Matthews Playhouse Celebrates 30 Years of Community Engagement and Excellence
In a vibrant celebration of arts and culture, the North Carolina Theatre Conference has announced that the Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts will receive its distinguished 2024 Community Theatre Award. This accolade will be presented during the opening night of the beloved production “Peter and the Starcatcher” on July 11, marking a significant milestone for the nonprofit organization recognized for its leadership and dedication to the local community.
“Our mission is to deliver high-quality and affordable performances that resonate with our community,” stated Sarah Baumgardner, the Executive Director of Matthews Playhouse. With the theater’s upcoming 30th anniversary season kicking off in 2025-26, the excitement is palpable as they prepare to highlight themes of resilience through a compelling lineup of mainstage productions. This season will feature acclaimed works such as “A Raisin in the Sun,” “Scrooge! The Musical,” “The Prince of Egypt,” “The Velveteen Rabbit,” and the energetic “Hairspray.”
Notably, Baumgardner emphasized that Matthews Playhouse will be the first theater in the Charlotte region to present “The Prince of Egypt,” showcasing the enchanting music and storytelling from the beloved DreamWorks film. Other offerings from the School of Theatre in 2026 will include family favorites like “Goodnight Gorilla,” “The Aristocats Kids,” “Annie Jr.,” “Newsies Jr.,” and the classic “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
The Matthews Playhouse is deeply committed to arts education, providing robust opportunities for learning and growth. With a growing demand for programming, Baumgardner shared her vision of expanding facilities and funding at a recent town meeting. “We are running out of space,” she expressed, advocating for opportunities to find more venues for productions, rehearsals, and classes.
Supported financially by the Town of Matthews, the City of Charlotte, the Knight Foundation, and the North Carolina Arts Council, Matthews Playhouse remains open to contributions from community members. Local residents can support the theater’s mission through performances, volunteering, or by attending various outreach events, such as the Haunted Trail fundraiser, Matthews Alive, and community theater initiatives.
In an effort to reach a wider audience, Matthews Playhouse is launching innovative outreach programs that bring theater to unexpected venues, including dinner theaters, senior center performances, and script-in-hand readings.
The impact of Matthews Playhouse is significant, having served over 28,000 patrons, engaged 430 students in educational programs, and welcomed more than 1,200 students to its summer camps during the 2024-25 season alone. The future looks bright for this cornerstone of community arts in North Carolina, showcasing how the power of theater can unite and inspire.
Stay tuned for more news and updates from Matthews Playhouse, as they continue to weave the fabric of theatrical excellence and community engagement in the heart of North Carolina.
Tags: #NorthCarolina #CommunityTheater #ArtsEducation #Entertainment
