The Schaffner Players

The depression years took their toll on many of the traveling rep companies.

Difficulties encountered due to World War II caused the closing of many more shows. Only a handful of shows were on the road after the war.

By the 1940s, the Schaffner Players had settled into a routine they would follow for the rest of the Schaffner ownership. They no longer played a winter season although they occasionally played in opera houses for a few weeks at the end of the tent season.

The characters of Toby and Susie were firmly established. Even though Toby was the most popular character in the shows, the Schaffners continued to perform non-Toby plays. In the 1940 season, only two of the eight plays featured the Toby character.

The routine of the productions became set. The orchestra played a brief opening concert. Neil then stepped out and gave a folksy talk in front of the curtain.

A typical opening night announcement was: Hyah, everybody! Sure glad to see all you folks here tonight, to say nothin’ of the money you brang with you. Glad to see so many