Our History

In 1975, the UMEI stage lit up with its first musical production, Around the World in Eighty Days. What began as a modest initiative quickly blossomed into a cherished community tradition. Year after year, productions like The Mikado, Fiddler on the Roof, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Hello Dolly brought Essex County together, weaving unforgettable memories into the fabric of our lives.

For over three decades, the UMEI Community Players enriched our region, thanks to the tireless dedication of performers, volunteers, and supporters. When the final curtain fell in 2008 after the retirement of long-term director, Helen Brown, it seemed like the end of an era. Yet the dream persisted.

In 2024, UMEI teachers Erin Armstrong, Jill Suta, and Alyssa Epp decided it was time to revive the cherished tradition of the Operettas on the UMEI stage. As former participants in the original UMEI Community Players, they understand firsthand the profound impact the arts have on individuals and communities alike. In 2025, teacher Nick Driedger joined the team as the Technical Director.

This revival is not just a return to tradition but a renewed commitment to the transformative power of the arts for both the school and the wider community.

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