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As news of the recent and steep challenges faced by the Matchbox Children’s Theatre begin expanding, it’s worth remembering how important Matchbox is as a program.

First and foremost, however, it’s understandable that some might be questioning how the theater group got this far or how it happened in the first place.

Currently, MCT owes $70,000 to the IRS and earlier this year it has had its 501(c)3 taken away because of missed paperwork over three years.

Rightfully, there are questions to be asked here, but most notably, MCT is not shying away from these questions. In a long and detailed explainer on the Matchbox website, Executive Director Angela Sedgwick Perry opened the book entirely, explaining not only what the issues are as well as the challenges that have resulted, but also explaining exactly how they intend to meet these challenges.

It’s the right course of action.

While the issues and the causes of these issues go back to at least 2016 (maybe even further), the last few years stemming from around 2020 have seen a board and leadership take MCT in a new direction that’s dedicated to those it serves as much as the community itself.

The fact that these people have laid bare the wounds of the organization is bolstering, especially given the opportunity it’s affording the community in asking questions. They are inviting people to know more, while at the same time explaining succinctly where they are going.

While the challenges are daunting, those currently sitting in the chairs of the decision makers aren’t shying away either, despite knowing that if these issues aren’t shored up by June, it might be the end of MCT.

More than anything, we hope you will continue supporting MCT as it attempts to meet these challenges head on. Austin has developed a rich and thriving theater community and in a lot of ways, Matchbox is that first step. It’s opening imagination wide for kids, which in some cases continues to add to this scene.

MCT provides a doorway to move down the hallway to school theater programs, into Riverland and perhaps even Summerset and further.

Ask the questions you feel you need to and let MCT sell you on why it’s important. Matchbox fills a need in the community and you see its effects in so many areas from the Halloween Warm-up to Hometown Christmas.

These are challenges MCT is rising to meet and it’s doing so head-on, establishing a future where the lessons learned can be carried forward.

By standing with MCT, you are standing with community.