No holiday season in Ashland is complete without a visit to the historical Paramount Arts Center. From the Winchester Avenue exterior to inside the majestic building, the venue overflows with the décor and ambiance of a true winter wonderland. “It is a magical place at the holidays. Many of our visitors are from out of town and come back each year with their family,” explained Rick Payne, artistic director for the Paramount Players, the local community theater group that has made its home in the grand old theater 

for the past 15 years. “It’s a nice holiday tradition.”

 

And, as is tradition, the Paramount Players produce a holiday show each December. On tap this year is the musical “Frozen”, based on the 2013 Disney film and featuring the 

beloved characters of Elsa and Anna, and Olaf the snowman they built together. Community visits from those characters are planned for the days leading up to the 

performance weekend. “Selecting our shows can be a bit tricky. You never know what will sell, what the community will enjoy,” Payne said. “But we know that “Frozen” and its messages are still 

very relevant today and we are excited to bring it to the stage.”

 

The Players have been entertaining Ashland audiences since its first big musical production in 2011, “Hairspray.” Payne had a small role in that production, which led to 

many more shows as a backstage volunteer and performer before getting the opportunity to become the group’s director in 2021. Matt Hammond is the education director and leads 

the company’s junior productions. “I always loved theater, and after “Hairspray”, I just fell in love with the theater and the 

sense of family at the Paramount Players. When I walk through those stage doors, any stress I’d been feeling just melts away.” Payne’s thoughts are reflected in the troupe’s mission: “The Paramount Players creates a safe and artistic environment for local artists to thrive. From standing center stage to building sets, the players help create both a phenomenal, professional, quality show and a 

creative working environment for people of all ages.”

 

In the relatively short time it’s been in existence, the Paramount Players have racked up a bevy of awards, including the Kentucky Theater Association Outstanding Production Award 

for “Rent”, “Cabaret”, “Forever Plaid”, and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”, and the International Music and Entertainment Association Award for Outstanding Production of a 

Musical for “CATS”, “Rent” and “Cabaret.” The Paramount Players produce four mainstage shows each year, as well as two junior 

shows and two summer camp productions. “We are blessed to have such talented people in our community,” Payne said. “Many in the junior group get dance and vocal training