Surfside's Mission
Surfside Playhouse is a community theatre dedicated to the performing arts through productions, presentations, education and outreach.
SURFSIDE PLAYERS, INC. IS A 501 (c)(3) NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION
Surfside Facts
Our History
In April of 1959, a dynamic and excited group of erstwhile Thespians presented its plans for a live theatre in Brevard County. They called themselves The Surfside Players of Cocoa Beach. The Players began implementing its plans, approved by city officials, civic groups and local residents.
In May, 1959, their first production, The Moon is Blue was presented at the Cocoa Beach Fire House. In following years, the Players staged their shows at the fire house, in churches & motels, and even on the beach!
In April of 1963, the dream came true with the official opening of Surfside Playhouse.
On January 6, 1963, ground was broken for Surfside Playhouse at the corner of Fifth Street South and Brevard Avenue in Cocoa Beach.
A children's theatre group was officially formed in 1979 and has continued with the current class, known as the Surfside Youth Players.
The annual Playwriting Contest was founded in 2001 to offer local Brevard County playwrights an opportunity to present original full-length plays on Surfside's stage with talented actors and staff.
Our newest performing venture is the Fearless Improv Brigade, with classes in improvisational comedy taught semesterly by Mario Busacca since 2013. The thrill of brand-new theatrical stories, devised on the spot, is yours to experience from a seat in the house, OR standing on stage...
COVID-19 presented many challenges for live theatre. When we were not able to operate, Surfside survived thanks to generous donations. Innovative programs, such as online play readings, helped keep the community engaged. The playhouse was able to re-open with reduced capacity through social distancing, regular cleaning, and routine testing. While the theatre has returned to full operation, precautions remain in place to ensure the cast, crew, and patrons can safely enjoy their theatre experience.
