History

 

In 1993, the company had far outgrown the church basement and began renting a warehouse on Woodrow Avenue in the Ghent area of Norfolk. Loyal volunteers renovated the warehouse to include classrooms, office space, a Rehearsal Hall and a small Black Box Theatre. Performances were held at Willett Hall, Virginia Beach Pavilion and, in 2001 Hurrah opened the renovated TCC Roper Performing Arts Center with The Wiz. Hurrah continues to produce their main-stage shows at The Roper Center.

As the company continued to grow, both in size and caliber – it soon became clear it was time to establish a permanent home. A Capital Campaign was launched and a building search began. In June 2009, The Hurrah Players purchased their new home: the historic Old Norfolk Academy building in Downtown Norfolk. After several months of renovations, Hurrah moved into the new space, complete with two large Rehearsal Halls, a Student Resource Center, a centrally located Box Office, costume and prop storage, and a 100 seat performance venue. Made possible by The Patricia and Douglas Perry Foundation, in April 2010 Hurrah dedicated their home performance space as The Perry Family Theatre.

While the primary purpose is education, Hurrah strives to go beyond simply teaching dramatic skills, endeavoring to instill in our students and audiences a full and enduring appreciation of the theatre. Our professional quality work is provided to the public at affordable prices in order that a wide diversity of the community might be able to attend live theatrical productions.

School field trips and student scholarships provide a theatre experience for thousands of people each year who might not otherwise have such an opportunity. Live theatre can create a magical relationship between performer and audience when the quality of the work transcends the boundaries between real life and fantasy. Hugh Copeland, Hurrah Players' Artistic Director, holds the company to the highest professional standards. Appropriate selection of shows and subjects for family entertainment also helps us create a special rapport with our audiences. Along with classic children's tales, our shows have included productions dealing with death, teen problems, environmental issues and education.

Recognized repeatedly by local and regional media and theatrical organizations, the Hurrah Players have received many awards for our creative and innovative work. Our students have been invited to perform in Washington, D.C., New York City, Disney World, Pearl Harbor and London. In keeping with our policy of public service to the citizens of Hampton Roads, Hurrah students are pleased to perform for numerous civic groups, community organizations, and local charities each year.

Since its incorporation in 1984, The Hurrah Players have been, and will continue to be, a shining example to both our students and our community that theatre arts can be a vehicle not only for educational enrichment, but for the emotional and social well-being of the participants as well.