Highlands Community Theatre Inc

Highlands Community Theatre Inc, with Employer Identification Number (EIN) 566060841, is a nonprofit organization categorized under Arts, Culture, and Humanities, focusing on theater. However, there seems to be a historical rebranding involved, as the company is now more commonly referred to as Mountain Theatre Company.

History

The organization traces its roots back to the early days of Highlands, where forward-thinking families sought to bring theater to the small mountain town during the Great Depression. The company began operating out of the Highlands Playhouse, which was originally built as the auditorium for Highlands School in 1931[3][4]. In the late 1930s, it was known as the Highlands Little Theatre, and by 1949, it had been renamed Highlands Community Theatre[3].

Evolution and Name Change

Over time, Highlands Community Theatre evolved and eventually rebranded as Mountain Theatre Company. This change occurred in 2022, marking a transition from a community-based summer stock theater to a professional regional theater company[3]. By 2023, Mountain Theatre Company had become the resident professional theater company at the Highlands Performing Arts Center[1][3].

Financial Overview

As of 2023, Highlands Community Theatre Inc reported revenues of $1.17 million and expenses of $1.23 million, with total assets of $549,000 and liabilities of $39,700[2]. In previous years, the organization also reported significant revenues from contributions and program services[2].

Current Operations

Today, the legacy of Highlands Community Theatre continues through Mountain Theatre Company at the Highlands Performing Arts Center. The company presents Broadway-quality musicals from June through December, showcasing its growth from a community-driven to a professional theater entity[3].

Challenges and Future

The original Highlands Playhouse building, which once housed Highlands Community Theatre, is currently vacant and in disrepair. Discussions regarding its renovation or repurposing are ongoing, with potential costs estimated to be between $3 to $4 million[4]. This has led to broader community considerations about the need for such a facility in light of the new Performing Arts Center[4].

[1] https://www.highlandschamber.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/theater/ [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/566060841 [3] https://www.mountaintheatre.com/our-story [4] https://maconsense.org/2024/06/06/future-of-the-playhouse/ [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/56-1934576