Did you know we have a thriving community theater right here in Cocoa Beach? There’s no need to cross bridges to experience excellent live theatrical productions.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Surfside Playhouse at 301 Ramp Rd. (Brevard Ave. and 5th Street S.), is a 250-seat theater which produces six main shows a year, including musicals and non-musicals, as well as youth programs, Improv classes for adults, and a full-length playwriting contest. It has also hosted surf films, concerts, TedX Cocoa Beach and the Murder on the Space Coast podcast.

Maybe you saw Surfside’s production of Young Frankenstein, a murder mystery, or the Youth Players production of Annie. Repeat patron or not, you are invited to enjoy the upcoming shows at Surfside. Opening in March is Pirates of Penzance, then Sex Please, We’re Sixty in May, followed in June by The Three Musketeers Fractured, written and directed by Surfside’s Artistic Director, Bryan Bergeron. For tickets and more information, go to the website www.surfsideplayhouse.com.

There is a strong vibe of beachside hospitality and welcome for audience members and volunteers alike. Actors (themselves volunteers), scenery builders, costume makers, ushers, and others find it fulfilling (and fun) to join people from all walks of life to create something entertaining and uplifting for the community. If you’d like to volunteer, call Surfside Playhouse at 321-783-3127 and leave a message. Someone will call you back and chat about how you can get involved. Or you can message the Surfside Playhouse Facebook page.

“Community” is not just a word in its description. Surfside Playhouse supports local businesses and seeks their support in return. Business owners, please consider sponsoring a show or the annual “Party for the Playhouse”, or advertising in the playbill. For more information, contact Liz Keimer, Communications Manager, at Lkeimer@surfsideplayhouse.com or call the playhouse at 321-7833127.

Individuals and businesses alike can show their support for this Cocoa Beach gem by contributing to Surfside’s “60 for 60” campaign, an effort to raise $60,000 in donations during their 60th season. Donate by hitting the Donate Now button at www.surfsideplayhouse.com or by mailing contributions to Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Rd., Cocoa Beach, FL 32931.

Brevard’s only beachside community theater is flourishing, and with a growing audience and community support, will continue to do so for at least another 60 years or more.

See you at our playhouse!