Mill Town Players, Foothills Playhouse End Partnership

From Report by Paul Hyde

Easley's Foothills Playhouse and the Pelzer-Based Mill Town Players are severing ties, only three months after announcing a pact and plans for an eventual merger of some sort.

In July, Will Ragland, founder of the Mill Town Players, was appointed executive artistic director of Foothills Playhouse, in hopes that Ragland would help to revive the fortunes of Foothills, which had struggled in recent seasons. The first fruit that collaboration was the musical “Godspell,” which continues through Oct. 21.

But the two theaters have now decided to go their own ways. It appears that the season of shows, which Ragland designed based on community input, will not change at this time.

"I'm very proud of the hard work of all those who are a part of “Godspell,” and I encourage the community to enjoy the show over these next two weekends and to support Foothills Playhouse as they move forward," said Ragland in a released statement.

The two theaters released a joint statement:

“The Boards of Directors of Mill Town Players and Foothills Playhouse previously entered into a plan of partnership and eventual merger. However, both organizations have mutually agreed to discontinue that plan at this time. Mill Town Players and Foothills Playhouse wish each other the best in their upcoming productions and shared mission of quality, affordable theater for the community.”