Marathon Community Theatre

==Marathon Community Theatre== Marathon Community Theatre (MCT) is a distinguished cultural institution located in Marathon, Florida, at the heart of the Florida Keys. Situated at 5101 Overseas Highway, Mile Marker 49.5 Ocean Side, MCT holds the unique status of being the only community theatre in Monroe County and the sole provider of theatre and cinema within a 50-mile radius. This 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization is governed by a fully volunteer Board of Directors and operates with the assistance of a small paid staff. ===History=== The origins of Marathon Community Theatre trace back to 1944 when it began as a traveling troupe known as the Marathon Little Theatre. Its early productions were held in various venues, including restaurants, hotels, City Hall, and the local High School. For more than five decades, the theatre utilized tents and travel trailers in parking lots as makeshift backstage areas. In the early 1990s, the MCT Board of Directors, along with the General Membership and local community, rallied to raise funds to acquire the current venue. This venue has a rich history, previously housing the Plaza Lounge, The Side Door Lounge, and the Middle Keys' only movie theatre, The Marathon Cinema. The volunteers of Marathon Community Theatre dedicated themselves to renovating the building, culminating in the grand opening of the 1996 theatrical season with the production of "Man of La Mancha." Over the years, MCT has evolved into a true Cultural Arts Center. Significant milestones include upgrading the movie theatre with digital films and sound in 2013, paying off the building mortgage in 2016, repairing damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017, installing a new digital lighting system in 2019, and replacing three commercial HVAC systems in 2020. The theatre also took over management and staffing of the Marathon Community Cinema, which reopened in February 2021 after an 11-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ===Programming and Community Engagement=== Marathon Community Theatre is renowned for its diverse array of events and programs. Each season, which runs from July to June, features four major main-stage productions. The venue also hosts fine art exhibitions, weekly dance classes for members, annual holiday events, fundraisers, variety shows, gallery and main-stage readings, guest performances, concerts, a community dance showcase, and a six-week Summer Theatre Camp for children aged 6 to 18 years. The theatre's cast, crew, and volunteers are a testament to the diversity of the local community, comprising individuals from various professions and walks of life. Membership is inclusive, ranging from young children to senior citizens, all united by a passion for the performing arts. ===Facilities=== In addition to its cultural offerings, Marathon Community Theatre provides rental spaces for various events, including dance classes, music concerts, theatrical events, business meetings, and private parties. The venue has even served as a romantic backdrop for weddings on its main stage. ===Mission and Leadership=== The mission of Marathon Community Theatre is to produce high-quality theatrical productions that entertain the diverse mix of local citizens, seasonal residents, and tourists. It also aims to train and support the next generation of theatre artists, provide arts education programs, and celebrate the essential power of the arts to illuminate our common humanity. The Board of Directors for the 2023/2024 season includes Joanne Zimmerman as President, Maresa Casey as Executive Vice President, Judi Gorman as Vice President of Production, Dion Watson as Treasurer, Sharon Young as Secretary, and several other dedicated members. Marathon Community Theatre continues to be a beacon of arts and culture in the Florida Keys, earning accolades and awards for its contributions to the community. It remains a cherished institution powered by the dedication of its volunteers and the support of its patrons. ==External Links== * [Official Website](https://www.marathontheater.org) * [Marathon Community Cinema](https://www.marathoncinema.org) ==References== * Marathon Community Theatre. Copyright 2021. All Rights Reserved. * GoDaddy. Website provider for Marathon Community Theatre.