On November 6, 1957, a group of people met to form a dramatic theater. Betsy Rogers presided as plans for membership and a name was voted on. She became the first president of the Falmouth Theatre Guild. Ms. Rogers was a drama major at Emerson College and a member of the Newport Players Guild. Betsy acted in a number of college plays, "Winterset", "Family Reunion", "The Man Who Came to Dinner", "Candida", are just a few. Betsy also designed sets and costumes. She worked with the Newport Department at NBC-TV and did some fashion styling for television. She worked with the Newport Casino Theater for two summers. Ms. Rogers played the part of Ellen in the Falmouth Theatre Guild's first production, "Goodbye My Fancy", directed by Richard Ladenberg. She followed in the production of "There's Always a Murder" and played the part of Katherine Horton, directed by Kitty Baker. "Wake Up Darling" featured Ms. Rogers in the part of Martha. She then did lighting for "Light Up the Sky" and "Dial M for Murder". When "The Women" was presented she played the part of Mrs. Wagstaff. Then again did lighting for "Mr. Roberts", "Jane Eyre", and "The Philadelphia Story". She played Vera Charles and Mrs. Gilbreth in "Cheaper By the Dozen", then back to lighting for "The King and I" and "My Fair Lady". Betsy Rogers will always be remembered as the "mother of the Guild". Without her efforts and determination, the Guild would not be what it is today. Thank you Betsy Rogers.

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William B. Steele

William D. Steele directed many of the earlier shows for the Falmouth Theatre Guild. He was the Managing Editor of the Cape Cod Standard Times in Falmouth. Earlier in his career, Mr. Steele had been with the Associated Press in San Francisco and on the Editorial Staff of the Ashville N.C. Citizen-Times. During WWII he served with the Third Infantry Division. He was born and raised in Fairhaven and attended Fairhaven Schools and North Hampton Boys School in New Hampshire. Following graduation he enrolled in Brown University in Providence, and then joined the service. Following service, he continued his studies at Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine. He received his Masters Degree at Stanford. Bill passed away at the young age of 39. The Falmouth Theatre Guild named its first scholarship fund to honor him in 1964. Bill directed the following shows for the Falmouth Theatre Guild: Stalag 17" (Dec. 1960); "Dial M for Murder" (Mar. 1961); "The Women" (May 1961); "Mr. Roberts" (Nov. 1961); "The Philadelphia Story" (May 1962); "Auntie Mame" (Nov 1962), and "Advise and Consent" (Nov. 1963).

Kitty Baker

Kitty was there at the beginning, making the Falmouth Theatre Guild a reality.  She was a board-director in 1967 (3 years) and 1958 (3 years), served as President in 1960-61, 74, 75 and 76.  Vice President in 1968, treasurer in 1972, 1973, 1975, Ways and Means Committee in 1967, 1974 and Scholarship Committee in 1965.  When the Guild moved into Highfield Theater, Kitty was presented with the key to the door in 1960. In addition, she directed "The Pajama Game" (67), "Dial M for Murder" (61), "There's Always a Mystery" (68), "Fumed Oak (60), "Cheaper by the Dozen" (63), she was assistant director for "Staglag 17" (60), "The Kind and I" (63). She was on stage for many performances including "Wake up Darling" (59), Fumed Oak (60), "Light Up the Sky" (60), "The Women" (61), Mr Roberts (61),  "The Philadelphia Story (62), "Auntie Mame" (62) and several others.  Her latest show was "Sugar Babies (93).   Her many talents took her from Box Office, sets, costumes, make up, publicity, etc.  If it needed to be done she was there.  As a writer for the Cape Cod Times, she has given us much praise and support.  Thanks for everything Kitty, we love you.

We all loved Lucy.  Her talent, dedication and loyalty to our theater can not be measured.  Easy going, fun loving, she made you feel important and special whether you were a lead or chorus.  She was a teacher and administrator for 24 years in Falmouth Schools.  Loved by her fellow teachers and students, her contribution to education was enormous. She was Musical Director for many musicals produced.  Over (69), Sweet Charity (70), Hello Dolly (72), The Wizard of Oz (92), Sugar Babies (89), Gypsy (95), and pianist for many other shows.  Her last performance was Babes in Arms in 1996. Her passing was a great loss to all of us.  "We miss you Lucy."

Ray D. Vick

Ray has been a long time loyal member of Falmouth Theatre Guild for many years. He has contributed so much both on stage and off that it would be impossible to list. Ray joined the Guild in 1974 in the production of “The Music Man.” This was the beginning of his love for the Guild. He was on stage for many shows including “South Pacific,” “Showboat,” and “Chicago” just to name a few. His favorite place was as Director and Producer for many shows which led to his receiving a number of A.C.T.E. (Association for Community Theater Excellence) awards, including their Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to theater Cape wide. His first directing experience was “Girl Crazy.” followed by “Because Their Hearts Were Pure”, “Sugar Babies” twice and “The Boyfriend.” Ray was always involved in all aspects of the production including sets, costumes, producing and special effects. His many years on the board were very valued by everyone in the Guild. He built and designed the costume house and spent many hours making it functional. When not on stage, he was always in the audience, front row. He was a Theater Angel for many years and we all love and appreciate all he has done for us. There are still times people ask him for advice because if you need a unique costume or prop, Ray will let you know just how to go about making it...or, better yet...he will make it for you!

Eugenia O'Connor

Tom has been with the Guild for many years. Singer, dancer, and actor, he has shined in numberous shows. From "Sugar Babies", "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown", "Pirates of Penzance" and many more, he has been a very dependable member. He has served on the Board of Directors as Scholarship Chairman for a number of years. He in fun and keeps us all in stitches to boot! Our thanks and keep up the good work.

Burke McHugh

Reaching back to earlier days, one has to mention Burke. For years he had served the Guild and was always a loyal supporter. The many shows he took part in were always a success. He was well known and well liked in town by his many friends. Burkie provided the FTG with much experience and skill as he had performed on Broadway for many years prior to moving to Cape Cod. He is missed.

Jan was one of the early leaders of the Guild. She spent many hours building the organization when it was just in its infancy. As a president, board member, costumer, leader, her role was one of dedication and success. The years she spent with the FTG were quite valuable. Always in great spirits and enthusiasm, we thank he for her vision of a successful theater company.

Elfreda Norden

Anyone who was lucky enough to know Elfreda enjoyed her and was amazed by her. She was a poet and performer who commanded the stage. She was an elegant, proud and talented lady, and was considered the Grande-Dame of the Falmouth Theatre Guild. She appeared in numerous shows and did many walk-on cameos. The audiences loved seeing her and enjoyed her wonderful sense of humor. She wrote a musical entitled "Moon Motel" which the Guild performed in May of 1976. We all miss her and her wonderful spirit.

Jeannie Cafarelli

Jeannie is such a gem! So much talent! She has devoted so much time and energy to every aspect of the Falmouth Theatre Guild. Her performances are always outstanding and noteworthy. As a board member and PR person for many years her contributions are too many to mention.

Matthew Gould

There is no one as dependable and loyal as Matt. His technical knowledge with both lighting and sound has been invaluable to the Guild.
and excellent actor and a joy to perform with. Matt has been a pillar of strength during his many years on the Board of Directors. Working long hard hour both in front of and behind the curtain there is not enough room here to list his many contributions, nor our appreciation for each one.

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Highfield Theater, 58 Highfield Drive, Falmouth, MA 02540
Box Office 508-548-0400
Mailing: P.O. Box 383, Falmouth MA 02541