Plant City Entertainment, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization
The History of
Plant City Entertainment
Plant City Entertainment, Inc. (PCE) is a nonprofit community theater organization based in Plant City, Florida. Founded in 1980, it has become a cornerstone of the local arts scene, offering theatrical productions and fostering community involvement in the performing arts.
Origins and Early Years
The inception of community theater in Plant City can be attributed to Clare Mills, a young woman who, after returning to Plant City post-college and beginning her teaching career, recognized a void in the local arts scene. Having been involved in theater and dance during her college years, she missed these art forms and was inspired to explore whether the community would support a local theater initiative.
​
Collaborating with David Graves, the choral director at Plant City High School at the time, Mills organized the first production—a variety show titled “Let’s Hear It for Me.” This inaugural performance took place in August 1980, staged outdoors on the paved area at the old Union Station Depot in downtown Plant City. The depot, unused for years, required significant cleaning and preparation, which was undertaken by dedicated theater enthusiasts who volunteered their time to transform the space into a makeshift performance venue.
​
With no initial funding, the fledgling theater group sought assistance from the Arts Council of Plant City, which provided a $400 contingency fund. At that time, the theater operated under the umbrella of the arts council.
Incorporation and Growth
Over the ensuing years, the community theater gained momentum, attracting more participants and audiences. Recognizing the need for a formal structure to support its growth and to apply for nonprofit status, the group incorporated as Plant City Entertainment, Inc.
​
Initially, PCE did not have a permanent home and performed in various venues around Plant City, including the train depot, Hillsborough Community College, The Trinkle Center, and the Cornerstone Building. However, in 2009 the organization purchased its current facility at 101 North Thomas Street, providing a dedicated space for rehearsals and performances.
Continuing the Legacy
Today, Plant City Entertainment continues to thrive as a volunteer-driven organization, producing multiple shows each season. The theater's mission is to "Instill the love of live theater in the child, renew the magic in our senior citizens, and for all those ages in between, to promote self-confidence, teamwork, and fun for all, as we strive to entertain.”
​
Recent productions have showcased the theater's commitment to offering diverse and engaging performances. PCE remains committed to its community roots, offering opportunities for anyone to participate in all aspects of theater production, from acting and directing to set design and stage management. Its enduring presence reflects the community's support and the organization's dedication to the arts in Plant City.
Mission Statement
"Instill the love of live theater in the child, renew the magic in our senior citizens, and for all those ages in between, to promote self-confidence, teamwork, and fun for all, as we strive to entertain."
Meet the Board
Victor Hamilton,
President
Victor Hamilton's enduring passion for Plant City Entertainment (PCE) began in 2006, captivated by a friend's performance in "MASH". He became an avid audience member, eventually taking the stage himself in the 2010 production of "Proposals". In that same pivotal year, Victor was elected to the PCE board and has since served with distinction as President for seven years. Beyond the stage, Victor cherishes time with his family, including his daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and four, soon to be five, grandchildren. He also dedicates his time to leading worship at First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs and serves on the board of the Plant City Christmas Parade. Professionally, Victor has been a Publix associate for over 40 years.
Kelley Powell,
Vice-President
Kelley started her PCE debut in 198O’s in the play Babes In Arms. It was the launching pad in pursuing her talents. She did many shows with PCE until She revived a scholarship to Florida School Of The Performing Arts where she studied Musical Theatre. She pursued a professional Career working in theme Parks, film, and many years performing on The High Seas with Royal Carribean Cruise Line , being a part of the first fleet of “Mega Ships”. In 2010 after deciding to move home and got involved with PCE again serving on the board of Managers and directing. She loves seeing and working with people who’ve always wanted to try performing! She is a resident of Plant City and loves being at PCE where it all began for her. Today she works at Walden Lake Elementary mentoring her pre-k class with her husband Davis ( who she’s also gotten involved in PCE) and fostering and saving as many animals she can!
Lois Green,
Secretary
Lois has been involved in television and theatre for over 45 years, in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. She is an award winning director, choreographer, actor, dancer, singer, and costumer.
​
"Acting is the ability to behave truthfully under imaginary circumstances."
- Sanford Meisner
JR Pitts,
Acting Treasurer
J.R.'s first involvement with PCE was at the very first event back in 1980, when he sold concessions along with the Brewer family. After that, he receded into the role of frequent spectator until 2015 when Kelley Powell née Gustafson asked him to run the sound and lights for the play she was directing, The Rainmaker. J.R. was soon being asked to run tech for many more shows, and eventually became the tech consultant for PCE, and then in 2024, a board member. Running the sound and light boards is a comfortable location for J.R., as he did this for about 35 years for his church. J.R. enjoys television shows and reading about world history, US history, animals, the oceans, and Christian apologetics.
Shirley Outen,
Board Member
Shirley Dunaway Outen came to Plant City Entertainment along with her late husband, Frank (creator of the famous “Frank’s Heavenly Brownies”) after their late daughter (Kimberly Outen Mitchell) began participating in PCE productions in 1981. Shirley and Frank later became mangers of PCE Concessions
(Café PCE). Shirley became enamored of theater while pursuing her undergraduate degree at the
University of Tampa, graduating in 1963. A board member since the early 1980’s, Shirley still continues
to oversee concessions operations for PCE, but has also appeared onstage, directed and served in other
production capacities. Retiring after thirty years’ service in 2010 from the University Of South Florida
College Of Medicine Library, Shirley will answer your theater questions when you call the theater
telephone number.
Jennifer Fenner,
Board Member
A founding member of PCE, Jennifer is celebrating 45 years of involvement in roles ranging from President and Director to Performer and Stage Manager. From early performances on hay bales to PCE’s current home at the Plant City Playhouse, she’s been part of the company’s journey every step of the way. A Hall of Fame inductee, she has directed both comedies and award-winning musicals. She is the proud mother of three adult children and grandmother to two grandsons.
Johnathan Douglas,
Board Member
Jonathan B. Douglas is an accomplished actor, director and producer with over 60 years of theater experience. He has been associated with Plant City Entertainment for over 35 years and a Board member for the last 3 years. Jonathan's main joy is to bring the magic of live theater to young performers. Jonathan is responsible for securing our wonderful volunteer Ushers for all productions at PCE
Kristen Permenter,
Board Member
Kristen Permenter is honored to have dedicated over a decade of service to the PCE Board of Directors. Her commitment to the organization began in 2009, assisting with their move to the building you now know, ‘The Plant City Playhouse’, and she has remained a vital part of the team ever since serving as former Vice President and Artistic Team Lead and currently serving on the Costume Team and Artistic team. Her passion for theater and nurturing young talent drives her work, striving to foster creativity and ensure the longevity of PCE's mission and driven by a desire to see PCE continue to thrive and inspire for years to come. She is joined in this dedication by her husband, Coy Permenter, a former board member who is involved with PCE for over 11 years starting in 1989.
Karen Griggsby, Board Member
Karen is a dedicated member of the Board of Managers at Plant City Entertainment, Inc., where she spent five years serving as Secretary. She now proudly serves as the Community Outreach Liaison and chairs the Membership Committee, helping to grow and connect the PCE family with warmth and enthusiasm. In her spare time she enjoys tennis, reading and exercise and serves on various other community service boards within Plant City.
Maurice Cecchini, Board Member
With nearly 50 years in community theater, Maurice has done it all. From igloo storage sheds in Iceland, to portable bar stages From downtown Seoul, Korea, to three very different venues here in Plant City. Whether acting, directing, writing, building, or running lights and sound, he has done everything on both sides of the curtain. Of all his experiences, the most rewarding are: Guiding newcomers, young and old, as they learn the ropes. Providing the perfect prop, like a replica of the gun John Wilkes Booth used in Assassins, or a Thompson submachine gun used across three productions. And playing the villain, whether it’s Banker Potter in It’s a Wonderful Life or a Nazi officer in The Sound of Music.