Joe Jefferson Players

In 1947 a small group of Mobilians, intent on restoring the city’s waning theater activity after the depression and war years, initiated the Joe Jefferson Players. Successful in their efforts, the Players were in possession of their own permanent playhouse by 1949 and by 1961 membership totaled over 1000. By 1967 the membership limit was raised to 2000, and continued popularity demanded the expansion of an already once-rebuilt playhouse in the same year. The Joe Jefferson Players took their name from prominent nineteenth-century actor Joseph Jefferson III (1829-1905), a man born into a family of notable actors and theater workers. Currently Joe Jefferson Playhouse is the oldest continually running community theater in the state of Alabama. The theater is nestled amongst a neighborhood in Midtown right by Murphy High School. August 2024 will begin the 77th season for the playhouse.