Empowering Women Over 40 Through Theatre
Valley Players is a nonprofit theater troupe dedicated to empowering women over 40 through live theatrical arts. Founded by women facing age-related barriers in casting, we showcase classic and contemporary productions, prioritize roles for older women, and cultivate new works. Join us at our seasonal performances as we celebrate diverse talent and bring vibrant stories to the community.
02 / About us
Valley Players was founded in 2016 in response to age-related barriers that women encountered in community theatre. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to support and empower women over 40 through all aspects of theatre. By centering mature women—onstage and backstage—we bring fresh perspectives and rich experience to every performance.
Our team is committed to accessible, affordable theatre for all. Productions range from timeless classics to bold contemporary works, staged at popular Napa Valley venues. We believe theatre thrives when its creators, performers, and audiences reflect the diversity and wisdom of the wider community.
Everyone is welcome—women and men of all ages are encouraged to participate as cast, crew, or supporters. We host events and performances year-round, always aiming to offer opportunities for growth, collaboration, and artistic innovation.
Start a conversation ↗01 / What we do
Valley Players produces accessible, high-quality theatre with a unique mission: to expand opportunities for women 40+ on and off the stage while engaging the wider community through live performance and original works.
We stage a mix of classic and contemporary plays, offering rich theatrical experiences to audiences in Napa Valley. Our productions feature stories that resonate across generations and are performed at accessible venues. We invite theatre lovers and newcomers alike to attend and experience drama, comedy, and meaningful connections shared live on stage.
Discuss your idea ↗
Central to our mission is creating substantial roles for women aged 40 and beyond, both in leading and ensemble parts. While women over 40 are the focus, inclusive casting also welcomes men and younger women, cultivating a collaborative spirit and broad representation within each performance and behind the scenes.
Discuss your idea ↗
Every summer, Valley Players presents new and original works in our Summer Staged Reading Series. This platform highlights emerging playwrights, offering a space for creative voices to be heard and tested in front of live audiences. Readings encourage fresh dialogue, experimentation, and community participation in the theatre-making process.
Discuss your idea ↗Each year, we curate a full season including established plays and bold programming, such as our acclaimed productions of 'The Women,' 'Night Must Fall,' and 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.' Performances are held at varied local venues, linking theatre arts to new spaces and audiences throughout the Napa Valley.
Discuss your idea ↗Our perspective
Valley Players opens doors for women over 40—traditionally underrepresented in theatre—while welcoming creativity across generations. Our inclusive environment values the lived experiences, strengths, and perspectives mature women bring. By championing these voices, we enrich stage and audience alike, sparking thoughtful conversations and enduring connections.
Practical guidance / 01
Our organization welcomes anyone interested in expanding creative horizons, especially women over 40 who seek performance, production, or writing opportunities often absent elsewhere. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, community theatre supporter, or theatre newcomer, we offer places for participation and growth.
Practical guidance / 02
Thinking about auditioning, volunteering, or submitting a script? Prepare a brief introduction about your experience and interests. Familiarizing yourself with our past shows or the type of theatre we produce can be helpful. We value enthusiasm, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit above all.
Practical guidance / 03
Attending a Valley Players event is straightforward. Check our current season for showtimes and venues, as locations rotate through established Napa Valley community spaces. Advance reservations might be required for peak events.
03 / How to get started
Explore our current season schedule and discover which upcoming productions or staged readings fit your interests. Whether attending as a first-time guest or longtime supporter, your presence helps fuel our community’s creative energy.
Interested in acting, backstage work, writing, or volunteering? Get in touch to discuss your background and interests. We are always eager to connect with individuals—particularly women over 40—looking for meaningful involvement in the theatre arts.
For playwrights, especially those with new work to share, our staged reading series welcomes submissions. Reach out to learn about deadlines and guidelines, or to propose a future theatrical collaboration within our inclusive company.
04 / A little more detail
While our mission prioritizes roles for women over 40, we welcome participation from people of all genders and ages, including men and younger women, for roles suited to their backgrounds. Our goal is a multigenerational cast and crew where all creative voices are valued.
Productions take place at venues throughout Napa Valley, such as the American Legion Hall, Yountville Community Center, and Napa Valley Education Foundation Discovery Campus. Specific locations vary by production, and all venues are chosen for accessibility and audience comfort.
We encourage new and emerging playwrights to contact us about the Summer Staged Reading Series. Please reach out for information on submission timelines, guidelines, and the types of works we prioritize. We are particularly interested in scripts that provide strong roles for women over 40.
Yes. Valley Players is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN: 82-1201666). Our mission is rooted in community engagement, accessibility, and representation of under-served talent in all theatrical roles.
We program a range of works, from classic to contemporary. Many performances are suitable for a general audience, but some plays may include mature themes. We recommend checking specific show details or contacting us to confirm suitability for your group.
Company information
05 / Contact us
Curious about upcoming shows, auditions, or how to get involved? Reach out for more information or to start a conversation about joining our mission. Our small but dedicated team is happy to answer questions and discuss opportunities for participation.
Email us ↗