Peninsula Players has been staging professional theatre on the Door County peninsula for roughly nine decades, which makes it one of the long-running fixtures of the summer calendar. The theatre is on Peninsula Players Road, just west of Highway 42 and north of Egg Harbor, near Fish Creek, and the setting is a large part of the charm. Audiences sit in a pavilion that opens to the woods and gardens around it, so the performance takes place in the open air with the sounds and scents of the Door County evening in the background. The company stages a season of plays and musicals, with a mix of comedies, classics, mysteries and music-based shows, and the seasons are announced in the winter. A night at the theatre is a classic Door County evening. Many visitors combine a performance with a fish boil dinner in Fish Creek, a sunset at Peninsula State Park, or a stay at an inn in the village. The theatre runs a season from early summer into October, with individual tickets typically going on sale in the spring. The pavilion's design means that you feel the weather, so a jacket is a good idea on a cool evening, and the theatre has accessibility features such as a hearing loop and wheelchair seating. The company draws on professional actors and directors, and the production values are strong for a summer theatre. For couples, families with older children and groups of friends, it is a polished, relaxed way to spend an evening.
Planning the evening
Tickets are sold online, by phone and at the box office, and the theatre's site shows the season, the schedule, the seating sections and the current policies. Individual tickets for a season go on sale in the spring, and popular performances in July, August and October can sell out, so book ahead. Plays and musicals are priced at different levels depending on the seating section, and there are discounts for students and groups.
A handling fee applies per order, and ticket policies on exchanges are set out on the theatre's site, so read them before you buy. Arrive at least 45 minutes before curtain to park, collect tickets and find your seat.
What to expect
The pavilion is open-sided, which means that rain, wind and cool temperatures can be part of the experience. The theatre keeps the sides, doors and vents open for ventilation in the summer, so bring a sweater or a light blanket, and insect repellent on warm evenings. Late arrivals are seated in open rear seats until intermission, so plan to be on time.
There is a canteen on site for snacks and drinks, and the grounds are pleasant for a stroll before the show. For accessibility, the theatre offers a hearing loop and wheelchair seating, and the box office can advise on specific needs.
Making it count
Choose the show that suits your group, with the musicals and comedies being easy crowd-pleasers, and mysteries a good fit for a mixed adult audience. Pair the evening with an early fish boil or a casual dinner in Fish Creek, and plan your route so you are not driving long distances afterward. If you are traveling with children, check the content and the length of the show.
Because the season runs from early summer into October, the theatre makes a good plan for visitors in the shoulder season, when the evenings are cooler and the woods are changing color. A night at Peninsula Players is a pleasure that many Door County regulars return to year after year.
What to expect
The experience
A professional play or musical in an open-sided pavilion set in woodland gardens near Fish Creek, during a season that runs from early summer into October.
Best time
A summer evening, or an autumn performance when the woods are changing color and the air is cooler.
How long
About two and a half to three hours including arrival, intermission and curtain.
Tips
Arrive 45 minutes early, bring a layer and insect repellent, book ahead for peak weeks and read the exchange policy before buying.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and groups who enjoy live theatre in a beautiful outdoor setting.
- Families
- Choose a family-friendly show and check the content and length first.
- Couples
- A classic date night, ideally after an early fish boil.
- Pair with
- A Fish Creek fish boil, a sunset at Peninsula State Park or a stay in the village.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
Where is Peninsula Players Theatre?+
It is at 4351 Peninsula Players Road in Fish Creek, just west of Highway 42 and north of Egg Harbor.
When does the season run?+
The season runs from early summer into October, with individual tickets typically going on sale in the spring. Check the theatre's site for the current schedule.
How do I buy tickets?+
Tickets are sold online, by phone and at the box office. A handling fee applies per order.
Is the theatre accessible?+
Yes, it has wheelchair seating and a hearing loop. Contact the box office to arrange specific needs.
What happens if I arrive late?+
Late arrivals are seated in open rear seats and may move to their assigned seats at intermission, so arrive about 45 minutes before curtain.