Mariposa Arts Theatre (MAT) is a community theatre foundation which inspires audiences with our high-quality theatrical productions and renowned MAT Film Nights series playing year-round! Since 1970, MAT has been a powerhouse in the realm of community theatre with their comedies, musicals, dramas, and cabarets all showcasing extraordinary local talent on/off the stage. After 55 years, over 180 stage productions, and 300 film screenings, MAT has proven to be a thriving and vital member of the arts community.
Our 2024-25 season has consisted of GYPSY: A MUSICAL FABLE this past November, with long-time member Josh Halbot making his directorial debut. “My first show with MAT was ‘The King and I’, back in 1996,” he says. “I was immediately hooked and have been involved in more than ten productions since, both on and backstage. I’ve met many of my very closest friends through MAT, much to their chagrin. It’s truly a community endeavor.”
Next in February was THE THANKSGIVING PLAY, an exciting contemporary piece written by Indigenous playwright Larissa FastHorse. Newcomer Ashley Legedza regularly enjoyed MAT productions over the years and was excited to audition for her first MAT show. “I was able to further advance my acting skills under the guidance of our carefully selected directors,” she says, “and the peers I worked alongside gave me many opportunities for learning and growth I will not soon forget. I thoroughly enjoyed the process from start to finish and look forward to working with MAT again in future!”
Our final show of the season is A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, running April 3-13, 2025, at the Orillia Opera House! Producing is Savana Collier, who debuted with MAT as an understudy in 2024’s The Play That Goes Wrong and has volunteered backstage on every show since. “I had heard rumblings of a community theatre group when I relocated to Washago back in 2012 and started showing up to auditions,” she says, “(TPTGW) was a great experience- meeting like-minded, passionate, theatre loving folks. Saying I am hooked is an understatement!”
