11/20/2024
To the Baltimore Area Theatre Community,
The Maryland Theatre Collective (MTC) is not only a 501c3 non-profit theatrical organizationâitâs also a home, a collective, and a space where everyone belongs. In the short time weâve been active, MTC has been about more than just productions; itâs about the peopleâthe artists, audiences, and supportersâwho bring our vision to life. Today, with open hearts and full transparency, weâre sharing an update on where we are, the challenges weâre facing, and how you can help us move forward together.
A Period of Transition
MTC is currently in a period of transition. Change is never easy, but we want to assure you: we are not going anywhere. Our commitment to producing high-quality theatrical productions and fostering a sense of belonging remains steadfast. This collective is built on community, and we are determined to see it thrive.
We also want to take a moment to thank two of our incredible founding board members and friends, Rachel Sandler and Tommy Malek, who are stepping down to pursue other opportunities. Rachel is moving to New York City to further her career, and Tommy is taking a well-earned break after years of tireless dedication. Rachel and Tommy's hard work, passion, and love for this organization have been essential in building and shaping MTC into what it is today, and we are endlessly grateful for their contributions.
Celebrating Our Achievements
First, letâs reflect on what weâve accomplished together over the past couple of years:
⢠Spring 2023: Freaky Friday
⢠Summer 2023: Agnes of God
⢠Fall 2023: Ragtime in Concert
⢠Spring 2024: Falsettos
⢠Summer 2024: Spring Awakening
⢠Fall 2024 (New Works Series): Monster (or , Brute) and Pocketmon, A Parody Musical
⢠A series of high-quality cabarets performed in venues across the Baltimore area
⢠Sizable donations to local and national charities, such as The House of Ruth, to further our mission of giving back to the community
These productions and initiatives represent the heart and soul of MTC. They were made possible by the passion of our artists, the dedication of our production teams, and the unwavering support of you, our community.
The Challenge
While we celebrate and find immense pride in our past accomplishments, we also need to be honest: producing our standard of exceptional theatre is incredibly expensive. The reality is that ticket sales alone cannot cover the vast costs of creating and producing the kind of high-quality art we are dedicated to delivering. From paying to obtain the rights to our shows to compensating our production teams fairly to securing our performance and rehearsal spaces to maintaining our technical and performance standards, the expenses have far outweighed what we can bring in.
Due to this financial strain, MTC, in collaboration with director Stephen Foreman, have had to make the difficult decision to postpone our production of Fun Home. This was not a decision we made lightly, but we believe itâs necessary to ensure we continue to deliver the production quality our artists, audiences, and mission expect and, more importantly, deserve.
A Call for Support
Now more than ever, we need your help. We cannot do this alone. Your financial contributions are vital to ensuring MTCâs future. Whether itâs making a one-time tax deductible donation, becoming a sustaining donor or corporate sponsor, or donating to assist with operational expenses, your support can make all the difference.
If youâre unable to make a donation, there are still ways to help! One meaningful way is to share this post along with a personal memory of MTC or an explanation of what the company has meant to you. Your stories will help spread awareness and inspire others to join in supporting this community.
Additionally, if you know of individuals or organizations that love the arts and might be interested in investing in an up-and-coming nonprofit theatre company, please help connect us to them. Every introduction helps us grow and secure a brighter future.
Visit www.mdtheatrecollective.com/donate to make a contribution, or contact us at [email protected] to discuss other ways to support.
Looking to the Future
This time of transition is also a time of growth. As we move forward, we are actively seeking diverse artists and creatives to join our team. We believe that diversity in voices, perspectives, and experiences is essential to telling the stories that connect us all. If youâre passionate about theatre and want to be part of a collective that values inclusion, collaboration, and creativity, we encourage you to reach out.
Weâre also excited about our childrenâs and teen programming. Donât miss our MTC Youth Cabaret this upcoming weekend, Friday, November 22nd, and Saturday, November 23rd at 7:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now, and itâs a wonderful opportunity to support the next generation of performers.
Looking ahead, we are still planning our *totally fetch* spring teen production and will be posting additional information about auditions later this week. Stay tuned for updates!
Gratitude
We are deeply grateful for your continued belief in the power of theatre and the role it plays in our lives. This is a challenging chapter, but itâs also an exciting opportunity for us to come together, strengthen our foundation, and build toward a sustainable future for MTC. We are committed to being transparent with you every step of the way.
Together, we can ensure that The Maryland Theatre Collective not only survives but thrivesâcreating transformative art that inspires, challenges, and unites us all.
With gratitude and hope,
The Maryland Theatre Collective
P.S. Your support matters now more than ever. If youâre able, please consider making a donation today at www.mdtheatrecollective.com/donate to help keep this collective alive and thriving.
