LA PLATA, Md. — For more than five decades, generations of Southern Maryland families watched Sheila Draper perform, worked beside her backstage and gathered in the community arts spaces she helped create.
Port Tobacco Players is now mourning the loss of Draper, a longtime member the organization described as its “grand dame” and a cherished part of the theater family.
“It is with deep sadness that Port Tobacco Players remembers our grand dame Shelia Draper, a longtime and cherished member of our PTP family,” Port Tobacco Players wrote in a Facebook post announcing her death.
The organization said Draper’s dedication, friendship and love for theater touched many people throughout the years.
Port Tobacco Players also credited Draper with helping secure the organization’s permanent home on Charles Street in downtown La Plata. The Playhouse has since become a gathering place where generations of Southern Maryland residents have performed, volunteered, watched productions and formed lasting friendships.
“Her presence is at the very heart of the Players,” Port Tobacco Players wrote. “The memories she created — both onstage and off — are her lasting legacy to the community.”
Community Memories Reach Back More Than 50 Years
The announcement prompted hundreds of reactions and dozens of comments from people remembering Draper’s performances and influence.
Some memories reached back to 1972.
One commenter recalled seeing Draper play Nellie opposite Gordon O’Neil, who portrayed Emile, in Port Tobacco Players’ 1972 production of “South Pacific” at Henry E. Lackey High School, remembering it as an enjoyable show and one of her earliest memories of Draper.
The comments showed how Draper’s work reached multiple generations. Some community members first saw her perform when they were children and continued following Port Tobacco Players for decades.
Draper’s legacy remains visible in the Playhouse on Charles Street, in the arts programs she supported and in the memories of people who watched her perform more than 50 years ago.
Port Tobacco Players extended its condolences to Draper’s family, friends and everyone who had the opportunity to know and work alongside her.
“She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered,” the organization wrote.
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