About
Merely Players​

The mission of the Merely Players Community Theatre is to provide opportunities for participation in the dramatic arts in a safe and creative environment.

Merely Players began in 1982 during "Bend of the River Days." Since then, we have produced over 100 shows and touched the lives of more than 30,000 volunteers and patrons.



The Merely Players is a pillar of the community. Our dedicated and talented staff is committed to bringing southern Minnesota quality theatre for the entire family. We attract fantastic volunteer talent both on the stage and behind the scenes. Each season we typically produce a large musical, comedy and/or drama, and a children's show. Our repertoire of theatrical productions includes Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma, Godspell, Cinderella, Snow White, The Wind in the Willows, Rumors, The Nerd, Dancing at Lughnasa, The Fantastiks, and James and the Giant Peach, just to name a few of the 100+ shows produced since 1982.

Our Board

Our board is responsible for making sure Merely Players is always prepared to provide great theater experiences for our audiences.

Murphy Grotewold - President 
Sarah Tetzloff - Vice President 

Laura Jans - Secretary
Justin Danielson  - Treasurer (& Past President)

Maggie Maes -  Member At Large 
Gina Anderson - Member At Large
Sarah Asp Olson - Member At Large

Our Staff

Our staff are in stipended positions that provide support to the organization. These positions help make sure our productions go off without a hitch.

Susan Olson - General Manager

Maggie Maes - Artistic Director

Zach Bolland - Assistant Artistic Director

Rene’ Maes - Grant Writer

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