“Ten years ago, THE SNOW QUEEN opened at the Erie Playhouse. Among this talented Youtheatre cast was a little sixth grade girl, who was proudly performing in her first EP production. Little did we know that Hadleigh Jae’s first Playhouse show would be life-changing for everyone in the Bills family!
Soon, Hadleigh’s little sister, Haven, joined her in auditioning for Youtheatre shows, starting with a production of RAPUNZEL, then ARTHUR’S HALLOWEEN, then THE LION KING, JR, then JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH – and the list goes on. By 2017, the Bills children had been involved in every Youtheatre show on the production calendar.
As Youtheatre parents, we spent many hours ushering, folding programs, selling concessions, working school performances, making buttons, and watching our kids have the time of their lives. We were blown away, not only by not the immense talent on stage in the Youtheatre programs, but also by how kind everyone was off stage. The children were making good friends, and we were, too! The Playhouse was quickly becoming family.
Then, in 2017, I auditioned with my daughters for OKLAHOMA! The three Bills ladies were cast, and Paul planned to work backstage. But, as fate would have it, someone had to drop out of the ensemble, and Paul got on stage for the first time in his life. He had one line: “I’ll give ya a dollar ‘fer it!” (Paul practiced this line at full volume, with different accents and inflections, about a hundred times a day in the house.) Now, all four of the Bills were in a show, performing on-stage, together. The four of us also appeared in ANNIE (2017), and MATILDA (2018).
It was during the run of MATILDA that Paul suffered a brain aneurysm. Paul had his first solo ever as the doctor, and also had a few lines in Russian. After all those rehearsals, and all the loud at-home practicing of his Russian lines, Paul only got to do the first two performances. That Saturday morning – December 8, 2018 – Paul suffered a near-fatal brain aneurysm.
Several EP friends drove to Pittsburgh to visit Paul in the hospital, many lasagnas and cookies were brought to our house, and we were forever changed by the love of our Erie Playhouse family.
Looking back over these ten years, some combination of the Bills Family players have been on stage in 25 productions. We’ve also sung in concerts, worked backstage, ushered, and made literally thousands of Youtheatre buttons. Our family was forever changed by eleven-year-old Hadleigh’s first audition, and we continue to look forward to making theatre as a family at the Erie Playhouse.”
– The Bills Family: Shani, Paul, Haven and Hadleigh Jae | 2026 Annual Fund Chair Family
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Read more stories from our Playhouse community below, and let us know how the Playhouse has impacted you – click here!
“The Playhouse gave me confidence, community, and truly made Erie feel like home. Even now, I know regardless of time or distance, I can come home and feel love and support and safety and while creating something beautiful!”
– Rachel Freenock | Mainstage Performer
“When Amelia was young, we saw THE LITTLE MERMAID and she asked how she could be on that stage. Now, we can’t keep her off the stage! The Playhouse has helped us raise a confident, thriving young woman that loves to perform on stage and in her community. She’s learned how hard work and dedication help you reach your goals. Amelia has made friends of all ages that are supportive and encouraging. As her parent, I love seeing her thrive with each show, creating a lifetime of memories.”
– Lisa Van Riper | Audience Member, Youtheatre Parent, Volunteer, Donor, Sponsor
“It made me an infinitely better musician AND it hooked me up with my bride of 36 years (and counting)!”
– Jim Griffey | Orchestra Member, Subscriber
When you support the Playhouse, you help create stories like these! Make your gift today, we appreciate you!
“The Erie Playhouse has been a part of my life since I was born! Being involved with productions in a variety of ways has always been a joy. It helped me to realize my passion for theatre and sharing stories with audiences.”
– Séamus Clerkin | Mainstage Performer, Youtheatre Participant, Stage Crew
“While we’ve been Seasons Ticket holders for over four decades, my first experience with performance was when my daughters were involved in Youtheater. I used to pick them up from rehearsal while on the way home from work – if they weren’t finished, I’d watch them rehearse. At 41, my “mid-life crisis” prompted me to audition – long story short, I’ve been a performer, usually at the back of the stage, since. I love when an audience finds pleasure in the shows we do.”
– Michael Meyer | Season Ticket Holder, Youtheatre Parent, Mainstage Performer, Donor
Has the Playhouse impacted you? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you!
“The Playhouse became a safe place when I needed one and felt like a home away from home. The playhouse helped me make friends with many people that I couldn’t imagine life without.”
– MJ Stempka | Stage Crew
“First of all Ahnika is amazing with these kids. Watching my son be passionate about something and learn skills and express himself is not something I can put a price on. Seeing these kids light up as everything comes together. This isn’t easy! My son started with a Create A Play camp then auditioned for a show and then another. He has anxiety, but when he is on stage he shines. It brings me so much joy watching all the anxiety wash away. I can’t thank the playhouse enough for offering this!”
– Jennifer Sitter | Youtheatre Parent/Guardian
When you support the Playhouse, you help create stories like these! Make your gift today, we appreciate you!
“My brother Christopher Walczak and I joined the Erie Playhouse back in the 80’s. We had a wonderful education there. I still perform in musicals in my hometown in NH. My Mother Susan and I recently saw the extraordinary BEAUTY AND THE BEAST. How fabulous it is that the Playhouse is doing so well! We look forward to future shows.”
– Tina Cassidy Walczak | Audience Member, Youtheatre Participant, Mainstage Performer, Sponsor
Has the Playhouse impacted you? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you!
“The Playhouse has been generous enough to donate to out basket raffle for teacher grants. That basket was a huge hit for our families. On top of that my family has many wonderful memories there from my daughter being too shy to meet the cast of Decedent’s so we had to take the last seats in the back the next night so she could finally meet them to the stunning performance of beauty and the beast. Thank you Zach for all your help last year!”
– Terra Lent | Audience Member
“I have faced fears and turned them into art at the Playhouse. I was terrified to audition but I did it anyway. I got a part and learned so much about theatre, artistic collaboration and the power of putting my all into something. The Playhouse is not only a theatre, but it also is a fantastic way to become part of Erie’s uniquely talented community. Nothing but love for the Erie Playhouse!”
– Lyrica Rain | Audience Member, Mainstage Performer, Stage Crew
When you support the Playhouse, you help create stories like these! Make your gift today, we appreciate you!
“So grateful to be a viewer, volunteer, and performer at the Erie Playhouse! I have spent many happy hours being entertained, and many more learning new skills. My favorite part has been becoming a member of the EP family, and staying connected to so many I love!”
– Cathie Whitmire | Audience Member, Mainstage Performer, Stage Crew, Donor
“The shows at the Erie Playhouse have been wonderful, inspiring, entertaining, humorous, dramatic, intense, serious, sad, scary, thought-provoking, engaging, magical, etc. More than once I’ve shed tears at dramatic, touching moments. The talent of the actors, musicians, choreographers, , set and sound designers, etc. have been fantastic! I’m obviously trying to say that EVERYTHING at the Erie Playhouse is remarkable and worthwhile! I ALWAYS look forward to the next show!”
– Ralph Mineo | Audience Member
“It was a cheap date for my husband then fiancé when we were engaged to be ushers for the Playhouse back in Wesleyville. I have ushered ever since then in 1972. since then I have been on stage along with my sons.”
– Joanie Salchli | Volunteer Usher, Audience Member, Mainstage Performer
“The original members of Tennessee Backporch met doing shows at the Erie Playhouse. It’s a place where many wonderful stories begin!”
– Julie Moore | Mainstage Performer
Has the Playhouse impacted you? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you!
“I’d drive a million miles just for the thrill of playing in the orchestra pit!”
– Ruth Sybrant | Orchestra Member
“I was lucky enough to have connections with people who have participated in the orchestra at the Playhouse, and I was invited to play trumpet for Tootsie! Since then I have played for three other shows at the Playhouse and it has been the best experience ever; everyone is so friendly and loves what they’re doing! I love enhancing the experience of theater with live music!”
– Makenzie Dunton | Orchestra Member
“Tom and I have been attending and supporting the Playhouse for years. We also go to NYC every summer to see multiple shows on Broadway. Whenever I have the chance I tell people what a treasure we have right here in Erie! The quality of shows, the orchestra, stage and the actors are every bit as good as what we see in the Big Apple. The performers here in Erie do their best work and do it because they love acting. We are so very lucky to have the Erie Playhouse.”
– Carol George | Audience Member
