Maybe the performing arts aren’t your cup of tea.
That’s fine, to each their own.
But whether each of us particularly enjoy theatre, there is no question that the performing arts are worthy of community support. Perhaps no place in the entire county signifies this idea more than Highlands and Cashiers, where the performing arts have been a part of the cultural landscape for nearly 100 years.
And that is what makes the public plea from Mountain Theatre Company Executive Director Scott Daniel so sobering. Without increased donations, MTC may have to make drastic cuts, or potentially cease to exist all together.
On Friday, Daniel sent out a message that shared just how hard the past few years have been on the MTC’s finances through no fault of their own.
Everyone remembers the complete shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, when shows were shuttered, and community theatre groups struggled just to stay afloat. With the dark skies of COVID finally clearing, MTC suffered another major blow last fall when Hurricane Helene hit Western North Carolina and forced the cancellation of the group’s production of “The Burnt Part Boys.” That cancellation cost the group $170,000, and according to Daniel, delivered a massive blow to an already tight budget.
Rising production costs, and drastic cuts of the National Endowment for the Arts – including the elimination of several grant programs, have added to MTC’s financial uncertainty.
“Here’s the hard truth: even in record-breaking seasons, ticket sales only cover a small portion of our annual operating budget” Daniel’s email read. “The reality is that what happens on stage is made possible by what happens offstage—by donations, sponsorships, and community investment from people like you—our patrons, our neighbors, our champions—to bridge the gap and keep live theatre alive in Highlands.”
For 87 years, MTC has been an integral part of the performing arts scene in Western North Carolina. It would be an absolute shame to see all that history end due to lacking financial resources.
If you would like to buy tickets to upcoming shows, donate to the cause in general, or inquire for more information, visit moutaintheatre.com.