Q: The Mountain Theatre Company Board recently shared an update about MTC. How would you describe where things stand right now?
A: We’re in a pivotal moment. As we enter our 88th season, there’s a lot to be proud of. The work on stage is strong, the audience is engaged, and the demand is there. At the same time, we’re being honest about the realities of producing professional theatre in a town like Highlands. The board said it clearly. This is a moment not just to sustain the work, but to shape what Mountain Theatre Company becomes in its next chapter.
Q: What should audiences know about the current season?
A: This season is built to do exactly what MTC does best. It’s entertaining, it’s joyful, and it’s meant to bring people together.
Dancin’ in the Street is a world premiere created specifically for this audience. SHOWSTOPPERS! is a high-energy celebration of Broadway and film musicals. It’s a season designed to deliver a great night out, and that’s something we take seriously.
Q: How do you balance audience demand with the realities of production?
A: There are a number of recognizable Broadway titles that would absolutely sell out for us, and those shows are always on the table when we’re building a season. Shows like Dreamgirls, Les Misérables, or Gypsy are great examples of that.
The challenge is that ticket sales alone don’t cover the cost of producing those shows. Larger titles come with larger demands. More cast, more housing, more costumes, more overall expense.
If the funding isn’t there to support them properly, you either cut corners or you make a different choice. I will always choose to produce work we can execute well.
That said, we’re at an interesting moment. I plan to share a shortlist of those recognizable titles with our audience and see if we can align the financial support needed to make one of them possible next summer. In many ways, we’re putting what happens next directly in the hands of our community.
Q: What role is the Board playing in this moment?
A: They’re doing exactly what they should be doing. They’ve taken ownership of the financial future of the organization and are actively leading the effort to secure support. That matters. This is a shared responsibility, and the board is stepping forward in a meaningful way.
Q: How do you personally view your role in this moment?
A: I see myself as a steward of this institution. My responsibility is to protect the work on stage and to help ensure the long-term legacy of Mountain Theatre Company as the area’s premier professional theatre company. This company has been here for 88 years, and my focus is on making sure it continues to thrive for the next generation. The model may evolve, the structure may shift, but that standard does not.
Q: Beyond financial support, how can people get more involved with Mountain Theatre Company right now?
A: This is a moment where involvement really matters, not just financially, but in leadership and participation. We are actively looking for individuals who want to help shape what comes next for Mountain Theatre Company. That includes expanding our Board of Directors with people who are passionate about the arts and willing to take an active role in the future of this organization. It also means welcoming volunteers who want to be part of creating the experience our audiences have when they walk through the doors.
If someone has ever thought about getting more involved, this is the moment to step forward. This company has been part of this community for 88 years, and what happens next will be shaped by the people who choose to invest their time, energy, and leadership into it now.
Q: What can the community do right now?
A: This is a moment to get involved. Whether that’s through leadership, volunteering, or advocacy, the future of MTC will be shaped by the people who choose to step in and be part of it.
And if you haven’t already, get your tickets. These shows are going to be amazing. Being part of a world premiere like Dancin’ in the Street is a rare opportunity. Our audience isn’t just watching it, they’re part of the development of a brand-new musical. That’s a unique experience, and it’s something really special to be a part of.
Q: The Board made a direct financial ask. Do you support that message?
A; Absolutely. It’s honest, and it’s necessary. If people value having this level of professional theatre in this community, this is the moment to step in and support it. That support has a direct and immediate impact on what we’re able to put on stage this summer.
Q: What excites you most about what’s ahead?
A: The work itself. We’re creating something special this summer. And beyond that, there’s an opportunity here to reset and build a stronger, more sustainable future for MTC. If we get this moment right, it positions us for the next chapter of this company’s history.
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