We hire professional instructors who are actively involved in the Charlotte theatre community — including directors, actors, choreographers, and vocal coaches. These teaching artists bring years of experience and are committed to helping every student grow. Our instructors offer personalized guidance and meet students where they are on their theatre journey, creating a supportive and skill-focused environment.

Most classes are process-oriented and do not culminate in a formal performance. However, students will have the opportunity to share what they've learned during the final class session. Friends and family are invited to celebrate their progress!

At Matthews Playhouse, we believe theatre is for everyone. Whether new to the stage or an experienced performer, our year-round theatre program offers a continuous, progressive learning experience that develops confidence, creativity, and professional skills. While some of our students go on to pursue careers in theatre, our primary focus is on building confidence, developing communication skills, and fostering creativity. As Kelly Pollock said: "The true purpose of arts education is not necessarily to create more professional dancers or artists. It's to create more complete human beings who are critical thinkers, who have curious minds, and who can lead productive lives." We aim to create a supportive and inspiring community where students grow as both performers and people.

We’re happy to help! The best and fastest way to reach us is by email at education@matthewsplayhouse.com or by phone at 704-846-8343. Many common questions are answered on our website, but if you need additional information, emailing allows us to respond promptly and thoroughly. Please note: While we are happy to return calls — especially when discussing important or time-sensitive matters — please note that we share office space and are often in classrooms surrounded by children. This can make it difficult to answer or return calls in real time. Email gives us a chance to provide the most accurate and helpful response as quickly as possible.

Cancellations are accepted up to 3 weeks (21 days) prior to the class start date. Refunds, minus a $50 administrative fee, will be issued for cancellations made within this timeframe. No refunds will be given for cancellations made less than 3 weeks before the start date. Please note that the administrative fee also applies to any changes in camp/class registration not initiated by Matthews Playhouse.

Unfortunately, our teaching artists’ schedules are pre-determined, and due to the nature of the curriculum, it is difficult to accommodate make-up classes. We encourage consistent attendance to ensure the best learning experience for your student.

The younger classes may meet for a shorter time, but we provide more staffing to ensure that each student receives one-on-one attention in all areas of performance, such as dancing, singing, and acting. This support ensures that they build strong foundations in a nurturing environment.

While consistent attendance is important for our community and ensemble-based work, we understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. If your student will be late or absent due to illness or another reason, please notify the Education Department at education@matthewsplayhouse.com so we can make any necessary arrangements. Please note: Attendance is considered when casting students in the Spring Production. Regular absences may be taken into account as part of a student’s overall commitment to the program.

In response to cost-of-living increases, we’ve adjusted our pricing to better support our staff and programming. We're also bringing on more specialized instructors and directors to offer each student a more tailored and high-quality experience. The 2025–2026 Season calendar also accommodates more dates of instruction — all of these were factors in increasing the price.

Yes! You will receive confirmation emails from our Education Department one week before the start of class. Details regarding the first day of class will be emailed the business day before class begins. Please check the email associated with your account for updates.

If you encounter enrollment or billing issues, the system will guide you to submit a help ticket to Arts People, our software vendor, for assistance. Should you continue experiencing difficulties, please reach out to us directly at 704-846-8343 or via email at education@matthewsplayhouse.com. Please provide a detailed description of the problem and the time of your enrollment attempt, and we'll respond promptly to assist you.

To apply for financial aid, simply fill out the financial aid form on our website here. If you have questions or need assistance, contact us directly. We are committed to making theatre accessible for all!

There is available parking around the Matthews Community Center, behind Matthews Elementary and behind First Baptist Church.

That is OK, too! We are glad to have you at the theatre and hope you enjoy the performance.

For these specific performances, all seating is general admission and is first-come, first-served.

For PWYC performances, we donate the majority of the proceeds to the non-profit partner featured for that specific performance. Learn more about each show's non-profit partner by visiting the individual show pages on our website.

The Matthews Playhouse Marketplace will be open at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance and during intermission (if applicable). The Marketplace sells standard concessions along with t-shirts, themed gifts, and chances to win a deluxe raffle basket for each show. Patrons can purchase concessions in person or skip the line by pre-ordering on the day of the show. Look for the 'Skip the Line' signs in the theatre lobby. All sales proceeds from the Marketplace go towards our Sponsor-A-Student Fund and Courtney Ballard Scholarship Fund for our School of Theatre students and Summer Camps students in need of financial assistance. The Matthews Playhouse Marketplace is located in Room 105 at the top of the stairs in the Matthews Community Center.

Doors to the theater will open 20 - 30 minutes before showtime.

The suggested donation amount is $10 – but it is up to YOU! Give $5, $10, $20 – Whatever you like!

Patrons may use the elevator located on the first floor of the Matthews Community Center. We offer a number of services and accommodations to our patrons and participants in an effort to keep theatre accessible to everyone, learn more about accessibility here. If you have questions regarding accommodations for attending a performance, participating in classes or camps, or volunteering, please contact us!

There are no advanced sales for Pay What You Can shows - all sales must be done in person at the box office the evening of the performance. All donations for admission to the show will be first come first serve, on the day of the performance. Please contact the Box Office if there are any special circumstances or accessibility concerns We do recommend arriving an hour prior to show time, as Pay What You Can tickets sell out quickly. The theatre will open 30 minutes prior to show time.

We accept cash and credit cards at the door for PWYC performances. Please be prepared with exact change so we can quickly serve everyone.

Frederick's boisterous fiancé. Gender: Female Age: 25 to 35 Vocal range top: F5, Vocal range bottom: F#3

The misunderstood creation of Dr. Frankenstein. Gender: Male Vocal range top: Bb4, Vocal range bottom: Db2

Frederick’s young assistant. Attractive and a resident of Transylvania. Gender: Female Age: 20 to 30 Vocal range top: A5, Vocal range bottom: G3

The head of police in Transylvania. Driven by justice, with a wooden arm and leg. Gender: Male Age: 40 to 50 Vocal range top: F4, Vocal range bottom: A2

Gravediggers, Villagers, Medical Students, Passengers Gender: Any Age: 16 and older Vocal Ranges: Vary

Stern housekeeper of the Frankenstein estate and former lover of Victor Frankenstein. Gender: Female Age: 40 to 60 Vocal range top: C5, Vocal range bottom: E3

Frederick’s faithful, bright-eyed, eager servant and friend with a hunchback. Gender: Male Age: 25 to 35 Vocal range top: G4, Vocal range bottom: Bb2

A lonely, blind town hermit, hoping for a friend. Gender: Male Age: 30 to 60 Vocal range top: F4, Vocal range bottom: Ab2

Brilliant brain surgeon, professor and grandson of mad scientist Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein. Gender: Male Age: 25 to 35 Vocal range top: G4, Vocal range bottom: Bb2

The village idiot. Gender: Male Age: 18 to 30 Vocal range top: Eb4, Vocal range bottom: D3

Matthews Playhouse needs volunteers for all of our committees, which help with various aspects of keeping the theatre running. We actively look to engage business professionals, parents, and members of our community to assist us in maintaining a "margin of excellence" in our programming.

This committee partners with other local non-profits to promote the performing arts and education within the community. Members are in charge of creating partnerships, leading special events and facilitating our Pay What You Can Events. Members are also responsible for managing the Matthews Playhouse Marketplace.

We are always in need of help at the scene shop with building sets, painting scenery and gathering props for our productions. We also need assistance with loading in sets before every production goes up and striking the sets after we close. No experience is necessary, but if you have skills in art, painting, carpentry etc., this would be a great opportunity for you. The scene shop is open most days of the week, typically a month prior to a production.

Helps with all facets of marketing, including public relations, media relations, social media media, promotions, advertising and research. Help to organize and facilitate the theatre's overall fundraising efforts and events. Assist with grant writing, facilitate corporate partnerships and work with personal and business donors.

Matthews Playhouse is in search of Greeters, Ushers, and Matthews Marketplace Assistants to assist at performances of our Mainstage productions. These performances typically take place in the evenings and afternoons on weekends. Our front-of house volunteers are essential in creating a welcoming atmosphere and ensuring that the lobby and house are prepared. Greeters welcome guests, provide performance and facility information, and assist with special needs; Ushers guide guests to their seats, distribute programs, and address any concerns; and Matthews Marketplace Assistants manage concession sales before and during intermission.

Works on any and all facets of the production process such as set construction, painting, props, costumes, load-in and strike.

Volunteers are also needed to assist with weekday morning school performances to ensure a smooth and efficient experience for our young audiences. School show volunteers help manage the traffic of school buses and assist children and teachers with entering the theatre.

This committee is inclusive of several aspects of volunteerism at the theatre. Front of House: As the "face" of the theatre, you are responsible for greeting guests before and during productions. Duties include ushering and/or handling concession sales. Volunteers are needed for our weekend and our weekday school shows. Auditions: Volunteers assist in coordinating and providing support during the audition process for all shows. Recruitment: Actively seek out those who would be a good fit to our team of volunteers and encourage them to get more involved.

Works to maximize and extend the reach of the Playhouse's education programs.​

Masks are not required for ticket holders. However, we do request that patrons and staff stay home if they are feeling ill to protect other patrons, cast, crew, and staff. Matthews Playhouse is glad to offer a credit for a future show or camp should you be unable to attend due to illness or COVID-19 related concerns.

Most of our performances are reserved seating only and tickets may be purchased in advance. Once you have purchased your tickets, an email will be sent to you with a link. You will have the option of downloading your mobile ticket and adding it to your smart phone’s wallet app before arriving at the theatre. Patrons are also welcome to print their tickets and bring them to the theatre, or contact the box office and request that your tickets are printed and will be ready to pick up prior to the performance.

The Matthews Community Center will be open at least 60 minutes before the performance start time. Doors to the theatre will open 20-30 minutes before the performance start time.

The Matthews Playhouse Marketplace will be open at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance and during intermission (if applicable). The Marketplace sells standard concessions along with t-shirts, themed gifts, and chances to win a deluxe raffle basket for each show. Patrons can purchase concessions in person or skip the line by pre-ordering on the day of the show. Look for the 'Skip the Line' signs in the theatre lobby. All sales proceeds from the Marketplace go towards our Sponsor-A-Student Fund and Courtney Ballard Scholarship Fund for our School of Theatre students and Summer Camps students in need of financial assistance. The Matthews Playhouse Marketplace is located in Room 105 at the top of the stairs in the Matthews Community Center.

Parking is FREE and can be found adjacent to the Matthews Community Center, behind the Community Center in the “school bus parking lot” of Matthews Elementary School, and the side & rear parking lots of the First Baptist Church.

The performance will start on time. To avoid disruptions for the audience and for the actors, late arrivals will forfeit their reserved seating and will be seated in the first available seats in the rear of the theatre, at the discretion of the house or box office manager. Please plan to arrive 20-30 minutes before the show opens to guarantee you will be seated in the section that you chose while making your reservation.

Photography or recording of any kind is strictly prohibited inside the auditorium. Please turn your cell phone either completely off or put on airplane mode before the performance begins. This step will help improve the audience experience and audio quality of our sound system. Simply silencing your phone is not enough. Outside food and drink are not permitted in the venue. For safety reasons, large bags and backpacks are not allowed into the facility. Matthews Playhouse reserves the right to inspect belongings and limit access to the premises. There will be no coat check available at this time.

When you are planning a special afternoon or evening out at the theatre, please consider these restaurants that support Matthews Playhouse. Visit Our Restaurant Sponsors

Photography and video recording of any production is prohibited by copyright law and contractual agreement with the publishing company. Violators will be asked to leave.

Tickets may be exchanged 48 hours in advance, subject to availability. Call the box office for details.

Matthews Playhouse offers several services and accommodations to our patrons and participants in an effort to keep theatre accessible to everyone. Visit our Accessibility page for more information.

Matthews Playhouse is the perfect place for a young child's first exposure to live theatre. Some of our shows for young people last about an hour, and children four and up will enjoy the show, even if they don't completely follow the story line. Children who attend theatre in the early years tend to enjoy and better understand performances when they are older. ​ We have recommended ages for each show. Recommended ages are only guidelines, based on material and length of show. Please carefully consider whether a performance is appropriate for your child before planning to attend. Children must be able to sit through the performance, with no electronics, and without disruptions to the other patrons. This applies to all MAINSTAGE and SCHOOL of THEATRE shows. ​ We are required to ticket every patron and regret that we cannot offer refunds if you need to leave the performance early. Everyone entering the theatre must have a ticket – No “babes in arms.

The Matthews Playhouse Marketplace will be open at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the performance and during intermission (if applicable). The Marketplace sells standard concessions along with t-shirts, themed gifts, and chances to win a deluxe raffle basket for each show. Patrons can purchase concessions in person or skip the line by pre-ordering on the day of the show. Look for the 'Skip the Line' signs in the theatre lobby. All sales proceeds from the Marketplace go towards our Sponsor-A-Student Fund and Courtney Ballard Scholarship Fund for our School of Theatre students and Summer Camps students in need of financial assistance. The Matthews Playhouse Marketplace is located in Room 105 at the top of the stairs in the Matthews Community Center.

All performances are held in The Fullwood Theatre at The Matthews Community Center, which is located off of South Trade Street, in between Matthews Elementary School and The First Baptist Church in Downtown Matthews.

Parking is FREE and can be found adjacent to the Community Center, behind the Community Center in the “school bus parking lot” of Matthews Elementary School, and the side & rear parking lots of the First Baptist Church.

We recommend arriving 15 minutes before show time! The theatre opens for seating 20 minutes before show time, and lines may form before then. If you have any questions about accessibility or accommodations for attending our performances please contact our Box Office at 704-846-8343.

Weekday performances are for school groups of 20 or more Cost is $13.00 per person, including teachers, parents & chaperones Chaperones must be paid for with the school payment Teachers please collect the money from parents/chaperones before the day of the show Children under 3 are not permitted to attend school performances Payment is due 2 weeks prior to the performance Additional seats may be purchased by groups based on availability

The theatre is located in the Matthews Community Center at 100 McDowell St. E. Matthews, NC 28105 Please plan to arrive 15-20 minutes before the show starts Buses can drop off at the circular drive in front of the Matthews Community Center After dropping off, drivers will need to park the buses next door in the church parking lot. Buses will return 10 minutes before the end of the show to pick up the students. Each group has a pre-assigned seating assignment, so you must wait to be seated by an usher. Seats are assigned based on the date we received your signed contract. If your group has wheelchairs or needs special accommodations, please notify the office at least one week in advance For problems or questions on show day contact us at 704-846-8343

Matthews Playhouse “KiDS” Camp was developed in 2022 and is led by Matthews Playhouse Board Member Amanda Mooney, M. Ed. Amanda is a special education teacher at St. Ann Catholic School who has been teaching children with special needs for over 20 years. She is also a familiar face in the Charlotte Theatre Community and a regular performer on the Matthew’s Playhouse stage. Amanda has been seen in multiple Matthews Playhouse productions including Scrooge! The Musical, Rainbow Fish, and Pinocchio.

“KiDS” stands for “Kids with Disabilities in the Spotlight” and is catered specifically for children who are experiencing delays in social skills, communication and peer interactions due to a cognitive or developmental disability. The program incorporates theater games, props, music, and movement to help campers make friends, build confidence, express emotions, and use their imagination while developing social skills.

Multiple studies have linked theatre education to stronger communication skills, ability to follow directions, teamwork, organization and meaningful social interactions. Here are some resources that outline how the performing arts can benefit children with special needs. 7 Surprising Benefits of Theatre Involvement for Kids with Intellectual Disabilities How theatre helps children with special needs express themselves 10 Reasons Your Child with Special Needs Belongs Onstage

Cancellations are accepted until 3 weeks (21 days) prior to the start of camp/class. If you are unable to cancel at least 3 weeks before the camp/class first day, no refunds will be given. Prior to that time you may receive a refund minus a $50 administrative fee. This fee also applies to any changes in camp/class registration not initiated by Matthews Playhouse

A schedule of the Friday sharings is posted on the office door, please look there. In general it is within the last 30 minutes of camp, doors open 10 minutes before start. There is no before and after care. Drop off starts 10 minutes before camp start time and pick up starts at around the listed end time.

You can find out how many spots are available on our registration page! Click here to see how many students can be registered and how many spaces are available.

We do not record the sharing but you are welcome to record and share!

Summer camp is five days of acting, singing, dancing, games and fun! Campers spend the week learning songs/dances/scenes and putting together a sharing that will be on stage within the last 30 minutes of camp. Friends and family are invited.

Tell them to give us the name and phone number of the person picking them up.

Scholarships are available for students who have financial need. Please complete a full application, including necessary tax documentation, so that we can properly process your scholarship application.