April 30th, 2026
By Door County Pulse, Peninsula Pulse
“Heroes”, the first show of the 2026 season at Third Avenue PlayWorks, is running now through May 10. Photo by Larry Mohr.
With its 2026 season underway, Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) welcomes the return of pay-what-you-will previews, opening-night receptions, the Sturgeon Bay Library Play Reading Club and Check Out TAP.
On the Wednesday prior to opening night, patrons can attend a 7:30 pm show for any donation amount. Seating is general admission and doors open at 6:30 pm for these pay-what-you-will previews. Space is available on a first come, first served basis. Donations may be made in cash or with checks made out to Third Avenue PlayWorks. Half of the proceeds benefit each show’s community partner.
Future pay-what-you-will previews take place on June 3 (benefitting the mental health awareness film Amphibious), July 15 (benefitting the Friends of Door County Libraries), Sept. 23 (benefitting Prevent Suicide Door County) and Dec. 2 (benefitting TAP’s own education program).
On the first Friday of each show’s run, ticket holders can attend an opening-night reception. Gluten-free desserts provided courtesy of Bite the Farm will be served prior to the show, followed by a champagne toast with Jackie and Steve Kane Artistic Director Jacob Janssen. The actors will also join the patrons in the lobby to mingle.
Opening-night receptions will take place June 5, July 17, Sept. 25 and Dec. 4.
TAP’s Play Reading Club typically meets on the third Wednesday of every month from 3:30 to 4:30 pm via Zoom or at the Sturgeon Bay Library, 107 S. 4th Ave. Those interested in participating can call the library at 920.746.7121 to get a copy of the script, then join the discussion with Jacob Janssen.
Upcoming meetings will focus on Moonlight and Magnolias by Ron Hutchinson (May 20); The Piano Lesson by August Wilson (June 17); Red Herring by Michael Hollinger (July 15); Clyde’s by Lynne Nottage (Aug. 19); The Call List by Brian James Polak (Sept. 16); Before the Mountains of Madness by David Daniels (Oct. 21); M. Butterfly by David Henry Hwang (Nov. 18); and It’s a Wonderful Life by Neil Brookshire (Dec. 16).
Another program presented by TAP and Door County Libraries is Check Out TAP, a community ticket access program designed to make theatre accessible to everyone. Check Out TAP provides tickets to those who might otherwise be unable to attend shows. With a membership to Door County Libraries, patrons can “check out” tickets to see a show at TAP. Members can visit the counter at one of the eight local library branches within two weeks of a show and ask to Check Out TAP.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit thirdavenueplayworks.org or call 920.743.1760.