by Mary Knippel

Guys and Dolls cast members. The Hot Box girls, gamblers, Sky Masterson and Sister Sarah sing along.

No matter what their acting skills, all are welcome to play a part in Pacifica Spindrift Players’ 50th anniversary celebration. Nestled on a hillside in Oddstad Park at 1050 Crespi Drive, PSP began in 1958 as a part of Pacifica’s Parks and Recreation program. A group of 10 aspiring thespians called themselves the Pacifica Players and mounted their first production, The Tender Trap, within a year. Soon after that first season, they merged with another local theatre group, Spindrift Players, and became the Pacifica Spindrift Players.

At first, performances were held at a variety of venues. But eventually the group found a permanent home. “We were able to buy an old Baptist church for $50,” PSP founding member Sydney Clark said, “and we had to be careful on stage not to fall into the baptismal fount!” Clark, a Pacifica resident since 1954, is still serving PSP as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration Committee. “I don’t think the Coastside realizes the caliber of performances and the level of entertainment that has been presented here over the years,” she said. “It is just wonderful.”

Guys and Dolls cast members Dan Kapler as Sky Masterson and Pidge Meade as Sister Sarah sing with musical support from Alex Bootzin, musical director.

“Thousands of people have been involved over the years in holding this together and building it towards becoming a more and more professional venue,” said Pam Mackenzie, the PSP 50th Anniversary Committee chairwoman, PSP actor, and past vice president of the PSP board.

PSP, a nonprofit organization, stages a full season of five to six shows each year. Play selections include something for everyone: mysteries such as Dial M for Murder, toe-tapping musicals such as the current production of Guys and Dolls, comedies such as Barefoot in the Park, dramas such as Death of a Salesman, Shakespearean plays such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, new works, and one-man shows.

“It is fascinating to watch the diversity of the people who come through here and the caliber of talent on stage here,” Mackenzie said. And talent gets developed, too. “As an actor, the more and the bigger the roles you carry and can put on a resume, the bigger body of work you have to bring to any other production. PSP allows younger performers the opportunity to step into that valuable experience,” Mackenzie said.

Patrons who attend a performance in the cozy 98-seat house enjoy the comfort of legitimate refurbished theatre seats rescued when a theatre was being renovated in San Francisco. New carpeting came from the renovation of a hotel in San Francisco.

Also not to be missed at PSP Theatre are the popular comedy shows offered by the improv group Asylum. Based at PSP Theatre for the past 15 years, Asylum offers improvisational performances all year round where scenes, characters and entertainments are created right on the spot, often inviting audience participation.

An attentive audience enjoys the cast of Guys and Dolls and soaks up some welcome sunshine at the same time. Photos courtesy of Pam Mackenzie, from Pacifica Sprindrift Players’ open house on Aug. 15.

PSP Theatre is also home to Pacifica’s only non-profit performing arts school, Spindrift School of Performing Arts. Established in 1994 by Pacifica residents and musicians Alex Bootzin and the late Martha Bootzin, the school provides music, dance and theatre training to over 1,000 students each year.

The PSP golden anniversary celebrations began with a volunteer reception in April to recognize the commitment and dedication of the many volunteers over the years. On Aug. 15, PSP hosted a Mystical, Magical Theatre open house and tour for the community which included demos, entertainment and refreshments. The final event comes on Oct. 17, when the curtain will go up for the 50th Anniversary Fancy Dress/Costume Ball, “an evening of gold and glitter.” Don’t miss this opportunity to appear as your favorite silver-screen actor and rub elbows with Mae West or John Wayne. To order tickets for the ball, or for more information about Pacifica Spindrift Players, go to the PSP Web site or call 650-359-8002.