Those involved with the Macomb Community Theatre said they hope to put on more shows. But first they need more people to get involved.
“The pandemic shut us down for two-plus years. Some of our membership drifted away and we were kind of at a low point then, so now we’re at a very low point with membership,” said Pat Robinson, MCT’s Vice President for Business and Customer Relations.
“We need people just to help us with the business of the organization from day-to-day. And we need actors. We need directors. We need crew members.”
She said they also need to know there is an audience for community theatre in Macomb.
The group recently held a forum to discuss its future. Robinson said the turnout was pretty low, but those who attended shared some thoughts on what productions people want to see and gave feedback on MCT’s new home at the McDonough County 4-H Center, where the group is renting space.
MCT President M. Anne Vick said the group’s longtime former home on the south edge of town was no longer usable.
“It was falling to pieces,” Vick said.
Vick and Robinson are not sure what’s next for the organization. They believe people in the community are interested but might not know much about them.
They said anyone who’s interested can contact MCT via email: livetheatre@macombcommunitytheatre.org
They can also be reached through the postal service at P.O. Box 5 in Macomb (61455).
In addition, the organization holds meetings on the third Sunday of every month at 7 p.m. at the 4-H Center.
MCT did a children’s production at the center last fall. Robinson said parents always help out with those productions.
Now, they hope there is enough interest to resume productions for general audiences.
“It’s a way to draw people together. It’s a point of interest. Community theatre is an outlet for people who want to participate,” said Vick.
And she said those who put on a production become like family as they work hard to do the best show possible.
Robinson said the group’s purpose is to promote amateur dramatics for the theatre, including playwriting, acting, and directing. She feels like the organization has done that throughout its roughly 60-year history, and that it’s an enjoyable experience for participants.
“We have fun out there. Every member -- past or present -- if you talk to them, they’ll have stories to tell. If you’re interested in theatre, there’s no better place to exercise that interest,” Robinson said.
Vick said they had around 70 members half a century ago. The number began to dwindle about 10 years ago, and the absence of productions during the pandemic further decreased membership numbers.
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