Our History

History of the Tater Patch Players

The Tater Patch Players were born in 1977 when a group of people from the surrounding area came together to discuss the need for community theater in North Georgia. From Pickens County there were, among others, Berry Roper, Sam Rothermel, Paul Carden, Tom Quinton, Joe Cumming, Lawton Baggs, Janet Vardaman, and Lee Etta Ligon. All were active in the Pickens Community and saw the need for performances in our area. They were very organized, formed a Board, elected directors — then someone said, “Let’s put on a play” and the fun began, and hasn’t stopped yet.

Alan Van Lyle of North Georgia College was hired to direct the first play and they chose L’il Abner. The performance was done in the Tate Elementary School Auditorium, and that was the troupe’s home for many years. Because we performed in the schools so often, our season was always the same as the school year — that is, our 1977 season, ran through the summer of ’78. For many years, the troupe performed just one summer musical, then began to expand into other types of plays and sometimes featured work by local playwrights.

Our fondest hope was achieved in February, 2011, when we purchased the building that is now our theater — our home.  Located at 95 Philadelphia Lane in Jasper, Georgia, this building made the leap from office/warehouse to functioning theater in just ten weeks.  The transformation was inspired by the leadership and guidance of Tater Patch President Robert Countryman.  Robert planned, guided and inspired both contractors and volunteers through the build-out process.  The transition would have been much more difficult without his guidance.

Tater Patch has always been a family endeavor. Community theater offers young people an opportunity to gain poise and confidence. Theater offers everyone the lessons that are to be heard in good drama. And it offers everyone an opportunity to laugh together and enjoy community spirit.  Now, in the new theater, the troupe is expanding their repertoire.  They are adding additional plays, workshops, camps and activities for all ages and interests.  But quality live theater has always been, and will continue to be, the bedrock of the Tater Patch Players.