About MTA
Mission
Mission: To foster appreciation and participation in theatre.
Vision Statement: A Mississippi where art is valued through the power of theatre.
Motto: Mississippi Makes Great Theatre
Values: ACE
Advocate – To publicly support or recommend a particular cause or policy.
Communicate – Share or exchange information, news, or ideas.
Educate – To train by formal instruction, and supervised practice, especially in trade, skill, or profession.
Overall Goals:
- Act as an advocate for government agencies, businesses, and the public.
- Sponsor festivals, workshops, and networking opportunities.
- Communicate with members and the public.
- Recognize excellence in performance and production.
- Sanction representatives to regional festivals.
History
Founded in the mid-1950s as the Mississippi Little Theatre Association, the Mississippi Theatre Association was restructured in the early 1970s. In the past, the Association served primarily as a sanctioning organization for the Mississippi theatre festivals and conventions under the aegis of the Southeastern Theatre Conference, the American Association of Community Theatres, and the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (SETC, AACT, and MTA/KC/ACTF as they are more widely known). Today, MTA includes workshops, auditions, and scholarship programs for high school students; workshops for community theatre members; and much more.
Executive Director Lindsey Eubanks serves as a central point of contact for the MTA.
A Message from our President
Welcome to the Mississippi Theatre Association!
Dearest MTA Members,
I hope this message finds you full of creative energy as we embark on a new chapter together at the Mississippi Theatre Association (MTA). It is with great pleasure and excitement that I introduce myself as the incoming President of MTA. Having been a part of this wonderful organization for many years, both as a competitor and as the Assistant Festival Coordinator, I am deeply honored to now lead the charge in advancing our collective mission.
For those who may not know me, my name is Sawyer Walters, and I am thrilled to be back after a brief hiatus due to Army training. I serve as a 2LT Army Intelligence Officer with the Mississippi Army National Guard, I am also a part-time State Law Enforcement Officer and work full-time as a University of Southern Mississippi Development Officer. My journey with MTA began in 2011 when I first competed as a high school student. Since then, I’ve been fortunate enough to contribute to the organization in various capacities through many years and many locations (I stand firm to never having to compete in Vicksburg, where my lighting console was placed backstage with no eyesight to the stage). I am eager to bring my passion, dedication, and experience to this new role.
As we look ahead, I am filled with enthusiasm for the opportunities that lie before us. Together, we have the chance to build upon the rich legacy of MTA, fostering creativity, excellence, and camaraderie among the vibrant community of theatre directors across our state. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the MTA family, I am committed to supporting you every step of the way.
I firmly believe that the strength of our organization lies in our collective efforts and shared vision. With your invaluable contributions and collaboration, I am confident we can elevate MTA to new heights of success and significance. Together, we will create memorable experiences, inspire artistic growth, and make a lasting impact on the lives of our students.
In the coming weeks and months, I look forward to connecting with each of you and working together to shape the future of MTA. Your passion, creativity, and dedication are the driving forces behind our success, and I am truly honored to serve as your President. I will be working hard to help us make sure we have successful festivals and workshops but also work on our outward reach with our elected officials and community leaders. We are excited to gain momentum in the coming months! Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the arts and MTA. Together, let’s make this a year to remember!
Sincerely,
Sawyer Walters
President of the Mississippi Theatre Association
Theatre Advocacy
The Bylaws of Mississippi Theatre Association, Inc.
Handbook
Long Range Plan
Board of Directors
Anti-Discrimination Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact the Executive Committee
Lindsey Eubanks, Incoming Executive Director, ExecDir@mississippitheatre.org
Sawyer Walters, Incoming President, President@mississippitheatre.org
David Delk, Vice President, vicepresident@mississippitheatre.org