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Mauldin recognizes Modern Theatre Company as it marks 10th season, announces lineup and expanded education programs
Summary
Council honored the Modern Theatre Company’s decade in Mauldin, hearing from artistic leadership about record auditions and attendance, a season lineup including Pippin and Jekyll & Hyde, expanded education programs, and new community partnerships.
Christopher Parker, representing the Modern Theatre Company, thanked the Mauldin City Council on behalf of the theater and said the organization has grown substantially since it began as a youth program in 2017. "Because of your funding and leadership, thousands of people who walk through these doors ... get to experience something very special that is here in Mauldin," Parker said.
Parker reported several year-over-year gains: auditions increased to 460 in the most recent season from 280 the year before and 75 in an earlier year; ticket sales set a new record; and audience size grew from roughly 6,500 to over 10,000 across the seasons discussed. He said the theater is drawing performers and patrons from across the Upstate and beyond, and that local business partnerships — including with nearby restaurants and breweries — have boosted engagement and economic spillover.
The company previewed its 10th-season lineup, opening with the musical Pippin, and scheduled productions including Our Town, Little Women the musical, a youth production of Lion King Jr., and closing the season with Jekyll and Hyde. Parker said the company will continue its spotlight series and free community events such as Shakespeare in the Park, and intends to expand community-focused programming at the amphitheater.
Parker also described expanded education offerings that have doubled in recent years: short-term summer intensives that guide students through auditions, rehearsals and fully staged productions, and programs aimed at middle and high school students. He closed by honoring two community leaders with the theater’s arts advocacy award for their contributions to Mauldin’s cultural life.
The council observed the presentation, accepted the recognition, and members thanked the theater staff for the role it plays in Mauldin’s cultural and economic life. No formal council action was required or taken on the item during the meeting.
