On January 30, the Mauldin Theatre Company (MTC) unveiled its Season 10 lineup to a packed room at the Mauldin Cultural Center. There was a feeling that went beyond the usual announcement of new shows. It felt like a milestone. Ten seasons ago, the idea that a municipal theatre company in a repurposed school cafetorium (cafeteria and gymnasium) could become a regional draw might have sounded ambitious. Today, it’s reality.

In many cities, the arts are treated as an add-on -- something nice to have if funding allows. In Mauldin, we made a deliberate decision to see the arts as essential. As most everyone knows, when the old elementary school facility became available, city leaders and community partners saw more than empty walls. They saw potential. At the time, Mauldin didn’t have a traditional downtown or a clearly defined cultural hub (something we’re still working toward today). The creation of the Mauldin Cultural Center helped establish that sense of place.

What started as a largely youth-focused effort has grown into a year-round program with multiple series and offerings. The numbers tell part of the story. Just a couple of years ago, around 75 performers auditioned for productions. This season, that number has grown to well over 400. Audience attendance has followed a similar track, climbing from several thousand annually to a projected five-figure total this year. Those aren’t just statistics. They represent neighbors, families, students, retirees, and first-time performers finding their way onto a stage or into a seat in the audience.

One of the reasons for that growth is simple. The MTC refuses to stand still. Its leadership continually asks who is being served and just as importantly, who might not yet feel invited. That mindset has led to thoughtful expansion and planning. Alongside traditional productions, the Spotlight Series has brought high-energy, concert-style performances that appeal to audiences who might not otherwise attend a play. At the same time, offerings like Shakespeare in the Park ensure that cost is never a barrier to enjoying quality live performance.

The impact of the Mauldin Theatre Company goes well beyond the final curtain call. Through partnerships with local schools, including Mauldin High School’s drama program, the theatre has become a pipeline for young talent. Students gain real-world experience not only in acting, but also in lighting, sound, set construction, stage management, and other technical fields. Those skills translate into workforce opportunities and help cultivate the next generation of creative professionals.

The MTC is a public service program funded by the City of Mauldin. That foundational investment provides stability and allows for long-term planning. At the same time, the program benefits from sponsorships, donations, and community partnerships. As with any city initiative, it operates under careful oversight to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and effectively. The result has been a program that residents are proud to support…so much so that the MTC has earned regional recognition and strong community acclaim.

As we celebrate Season 10, I’m reminded that building community doesn’t always look like pouring concrete or widening roads. Sometimes, it looks like raising a curtain. It looks like a child stepping onto a stage for the first time, a local musician performing to a full house, or a family spending an evening together laughing at a comedy.

The Mauldin Theatre Company has helped create a true gathering place for our city. It has given Mauldin a cultural heartbeat and a shared experience that brings people together across generations. I encourage you to take a look at the Season 10 lineup and join us for a show. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or someone who has never attended, there’s a seat waiting for you at the Mauldin Cultural Center.

 Taft Matney serves in Seat 1 on Mauldin City Council. He can be reached at tmatney@mauldincitysc.com.

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