The Marysville Area Community Theatre (M-ACT) is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization that exists to offer quality, live theatre and foster creative expression throughout our community.
In the spring of 1983, Julie Hagemeier ran a newspaper ad in The Marysville Advocate asking interested individuals to join her in forming a community theater in Marysville. Months later, Oklahoma! was presented; years later, over eighty quality shows have been presented by M-ACT! Since the summer of 1983, over 650 M-ACT participants have produced 25 musicals and over 55 other productions for audiences in Marshall County and the surrounding area.
According to Carla Wolfe, M-ACT President, continuing the M-ACT tradition is a full time job. A play reading committee is formed at least a year in advance of production dates to pore over scripts and make appropriate selections. When developing the theatre’s “season” -- a summer musical, a fall play, and a spring play – the committee brainstorms titles and develops a list of prospective plays. From there the committee narrows the list down to what can be accomplished with the prospective talent pool, the parameters of technical elements in the Marysville High School auditorium, and the theatre’s budget.
During M-ACT’s forming years, the theatre produced some Broadway classics like The Music Man and Fiddler On The Roof because they were recognizable to the actors and audience members. “At that time we were developing a base of talent to perform in the shows as well as a base of patrons who would come to see the shows. It was important to select shows that had wide appeal for actors and audience members,” said Wolfe. Shows written by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, Cole Porter, and Meredith Willson were selected because their music attracted theatre goers and accented the talent of local performers.
As M-ACT’s talent grew, the group started to depart from the canon of Broadway classics. Less performed shows like The 1940’s Radio Hour, Little Shop of Horrors, Chicago, and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum were performed to challenge the actors as well as to expand the theatrical experience for the audience.
For twenty-five years our players, chorus members, musicians, set designers and back stage crews have given their time, energy, creativity and talent to ensure that M-ACT continues to contribute to the quality of life in Northeast Kansas.
M-ACT is always looking for volunteers to help with every area of production. Basic instruction and guidance are offered to each individual. Volunteers are needed to work backstage for sewing, scenic painting, carpentry, prop gathering, and sound and lighting board operation. Plus, we need individuals to work the “front of house” at the box office or as a house manager or usher. Volunteers also serve as stage managers, assistant stage managers, plus serve on the various committees that assist with marketing and fundraising.
To volunteer, contact Carla Wolfe (785-562-8323) or Wayne Kruse (785-744-3244).
