San Lorenzo Valley Mountain Community Theater

The San Lorenzo Valley Mountain Community Theater, also known as Mountain Community Theater (MCT), is a nonprofit organization and the longest continuously running community theater company in Santa Cruz County, California. Founded in 1982 by a collective of actors, MCT has been dedicated to fostering a spirit of creativity, collaboration, and artistic excellence in the region.

Vision and Mission

MCT's vision is to maintain a vibrant environment that promotes artistic growth, inclusivity, and community engagement. The organization strives to create a safe space where people from diverse backgrounds can participate in and enjoy theatrical productions. This "family of artists" works collaboratively behind the scenes to ensure that everyone feels valued and supported.

Productions and Programs

Mountain Community Theater is renowned for its diverse range of productions, which include both classic plays and original scripts. One of their notable annual traditions is the production of Miracle on 34th Street, the Play, which has been a beloved holiday event since 1987 and has contributed significantly to the theater's sustainability. Other notable productions include The Odd Couple, Female Version, Something Rotten!, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and Mamma Mia!.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, MCT launched its Ghost Light Theater series, which offered digital productions to keep the community engaged. This initiative included films and videos that not only entertained but also helped raise funds for local causes, such as the recovery efforts following the CZU Lightning Complex Fire in 2020.

Community Engagement

MCT has been involved in community projects, such as producing The CZU Fire In Their Own Words, a documentary film about the 2020 CZU Fires. This project used interviews with fire survivors and first responders to raise awareness and funds for affected communities. Additionally, MCT’s Love Our SLV musical tribute aimed to support residents impacted by the fires.

Recognition and Awards

Mountain Community Theater has been recognized for its contributions to the local community. It was acknowledged by the SLV Chamber of Commerce as a Community Organization of the Year.

Governance

As a member-run nonprofit organization, MCT is guided by a board of directors who oversee various aspects of the theater's operations, including artistic direction, financial management, and community outreach. The organization relies on support from its performances, season subscribers, and royalties from its company-created scripts to remain financially self-sustaining.

Legal Status

San Lorenzo Valley Mountain Community Theater is registered as a nonprofit organization under the IRS Employer Identification Number (EIN) 770210443.

[1] https://mctshows.org/about/ [2] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/770210443 [3] https://mctshows.org/contact/ [4] https://mctshows.org/ghost-light-theater/ [5] https://mctshows.org/press/