WCP was founded in 1956 by a small group of theatre lovers. Under the direction of Oranda C. Bangsberg, Madeline Fuqua and Jane Mulder of the Waukegan YWCA, who saw the need of and wanted to bring children's theatre to Waukegan, an organizational meeting was called in March of 1956. Mary Jane and Chuck McVea, Julia and Ben Weiner, Katie and Al Hall, Jr., Natalie and Bill Stewart, Rosemarie and Dean Koskinen, Anne Durkin, Joan and Harold Callahan, Ed and Marge Dorn, Lydia Macdonald and Peggy Rodbro, all who were involved in various other theatre groups, were the founding members of WCP. The YWCA guaranteed funding of the first production. The production made money and the seed money was not used. From there the group took off to become the oldest community theatre group in Lake County. The group was originally known as the Community Players of the Waukegan YWCA. Al Hall, Jr. was elected the first president of WCP. Al Hall, Jr. along with Ben Weiner and Dean Koskinen drafted the first by-laws. When the by-laws were written up and approved the group then became known as The Waukegan Community Players or WCP.

The premiere production, a children's show, "Jack In The Beanstalk" directed by Julia Weiner was presented on May 19, & May 26, 1956 at Greenwood School in Waukegan. The two performances were sell-outs. Tickets fifty years ago were - 35 cents for children and 50 cents for adults. Then, after several children's productions, in November of 1957 WCP staged their first adult production, a comedy, "Lo and Behold" directed by Jack Whalen. Thus, WCP became a multifaceted community theatre group.

Over the years, WCP staged their productions in many locations - the Waukegan Elks Service Center, Waukegan High School Little Theatre, also known later as the Melba Wixom Theatre, North Chicago High School Auditorium, Genesee Theatre, St. Therese Hospital Auditorium, the Ann Kiley Center, Victory Memorial Hospital Amphitheater and The Jack Benny Center at Bowen Park.

The 2007-2008 Season marks our 52nd anniversary. Through the years, WCP has produced many American musicals and theatrical classics, as well as a sprinkling of lesser known comedies and dramas. Players' membership consists of men and women from all walks of life and is open to the general public. Meetings are held the second Sunday of the month around 4:00 P.M. Please check our website for details.