Founded in 1978, The Robertson County Players have performed nearly 100 different plays and musicals in the past 43 years!

The Robertson County Players' original board of directors was a diverse group of local Springfield citizens, some with community theatre experience but most without. They soon became a tight-knit group that would change the face of entertainment in Robertson County for generations.

Verne Bolen - Verne served as the first President of the RCP and was the owner of Bolen Leather Company in Springfield. A native of Chicago, he moved to Springfield with his family in the mid 1960's. Verne had  been involved in community theater in other towns he had lived in throughout his life. His favorite role he would often say, was Big Daddy in Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. He later went on to star in two of the first three RCP productions The Silver Whistle and My Sister Elieen. Sadly, Verne passed away two days after the fourth RCP production, The Curious Savage.

Charlie Ralph - Charlie served as the first Vice-President of the RCP. He was the Executive Director for the Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Charlie, who championed everything that was good  for Springfield in those days, immediately saw the potential and the benefit of having viable community theater. He was a solid supporter and hosted RCP Board meetings in the Chamber of Commerce offices.

Marge Bolen - Marge served as the first RCP Treasurer and went onto distinguish herself in that office for years to come. Even after her beloved husband Verne passed away, she served in the role until she herself passed away in 1995. Marge often said she had no desire to venture onstage but she loved the Robertson County Players and its members with all of her heart.

Donna Wilkins - Donna served as the first Secretary for the Players.  She may very well have served as the catalyst for the founding of the Players. The story goes that she became acquainted with Hal Aldridge when she was a hygienist for local dentist, Dr. Robert Deberry. They started talking about Hal's earlier involvement in community theatre and how Springfield needed a theatre group. From there, the rest as they say is history. Donna later went on to appear in several early plays plus served as producer for many productions throughout the years.

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Hal Aldridge - Hal was a dancer in some of the big musical films from the Hollywood Golden Age during the 1940’s. He moved to Springfield after his retirement to live with his sister Dorothye. Before his arrival in Springfield, Hal had also become a renowned director in community theatre around the country. He brought much needed experience to the Robertson County Players and served as a director in many of the early plays and musicals.

Dorothye Mathews - Hal's older sister was herself an accomplished singer and dancer. She also became a mainstay for her brother and the RCP by serving on the RCP board for many years. She also produced numerous productions and was always referred to affectionately as “Mama Beck.”

Becky Mathews Petty - Dorothye Mathews' youngest daughter, Becky, was also a member of the first RCP board. Becky sold ads, handed out programs, sold tickets, enlisted and encouraged actors and crew members and continues to support the Robertson County Players to this day.

Sally Goodman - One thing not mentioned and perhaps near forgotten, was how important a local company was to the early success of the Players. Nasco, Inc was a highly regarded fundraising and manufacturing company located in Springfield. Sally was married to Cliff Goodman and Donna Wilkins was married to Winfield Wilkins. They along with Tommy Petty, the husband to Becky Petty were all executives at Nasco. The company since its founding in the 1960’s had always been a big supporter of charitable groups, churches and schools. With their help and support (including monetarily), the RCP  had their posters and programs printed at Nasco, often times using art that was created  there. In fact, the original and iconic RCP logo was designed by Nasco artist Martha Risher.  Sally went onto become a tireless supporter and benefactor of the RCP till her passing just a few short years ago.

Joe Bragg - The late Joe Bragg was the pastor at Central Christian Church located on Fifth Avenue here in Springfield. Joe was also a civic leader in the community and while never appearing onstage became a devoted supporter of the RCP and was another important reason for us being here today.