“Preserving the Peacock Playhouse”

Summary of Need

Approximately $800,000 is needed to preserve the Peacock Playhouse, a community theater and regional treasure located in Hayesville, NC, and serving a bi-state region for 25 years. These funds are needed to purchase the building, provide much needed repairs, and to make building additions. The dissolution of the Lidseen Foundation requires that its assets be sold. It would cost approximately $4,000,000 to replace this building. Included in the plan is the construction of a connected rehearsal hall so that the main stage is available for other performances while plays are in production.

The generosity, vision, passion, determination and commitment of Lilith Lidseen

The Peacock Playhouse was built through the vision and determination of Lilith Lidseen, a most remarkable woman with a formal education in the dramatic arts. She assisted with the 1970 Hayesville High School’s production of “Brigadoon” which ignited a flame of enthusiasm for the performing arts in Clay County, and led Mrs. Lidseen to make a huge contribution to Clay County in the form of the Peacock Playhouse. She used the resources of the Lidseen Foundation and invested a considerable amount of her personal funds toward the completion of the project. 

The Licklog Players and the Lilith Lidseen Performing Arts Association (LLPAA)

The Lilith Lidseen Performing Arts Association, Inc. and the Licklog Players are united in the effort to preserve community theater in the region. While the LLPAA will focus on the financial aspects of owning, managing, and expanding the building, the Licklog Players will concentrate on theater production. These two organizations will preserve the Peacock Playhouse by providing a strong financial foundation and a dedicated volunteer base. Together they will expand performing arts.

Why support this project and the Performing Arts?

Community theatre provides the opportunity for individuals of diverse backgrounds to have the satisfaction of being part of an active social and artistic community. Theatre is often seen as adding to the social capital of a community, in that it develops the skills, community spirit and artistic sensibilities of those involved. It can also create a place for debate, self-expression and interactivity that is important for the health of a community. When this involves young people, it can disarm problems with delinquency, bring a forum for youth to have a say, and provide an attractive summer activity for children out of school. Finally, community theater provides economic development for the region, attracting visitors and supporting local businesses.

What is the Plan?

Jane Hindsman and Joe Satterfield are Co-chairs of the Summer 2008 Peacock Playhouse Capital Funds Campaign. You are invited to make a contribution, which can be paid now or in the form of a pledge to be paid over the next four tax years. Contributions are income tax deductible and may be made payable to and sent to Lilith Lidseen Performing Arts Association, Inc., PO Box 1426, Hayesville, NC  28904.  Or contact:  Dr. Rufus H. Stark II, President, 364 Shewbird Lane, Hayesville, NC  28904, call 828-389-3683, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Thanks so much for your support!