- Makeshift Theatre Company
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The Makeshift Theatre Company (or M.T.C) is a family-oriented theatre company based in Cambridge, Massachusetts and in residence at the Coolidge Corner Theatre in Brookline, Massachusetts. It was founded in 2005 by Andrew Rhodes as TRiBE for CHiLDREN, a division of the multi-armed theatre and improv troop TRIBE Boston. Following the disillusion of TRIBE Boston in 2006 the group restructured to become The Makeshift Theatre Company. It is currently run by artistic director Andrew Rhodes and associate producer, Jonathan Overby. M.T.C has been a frequent collaborator with Boston, Massachusetts playwright, Jack Neary. In 2007, Larry Stark's Theater Mirror referred to them as 'masters of a sort of sidelong glance and dying voice' and 'a laugh riot' [1].
Misdirected and Makeshift
The first four children's shows produced by M.T.C were written by Jack Neary, and adapted from well known stories, specifically, Robin Hood, The Ugly Duckling, Snow White and Rumplestilskin. Each story was framed by an additional story arc that linked the four plays into a self contained series, collectively known as The Misdirected Theatre Company Presents....
The general storyline for each show revolves around the technical crew of an unnamed theatre company who is forced to spontaneously throw together a show when the actual actors, for various reasons, fail to show up. On most occasions the crew has to improvise with whatever is on hand. For, example, in The Ugly Duckling, the only costumes and props they have on hand are for Damn Yankees, consequently, the show is performed in baseball outfits. As is frequently the case, the storyline calls for more actors than there are crew members, resulting in actors playing multiple parts or, in several notable moments, requiring the assistance of children from the audience.
Although recent productions have become more elaborate, the company has become known for its makeshift style of storytelling.
Performance venues
In addition to the mainstage at the Coolidge Corner Theatre, in 2007 the M.T.C moved its Prime Time show to the Durell Stage at the Cambridge Family YMCA. This 200 seat proscenium stage is home to several theatre groups in Boston, most notably the Longwood Players, who are currently in residence there.
In addition to Coolidge Corner and the Durrell Theatre, the company performs at the renovated, historical Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA.
External links
Categories:- Theatres in Massachusetts
- Theatre companies in Massachusetts
- Companies based in Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Buildings and structures in Cambridge, Massachusetts
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