The History That Is PTK

The Public Theatre of Kentucky at the Phoenix, one of Bowling   Green's rarest jewels, is rich in history. The Alley Playhouse began in 1963 as a result of a number of talented and dedicated individuals who loved theatre and saw a need for it in Bowling Green. Under the direction of Dr. Russell H. Miller, and with lots of support from Western Kentucky University, the former warehouse on Morris Alley was named after the famous theatre in Houston called Alley Theatre. The Alley Playhouse stage was "in the round" as 135 canvas director chairs served as seating for patrons. After the death of Dr. Miller in 1969, the Alley Playhouse closed its doors and once again became a warehouse.

Following her graduation from Western Kentucky University, Marci Woodruff continued her education, receiving her PhD from Florida State University. She pursued a promising career in higher education holding teaching positions at University of Pittsburgh and Bloomsberg State University. At Bloomsberg she became familiar with a small professional theatre that prospered in that quaint community. To establish such a theatre became Marci's dream. She and three young actors moved to Bowling Green and founded The Public Theatre of Kentucky in 1987.

During the 1980s and into the early 1990s The Public Theatre of Kentucky performed at the Capitol Arts Center, the former Leachman Auto Building, and the storefront at 912 State Street. Dr. Whit Combs, dear friend and former mentor of Marci's, was a constant supporter and advisor to the project. He and his wife, Gerri, often opened their home to the many guest artists that Marci brought to the theatre. Marci, the resident company, guest directors, actors and designers, Western Kentucky University and community talent, produced plays that become known for their high standards and superb quality.

Ironically, the 1993-1994 season marked the beginning of a new era for The Public Theatre of Kentucky. It was the first season in the newly renovated Phoenix Theatre and was the first season without Marci Woodruff. Newly designed by Tom Tutino, the old Alley Playhouse was christened The Phoenix Theatre and opened with Beau Jest. The Phoenix Theatre was named after the bird from Arabian mythology that lived for 500 years, burned itself to death, and rose out of its own ashes to start another long life. The phoenix is symbolic of life that goes on forever.

It was during this season that a very dedicated and very busy board of directors maintained The Public Theatre of Kentucky without the services of an Artistic Director. Whit Combs took on many of the responsibilities of that position and proved once again that he was indeed a "Gentleman of the Theatre."

The following year, Mike Thomas became the Artistic Director of The Public Theatre. Popular and charismatic, Mr. Thomas dubbed himself "Mr. PTK." Many new innovations and community outreach programs were started during his tenure. In December of 1996, Whit Combs died and PTK lost its dear friend and staunch supporter. The Whit Combs auditorium in the Phoenix Theatre was dedicated in honor of his memory.

Before the decade came to a close Mike Thomas took a position in Frankfort and Mark Funk became the Artistic Director. Mark Funk's association with PTK began in the early years with Marci Woodruff. Before becoming the Artistic Director, Mark had served as actor, musical director, director, and assistant to Mike Thomas. Mark Funk's directorship gave needed continuity to PTK.

The millennium was ushered in at The Public Theatre with Alexis Combs McCoy, Whit's daughter, as Artistic Director and Delia Brown as Producing Director. Beginning with the McCoy/Brown tenure, a number of innovative additions came to PTK, including the Sunburst Youth Theatre, which involves youth of this community in theatre activities and public performance.

In January 2002, Delia Brown took over the responsibilities of Artistic and Producing Director at PTK. In the past year PTK has grown to include even more outreach programs for South Central Kentucky. The After Hours Series is very popular and has brought new audiences to the theatre. The Mondays @ 7:00 New Play Reading Series in which PTK will present staged readings of original scripts to further promote theatre in this region, and the addition the Sunburst Youth Theatre program.

Bowling Green welcomed Marci Woodruff to the Phoenix to direct Crimes of the Heart during the fall of 2001. After her many years of dedication and commitment to The Public Theatre of Kentucky, this was her first production in the Phoenix Theatre. In 2011 Jenny Wells became the Producing Director at PTK, working to uphold the tradition of quality on PTK’s stage and eager to help the theatre continue to grow and evolve.

The rich history of The Public Theatre of Kentucky has included many dedicated, selfless, talented people who have provided many hours of quality entertainment. Their commitment to the theatre arts serves as a strong foundation for a bright, exciting future.