Carrollwood Players President Likes to Roll Up His Sleeves

James Cass is fighting a stubborn cold. Though he has already worked long hours on Easter Sunday, there is still much that needs his attention the following Monday. 

In the front of the theater, behind the stage, the echoing thud of his hammer accompanies a loud, older soundtrack of “Forbidden Broadway.”
Cass is in his element. 

“Dearly Beloved” has recently closed and “The Nerd” is scheduled to open on April 20 and the set for this next show still needs lumber for building, the walls need paint and a laundry list of other items need completion.

Though officially titled the president of the nonprofit community theater, Carrollwood Players Theater, Cass is one of its many talented multitaskers that digs in his heels and gets the job-any job done, despite probably being better off recuperating in bed.

Cass joined Carrollwood Players in 2006 as a photographer and worked his way up to helming the Playhouse as his president.

“When I tell people I’m the president of the theater,” Cass joked, “it’s either congratulations or condolences. I’m the go-to-person – complaints or concerns, it all comes to me.”

Cass isn’t simply a figurehead. He wears many hats at the theater, from photographer to stage actor.

“I’ve done everything – assistant directing, directing, producing at least three shows per season, set building, and acting.”

His “real” job as a professional photographer affords him the ability to pursue this theater passion, where he is at home behind-the-scenes, building the props and sets for the next production.

“I like the creative part. I get to work with very creative people on stage and build and design things that I normally wouldn’t get a chance to do.”

He said that his enthusiasm most lies in a “combination of directing and set design décor.”

Toni Germinario, Carrollwood Players board member and fellow wearer of many hats said, “James is exceptionally creative and has utilized those skills on set design and photography for the theater.”

The downturned economy has impacted many nonprofits and the theater is no exception. Cass’ dream is to find sponsors for the theater and eventually raise the stage that has been pieced together over the 15 years they’ve been in the location.

He explained that the theater consistently replaces the backdrops for each of the nine plays in the season and would welcome any financial donation or in lieu of a monetary donation, gift cards to places like Lowes and The Home Depot. The theater also could also use vintage clothing; formal dresses, wedding wear, furniture, especially chairs and loveseats. A grant writer willing to donate his time would mean the world to Cass and the volunteers at the nonprofit.

Even more importantly, Cass wants a full house.

“It’s very depressing for the director, the theater itself and especially the actors to put on such a great show and to not have a full-house.”

Despite a poor economy, the theater is an inexpensive, fun 2-to-3-hour escape from the real world lurking outside its glass doors. Volunteers here eat, sleep and breathe theater and the show will go on.

“We put on a great show,” Cass said, “we just need people to come and see it.”

When asked to provide his definition of greatness in his role at Carrollwood Players, Cass did not hesitate. “I don’t think anything that I do is great. I just do what needs to be done.”

For more information about the Carrollwood Players, call 813-265-4000.