the direction of Kevin Russell, the show gained rave reviews and highlighted the talents of women from two different counties.

STP takes over the lease of the Historic Chipley High School

In July 2008, the Spanish Trail Playhouse took over the lease of the Historic Chipley High School Auditorium. The auditorium was in need of many extensive repairs. Chris Kneiss of Plantation Builders was the Chairman of the renovation process. The first community work day was held on November 1, 2008 with a second work day to follow in January 2009.

→2009

New Board of Directors

In January 2009, Zedra Hawkins and Tiffani Wolfe stepped down from the board due to term expirations and a board of 14 individuals took on the task of continuing the legacy of the Spanish Trail Playhouse.

The 2009 Board of Directors were:
Kevin Russell - PresidentPolly Kneiss - Vice PresidentAnn Harden - TreasurerKari Rines - Business SecretaryValerie Park - Corresponding SecretaryTrish Payne - Members at LargeMarvin & Elaine Engram - Honorary Members at LargeChris Kneiss - Renovations DirectorJimmy Miller - Technical DirectorSteve Mason - Set DirectorPatsy Lawson - Grants Director Joe Johnson - Membership/Sponsorship DirectorRachel Webb - Washington County Arts Council Liaison

→2009

STP presents A Stroll Down Broadway

The Spanish Trail Playhouse presented A Stroll Down Broadway in In April of 2009. This was the first musical produced the Spanish Trail Playhouse in over 40 years. The cast included 35 individuals with a variety of ages. Membership and Sponsorship Campaign - The Spanish Trail Playhouse held its first membership and sponsorship campaign in February 2009 under Chairman Joe Johnson. The first Season Tickets were created in March 2009.

In April 2009, the Historic Chipley High School Auditorium had been almost completely renovated. A deadline of April 15 had been placed on all renovation work due to preparation of the Spanish Trail Playhouse spring Musical, A Stroll Down Broadway.