Mission Theatre Company strives to produce theatre that is not merely entertaining but also thought provoking and creates change among audience and participants. Originally created by theatre practitioner, Andrea Rose Tonsfeldt, the company has a growing group of contributors. Tonsfeldt created the company in 2008 as an outlet for her vision of producing theatre that is entertaining as well as tho
ught-provoking. In 2011, after relocating to Minnesota she met other like-minded individuals and decided to pursue the creation of a professional theatre company in Minneapolis. MTC values:
Collaboration over Competition
Inclusion of Diverse Participants
Creating the Company as a Viable Business and
Creating Theatrical Experiences
We have and will continue to work with other local artists and arts organizations to create the best product possible. For the production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, MTC worked with two local musicians to create an original soundscape. We are currently working with another fledgling theatre company to maximize dollars by sharing space and technical resources for each of our upcoming productions. We anticipate working with a visual artist to create paintings which are representative of a future production that will be hung in the lobby and sold to patrons. MTC has a growing International partnership with Penelope Parsons-Lord, Artistic Director of Cardboard Suitcase. We have discussed opportunities to present each other’s work in our respective communities; Minnesota and Newcastle, Australia. Mission Theatre Company strives to produce work that is inclusive. Throughout our season we prioritize this value by color-blind casting, centering work around artists of diversity and maintaining affordable offerings for all. In this economy we understand that running a theatre company means running a successful business. To fulfill this goal we plan to host an annual fundraising event to cultivate new donors and engage our audiences. We have found that many audience members crave additional opportunities to connect with a production. In an effort to fulfill this need we offer pre/post-show receptions, talk back sessions, staged readings of new work and encourage social media interaction. While Andrea is currently the sole proprietor of Mission Theatre Company there is an ad-hoc advisory group currently in place. Our next steps with the company include moving this group to a more formalized board of directors and administrators to ensure fiduciary responsibility and additional expertise on a professional scale. We are currently working on a strategic plan and will also be creating a comprehensive business plan in the next six months as a guide for the company. One large piece of the business plan will be to find funding for an established home theatre. Having a space of our own will allow better use of time, no more searching for rental venues and rehearsal space. In addition, it will be the ideal space to hold workshops and residencies for other artists and audience members. There is a lack of affordable rental space in the Twin CIties for companies of our size. As part of our mission we would offer this space to other companies at an affordable rate when not in production. This will also allow for more fiscal security as we grow. We will be producing two to three productions annually. This theatre will be a mix of everything from classical text to premieres of new plays by local playwrights. Mission Theatre Company works to re-imagine theatre; telling stories that are accessible, entertaining and thought-provoking. Past productions include: Renegade Shakespeare, an amalgam of the Bard’s work, The Va**na Monologues, Desdemona: A Play About a Handkerchief, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Modern Prophet, a premiere play by Minnesota playwright Sam Graber. Currently in rehearsal is Macbeth and Violent Delights, in collaboration with Cardboard Suitcase, and Detainee, also by Mr.Graber. Company Members:
Andrea Tonsfeldt:
Founding Artistic Director, Andrea Tonsfeldt, has extensive experience working within the non-profit arts sector. She began her professional career as an arts administrator at the Pearson Lakes Art Center in Okoboji Iowa. During her tenure as Performing Arts Director she coordinated more than 30 events annually including one-night only performances, multi-week productions and special fundraising events. Tonsfeldt was responsible for securing sponsorships; nearly $400,000. She also acted as marketing and press coordinator, created advertising and other materials for each event and worked with the press to secure articles and interviews. Andrea is familiar with contract negotiation, facility rentals and artist interactions. In 2009, Andrea moved to Minneapolis, MN to pursue further career opportunities in the arts. She acted as Arts Administrator for Rosetown Playhouse (Roseville, MN) and Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre (Minneapolis, MN) and most recently assisted in the grand opening and start-up years for The Cowles Center for Dance and the Performing Arts as their Marketing Manager. As a theatre practitioner, Andrea has performed in more than 100 shows, worked as a costumer and make-up designer. She has experience with all aspects of theatre production and finds her passions lie in acting and producing. Anneliese Stuht:
Co-Artistic Director Anneliese Stuht has directed at the professional and collegiate level for many years including Theatre Unbound and Penumbra Theatre Company in the Twin Cities. Stuht also works as the Performance Manager for the Historic Theatre Group, coordinating with presenting organizations, setting up box office sales and working with back and front of house staff during performances. Anneliese is a driving force in play selection and acts as lead Director for Mission Theatre Company. Michael Kelley:
Company Member, Mike Kelley, has begun working with MTC in a variety of capacities. Mike performed as Oberon/Theseus in the recent production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He took on additional support functions for the production as needed. He has been a consultant on the current production of Modern Prophet, assisting in securing a Lighting Designer and technical equipment for the production. Mike works as Director of Operations for AVEX, an area Audio/Visual company. He coordinates hundreds of events for corporate clients.
