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About
Second Chance Players

At Second Chance Players, our mission is to provide a nurturing and creative space for individuals in recovery and their allies to heal, grow, and inspire through the performing arts. We believe in the transformative power of storytelling and artistic expression to support those on their journey to a healthier, sober life. We foster a sense of community, offer a platform for self-expression, and deliver quality entertainment. This gives people a second chance to shine, both on and off the stage.

In 2019, the dream was born. A few artistically inclined folks were putting on a benefit for a sobriety convention. This was not the first time this group had produced quality entertainment and provided a space where recovering alcoholics could perform in a safe place. We started talking about the idea of having a theater group that could provide that on a larger scale. At that moment, the seed of Second Chance Players was planted.

Then came the pandemic. Forward we march and we finally launched. Our first production, Bill W. and Dr. Bob, played to six sold-out audiences in February 2024. It was a perfect way to begin, bringing entertainment and inspiration to countless people in recovery and those who love them.

We became an official nonprofit in the state of Texas and performed the Tony and Pulitzer Prize award-winning musical, Next to Normal, in October 2024. We're making plans for the future and we hope you'll join us on this journey of expression, creativity, and joy. 

About
Our Team

BILL SHEA
CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bill has over 40 years of acting and directing experience. Originally from New York City, his early exposure to Broadway fueled his love of performing and live entertainment. Bill made his DFW directorial debut with the February 2024 Second Chance Players production of Bill W. and Dr. Bob. He also took on double duty by playing Dr. Bob in that show. Although he is new to the Dallas theater scene, Bill has a rich background in community theater in New York. Second Chance Players combines two main passions in Bill's life, theater and recovery. 

DAVID PHILLIPS
COSTUMER DESIGNER

David is a native Texan who has been involved in performing since an early age.  At 8, he began singing and dancing lessons; three years later, he began studying classical piano for 10 years. In 1968, David took up sewing as a hobby, which evolved into a long career in the garment manufacturing industry. From 1999–2003, David was involved at Frisco community theater in many productions and capacities, both acting, directing, and set design. From 1982 to the present, he has been performing in drag, both lip-synching and singing live, small acting parts with the Big D Roundup. In 2016, he took on the role of wicked stepmother in Cinderella the Musical at Garland Civic Theater, and also designed and made custom costumes. Now on to Second Chance Players, a new adventure begins. 

KEVIN SUTTON
MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Indiana native Kevin received his early training at Ball State University and holds a Master’s degree from Scarritt Graduate School in Nashville, Tenn. He pursued postgraduate work at the University of North Texas and with noted international teachers Max van Egmond, Nancy Zylstra, and Krister Solèn. A veteran of over 60 theater productions, Kevin brings together his love for teaching, singing, playing, and conducting into the big mix of the theater. It is with gratitude for his own recovery that he embraces the mission of Second Chance Players.

MARCUS HURT
BUSINESS DIRECTOR

LEAH SHAFER GLASER 
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Leah leapt on stage at seven years old and found her first love in musical theater. She has more than 20 theater productions to her name. She played Anne Smith in the February 2024 Second Chance Players production of Bill W. and Dr. Bob. She brings enthusiasm, experience, and curiosity to her work with Second Chance Players.

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