MAT to Launch First Five Pages Program

Like most every other organization in the country right now, the Montana Actors’ Theater (MAT) is in “wait-and-see” mode. According to MAT’s Executive Director, Jay Pyette, that status simply means that MAT is enthusiastically looking to the future.

“Yes, things have changed, but we’re moving forward with plans and strategies and lots of new ideas. After all, the show must go on!” Pyette stated.

The show that was slated to open before closures began and social distancing orders implemented, Mamma Mia will open as soon as the theater company receives official permission. According to Pyette, the set, the costumes, the lighting, and the cast are all ready to go.

“The production is going to be fantastic, and we simply can’t wait to present it for you!” Pyette said.

Other shows slated to perform this season are also in the works. Pyette explained that both Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and MAT’s touring dinner theatre, Ticked Off! will be staged. The only unknown is the timeline.

Furthermore, MAT is still planning a full summer of KidsMAT, the summer youth program, and the Ren Faire, a Renaissance Fair, which will recreate a historical setting for the amusement of its guests. The youth show, The Wizard of Oz, will be presented in August.

“We are in the process of getting the whole summer put together, followed by our second annual Ren Faire! Keep watching for updates regarding these events,” Pyette stated.

In the meantime, MAT will be launching several things online. Because the Mamma Mia cast has learned multiple songs for the production of that show, they plan to share some of those songs with online viewers. In addition, MAT will launch and promote the First Five Pages program.

According to Pyette, this new program will give theater lovers and supporters a glimpse of what MATers do when they can’t be on stage. “To encourage our local writers and to give the public an opportunity to be a part of the process, we’re launching the First Five Pages program, so watch for it soon!”

Local writers (anyone – not just MAT members) will be invited to submit to MAT, the first five pages of any script they have been developing. Similar to an online writers’ workshop, these will all be published online at mtactors.com for public reading and commentary.

“You can tell us what you’re interested in and what caught your curiosity. We hope this will be fun for all involved,” Pyette said.