Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts

TheatreArts GroupsNon-profit Organization

Hours:

Our office is typically open Monday through Friday from 2:30-4:30 and other times by appointment.

Driving Directions:

We are located in the Matthews Community Center, home of the Fullwood Theatre. The community center is nestled between the First Baptist Church and Matthews Elementary School on McDowell Street.

About Us

Matthews Playhouse of the Performing Arts, Theatre for Young People began in January of 1995 with the idea to create a theatre for children in the Matthews area. The original Board of Directors consisted of parents, theatre professionals and educators that wanted to create a venue for young people to perform and view quality theatre.

Since 1995 the Playhouse has grown from 2 productions during the school year and 1 production class in the summer to a community theatre with a full season of plays and classes year round. The 2013-2014 season consisted of 12 productions with an attendence of over 18,000. Over 1,000 campers participated in 45 different summer camps. Our performance companies and classes during the year had 230 young people enrolled.

In 2002, the Playhouse Board of Directors was approached by the town with the idea of expanding to offer full length productions for adults in addition to the children's programming.

Matthews Playhouse is located in the Matthews Community Center. This building opened in 1907 as the town's first public school. The aging building faced demolition in the 1990's but the theatre found support among town residents in their desire to renovate instead of tearing down the building. The result is a vibrant community center that has been designated a historical landmark. The 360 seat auditorium and three floors of classrooms offers space for Matthews Playhouse and other community programs to thrive.