Here you can edit the background of the section

The Story of Us

About Us

Established in 1985.

Muskegon Civic Theatre is a voluntary organization providing exceptional community based theatrical experiences by and for adults and children of all backgrounds. This is accomplished through a variety of diverse productions and educational opportunities in all elements of theater in Muskegon and West Michigan communities.

MCT is a consolidation of the former Civic Opera Association, Port City Playhouse and Muskegon Youth Theatre. The combined history of these theatre groups has spanned decades of service in the greater Muskegon area. Our predecessors include the Little Theatre of Muskegon and the Greater Muskegon Civic Theatre in addition to our named parent organizations. We are governed by a Board of Directors, and we operate under an approved set of Bylaws, policies and procedures.

Cinder-5963

Muskegon Civic Theatre is the only community theatre in Muskegon County.

Our organization utilizes volunteers in all aspects of the performing arts. During the course of a production season, we utilize the contributions of up to 350 volunteers, which equates to approximately 30,000 hours of volunteer time. For every actor that you see on stage, there are numerous technicians behind the scenes supporting them!

We are always seeking people who want to experience the joy of community theatre. Please feel free to visit our volunteer page or call: (231)722.3852

Our History

Community theatre in Muskegon – a Heritage of 85 Years! Muskegon Civic Theatre, since 1985 and still going strong!

  • 1935-1940

    Little Theatre of Muskegon

  • 1950-1958

    Greater Muskegon Civic Theatre

    In August 1950, a church building on Sanford Street was purchased by the Greater Muskegon Civic Theatre and became the home for its productions.

  • 1951-1983

    Civic Opera Association

    Civic Opera Association was founded in 1961, when it opened with a production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Mikado,” COA concentrated on musicals, most of them expansive. The company performed in a variety of venues, including the Central Campus auditorium at Muskegon High School and the Michigan theater which would become the Frauenthal.

  • 1961-1983

    Port City Playhouse

    Port City Playhouse got rolling in 1961 in an old church building (the former Greater Muskegon Civic Theatre) on Sanford Street, across the street from where the Muskegon High School Big Reds play football at Hackley Stadium. Starting with a production of playwright Noel Coward’s ghostly comedy of manners, “Blithe Spirit,” Port City Playhouse operated until 1983.

  • 1981-1984

    Muskegon Youth Theatre

    Established by Janet Smith as a division of Civic Opera Association

  • 1985 and Still Going Strong!

    Muskegon Civic Theatre

    Formed in 1985, MCT is a merger of three former Muskegon entities: Port City Playhouse, Civic Opera Association and Muskegon Youth Theater.  MCT’s inaugural show was “The Man Who Came to Dinner,”

scene-shop

Each of these organizations has brought its own heritage and talent to many area stages and to many community audiences over the years. They have improved and contributed to the quality of life in Muskegon.

April 1985, marked the beginning of a new era for community theatre in Muskegon. The merger of Civic Opera Association, Port City Playhouse, and Muskegon Youth Theater produced a stronger, more viable theatre organization, Muskegon Civic Theatre.

MCT’s inaugural production was The Man Who Came to Dinner by Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman, presented on the Frauenthal Theater Stage. Our large musical productions continue to appear on the Frauenthal stage, our smaller productions appear in the Beardsley Theater, and in January 2010, we introduced a black box theater setting.

Muskegon Civic Theatre is a registered 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization, is governed by a Board of Directors and operates under an approved set of Bylaws, policies, and procedures.

mct-logoOLD-copy
MCT-logo-grn-SMALL

Gallery

Asset 2-8

MCT Show History

Most of MCT’s shows are performed at the Beardsley Theater MCT’s largest productions and Black Box productions are mounted inside the
Frauenthal Theater itself.

Port City Playhouse & Civic Opera Association Show History

These productions either took place at Port City Playhouse (now the MCT Scene Shop), at Muskegon High School, or at the Frauenthal Theater.

Theatre Staff

Muskegon Civic Theatre is the only full-time, non-profit, community theater organization in Muskegon, Oceana, and Ottawa counties with local support and resident participation. We are always looking for people who want to experience the joy of community theatre!

Trent Klairter

Executive Director

A Muskegon Native, TK spent 27 years as the director of theatre for Reeths-Puffer Public Schools. During that time, he directed over 200 plays, musicals, and variety shows. He created a program with four levels of acting as well as a tech theatre program which has supplied crews for Summer Celebration, Irish Fest, and Showcase. He is an organized professional with proven teaching, directing, and technical theatre skills. He has a history of producing high-quality performances. He owes his success to his very patient and supportive family including his wife, Jennifer, and three children Spencer, Evan, and Hailey.

Erin Sharpe

Administrator of Education

& Community Engagement 

 

Erin began with MCT in the summer of 2021 after moving to the great state of Michigan from Northwest Indiana. A Chicagoland native originally, she studied music at Butler University in Indianapolis. She has taught music and theater for 15 years and is thrilled to be working with the growing education program at MCT Performing Arts School. She has directed countless theater productions working with students in kindergarten through college. 

Kristina McCloskey

Associate Artistic Director 

 

Kristina is a Director, Intimacy Director and Teaching Artist who works with a variety of theatres in Western Michigan and is proud to call MCT her home theatre. Passions include: Cultivating Consent, Creating Immersive Theatre, and Making Too Many Spreadsheets.

Theatre Board

Amy White

President

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tony Ross

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joel Selby

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shirley Wyatt

Treasurer

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rachel Groman

Board Member

Bob Scolnik

Board Member

Melissa Brown

Board Member

Michael Hekker

Board Member

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brandon Davis

Board Member

Laurel Barnett

Board Member

LeighAnn Mikesell

Board Member

Jennifer Ross

Board Member