Theatre Winter Haven

Since 1970, Theatre Winter Haven's mission has been to "nurture cultural growth by providing live theater through presentation, participation and training to the community."

Today, TWH has about eight full-scale productions each year.

Earlier this year its Main Stage production was "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story."

The theater's Summer Mummers Musical, "Hairspray," will be performed July 20 through Aug. 5.

TWH's Theatre Academy productions are "Six Canterbury Tales," which will be presented April 30 through May 2 while touring Polk County schools and "Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing," which will be presented May 15 through May 20.

The academy program includes two main stage plays, one touring show, a summer musical for youngsters, StageRead plays, and theater classes and workshops.

StageRead plays are productions where actors use only a few props while reading from scripts. These plays are usually serious in nature.

Besides offering many high-caliber performances each year, the theater has put together a senior citizens' acting troupe called Act IV Players. The elder thespians bring to life the delights of live theater for other senior citizens, free of charge.

Theatre Winter Haven presents its plays at the Chain of Lakes Complex, 210 Cypress Gardens Blvd. in Winter Haven.

Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Single tickets for musicals or nonmusical productions are $20 for adults and $17 for students. Theatre Academy tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students 17 and younger.

StageRead plays are $10 each or $24 for a series of three.

For more information about shows or to reach the box office, call 863-294-7469 or call the theater office at 863-299-2672.

The theater's website is www.theatrewinterhaven.com.