News
Join MTA for Theatre Afternoon at the Mississippi State Capitol
Mark your calendars and join us for the first-ever Theatre Afternoon, part of Mississippi Arts Week, and Arts Day at the Capitol. We want ALL theatremakers to attend. This is our very own time to shine!
The top two schools and the top two community theatres to advance from MTA 2024 are invited to connect with legislators at this arts #advocacy event so that our legislators will see why we are so invested in this craft. We’ll meet at the Mississippi State Capitol Rotunda in Downtown Jackson on Monday, February 5, 2024, from 1:00-4:30 pm!
LIVE Festival Schedule Overview
The LIVE Festival Schedule for MTA 2024 can be found here. It is tentative and subject to change.
MTA Board Appoints New Executive Director
After reviewing all applicants and much deliberation, the MTA Executive Committee and Board of Directors would like to welcome Lindsey Eubanks as the incoming Executive Director. Lindsey will take over the duties of ED after the MTA 2024 Festival.
MTA 2024 Program Advertising Sales
Purchase your ad space in the MTA 2024 festival program! This festival program will reach over 800 individuals over 4 days. 1/8 page, 1/4 page, 1/2 page, and full-page ads are available. Contact Executive Director, Stacy Howell for guaranteed placement of ads. The deadline to register is December 20, 2023!
More MTA 2024 Ad Sales Registration Information can be found HERE!
Apply to Become the Next MTA Executive Director
Upon the formal resignation of current MTA Executive Director, Stacy Howell, we will be accepting applications to fill the position after MTA 2024 in January.
Our Executive Director oversees the operations, finances, and programs of the Mississippi Theatre Organization. The ideal candidate would provide guidance and strategic direction to achieve the organization’s mission and goals.
The position requires the organization and attendance of two yearly board meetings in May and July, Executive Committee meetings throughout the year via Zoom, and the annual festival in January. Interested candidates can read the finer details of the job description HERE.
Apply now to become the next MTA Executive Director.
MTA Receives $12,000 Grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission
The Mississippi Theatre Association proudly received a $12,000 grant from the Mississippi Arts Commission! Click HERE to read the full press release.
The MAC is a state agency serving more than two million people through grants and special initiatives that enhance communities, assist artists and arts organizations, promote arts education, and celebrate Mississippi’s cultural heritage. MAC is funded by the Mississippi Legislature, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Mississippi Endowment for the Arts at the Community Foundation for Mississippi, and other private sources. For more information, visit www.arts.ms.gov.
Resignation Announcement for MTA Executive Director Stacy Howell
It is with sadness that the Mississippi Theatre Association announces the resignation of our Executive Director, Stacy Howell.
Stacy’s eight-year tenure as Executive Director will end at the closure of the 2024 MTA Festival on January 14, 2024.
We will forever be grateful for the growth that has occurred during her time as Executive Director and wish her well in her future endeavors. The MTA Executive Committee will release the job opportunity to the public in the coming weeks. MTA will continue in its mission to foster appreciation of and participation in theatre while connecting theatres across Mississippi.
MTA Seeks Festival Bids for 2026
MTA is now accepting festival bids in Northern Mississippi for 2026. The deadline of accepting bids until October 31, 2023! Click here to download the kickoff letter and checklist packet:
MTA Festival Kickoff Letter & Checklist
Dream Team Members Needed
The Mississippi Theatre Association is searching for a “Dream Team” of college students for the MTA 2024 Festival. This festival will be held January 11 – 14, 2024 at MGCCC Harrison County Campus in Gulfport, MS. Students who have aspirations of going into theatre, will be selected to assist the MTA Board and Staff with the running of this exciting state festival.
Dream Team Registration Form for MTA 2024
Dream Team Alumni
MTA 2023 Community Theatre Awards
Here is a link to the Community Theatre Awards.
MTA 2023 Community Theatre Awards
MTA 2023 Awards
Here is a link to the Secondary, Theatre for Youth, Individual Event awards and more.
Tom Booth Celebration of Life
It is with great sadness that the MTA family learned about the passing away of our former president, Tom Booth. But we remember him and his passion and dedication to theatre, community, and family with great fondness and admiration. We put together a slideshow in his honor and we wanted to share it with our members.
Congratulations to the South Dramafest Award Winners!
North Dramafest Award Winners!
Congratulations to the North Dramafest Award Winners!
South Dramafest Award Winners!
Congratulations to the MTA 2023 Secondary Playwriting Winners
1st Place – Elliott Nix – Laurel – View from Inside the China Cabinet
2nd Place – Emma Stapp – Louisville – Selfish Creatures
3rd Place – Jordan Brown – Hazelhurst – Something Domestic
We are looking forward to MTA 2023 to see a reading of View from Inside the China Cabinet!
Congratulations to the MTA 2023 Adult Playwriting Winners
1st Place – Thomas Easterling – MS School of Math and Science – Flyover
2nd Place – Joedda Gore – Clinton – Caldwell
Third Place – Phillip Milner – Tupelo High School Theatre – Bum Rush
We are looking forward to MTA 2023 to see a reading of Flyover!
Congratulations to the MTA 2023 Adult Playwriting Finalists
Thomas Easterling – MS School of Math and Science – Flyover
Randy Ferino – Meridian – Freedom Day
Joedda Gore – Clinton – Caldwell
Cindy Grammar – Biloxi – Four Part Harmony
Phillip Milner – Tupelo High School Theatre – Bum Rush
Stay tuned for the announcement of the Top 3 on December 3, 2022!
Congratulations to the MTA 2023 Secondary Playwriting Finalists
Elliott Nix – Laurel – View from Inside the China Cabinet
Simone Smith – MSA Brookhaven – Flatline
Jordan Brown – Hazelhurst – Something Domestic
Darren England – Ocean Springs, Azael’s Knife
Emma Stapp – Louisville – Selfish Creatures
Stay tuned for the announcement of the Top 3 on December 3, 2022!
MTA 2023 Festival Registration is Now Open
MTA 2023 Festival Registration is now open! Click HERE to register today!
Southern Regional 10 Minute Festival
10 Minute Festival Photos and Award
Playwriting Workshop
Improve your playwriting skills, workshop with likeminded creators, and learn more about the MTA playwriting competition in this virtual session!
Click HERE to RSVP today!
Regional 10 Minute Festivals
Join high school students from around the state in 3 Regional 10 Minute Festivals.
Click HERE for registration and information.
Theatre Workshop
The MTA Annual Workshop is a great place to learn new theatre skills and to network with theatre professionals from around the state.
Click HERE for registration and information.
Specialty License Plates
MTA is excited to pre-sell a specialty license plate, featuring our new logo, to bring awareness of the theatre community, and the power of theatre, across the State of Mississippi!
In order to print this specialty license plate, MTA must first pre-sell 300 tags before the Department of Revenue can begin production.
The deadline to reserve your tag is April 15, 2022.
MTA is putting this opportunity is being put on hold. We hope to accomplish this goal in the future.
Economic Theatre Survey
The Mississippi Theatre Association is working with the Mississippi Arts Commission in the creation of an economic theatre impact study. To include your theatre in the study, complete the survey HERE.
Spring Theatre Workshop
Sustainable Design on a Dime
Presented by: Shannon Robert, Clemson University/Warehouse Theatre
Upcycling, Recycling, and Repurposing Materials:
Learn about the movement to keep live theatre out of landfills and oceans, how to green your practice, and source in environmentally responsible ways. Will discuss Broadway Green Alliance, tips and tricks on creating high impact looks while minimizing negative environmental impact.
Details
Saturday, May 21, 2022
10:00 – 3:00 pm
William Carey College
Hattiesburg, MS
(CEUs will be available. You will receive information for this onsite and will pay Mississippi State University Directly)
Click HERE to register.
MTA Online Calendar of Events
A great way to promote your upcoming theatre productions is through the MTA Online Calendar!
To have your theatrical event included click HERE and complete the google form. Updates to the online calendar will be made each Friday.
Mississippi Theatre Listing
MTA would like to showcase “all” theatres in Mississippi! To be included, or to update, your theatre information, click HERE and complete the google form.
MTA at SETC 2022
Join MTA at SETC 2022, March 9 – 13, 2022 in Memphis, TN!
HERE is the link for SETC registration.
The following theatres will represent MTA at SETC:
Thursday, March 10 – 1:00 PM – Oak Grove High School – The Old Man and the Old Moon
Friday, March 11 – 12:00 PM – Northwest Rankin High School – Icarus
Friday, March 11 – 7:00 PM – Tupelo Community Theatre – The Safarer
MTA 2022 Festival Photos
Click HERE for MTA 2022 Festival Photos
MTA 2022 Festival Awards
Click HERE for Secondary, Theatre for Youth, Playwriting, Adult Individual Event, and Outstanding Contribution to Theatre Awards
Click HERE for Youth Individual Event Awards
MTA 2022 PROGRAM
Click HERE for the MTA 2022 Program
Click HERE for the MTA 2022 Tentative Schedule. Click HERE for the MTA 2022 workshop descriptions.
2022 Youth Individual Event Finalists
Click HERE for a full listing of MTA 2022 Youth Individual Event Finalists.
Register for 2022 MTA State Festival Today!
The Mississippi Theatre Association State Festival is a four-day event that includes college auditions, scholarship opportunities, one-act play festivals, theatre for youth festivals, individual events for high school students and adults, and workshops. MTA Festival is the one time each year that theatre-makers of all disciplines from across the state can gather together and celebrate each other’s work. Join us for MTA 2022! Mississippi Does Great Theatre!
2022 MTA State Festival will take place January 13-16, 2022 at the MSU Riley Center in Meridian, Mississippi.
Secondary Organizational Registration
Become A Sponsor Today
Exclusive corporate sponsorship levels are now available! Sponsorships are necessary to conduct MTA programs and festivals throughout the year. Know a great local bank, an active chamber of commerce, or a prominent executive who continues to support the arts?
Click here to become an official MTA Corporate Sponsor!
Photographers Needed
In the event the Mississippi Theatre Association is looking for 2 official photographers (1 lead and 1 assistant) to be a part of the MTA Festival Staff, information will be found HERE.
These individuals will be a part of the annual festival staff in order to build continuity for the photographer over the years. This will be a one-year contract.
Festival Photographers Registration Form
Call for Workshop Presenters
MTA is seeking workshop presenters for its annual festival that is scheduled for January 11 – 14, 2024 at the MGCCC Harrison County Campus in Gulfport, MS. We are seeking large and small workshops for all levels of theatre-makers.
