The Mac-Haydn Theatre is home to the great American musical.
The theatre is dedicated to presenting and preserving musical theatre, the only truly American art form. Since 1969, The Mac-Haydn Theatre has been bringing musicals to life in a unique, intimate, charming 350-seat theatre-in-the-round, where every seat is less than 30 feet from the stage!
Professional actors and actresses come from all over the country, bringing a wealth of experience from a wide variety of theatrical venues. Many go from the Mac-Haydn stage to international tours, Broadway, Hollywood, and television. Among the more famous alumni are Broadway star Nathan Lane, TV's "The Agency" star Paige Turco, and Metropolitan Opera star Frank Lopardo.
Professional designers lead the theatre's costume and set shops in constructing all the shows that are seen at The Mac-Haydn Theatre. Each diverse season gives the artistic staff the opportunity to work on a wide range of periods and styles, combining the realistic looks of those with the fantasy and excitement of musical theatre.
The theatre began in a barn on the Columbia County fairgrounds. Now, it is "at home" on a hill overlooking the quaint Victorian village of Chatham, New York, only 2 1/2 hours from both New York City and Boston.
Mac-Haydn audiences see new releases, as well as the sterling repertoire of Broadway's Golden Age. They love being part of the action, a particular advantage of theatre-in-the-round. Youngsters get their first live theatre experience at Mac-Haydn's Children's Theatre shows.
Broadway musicals take on a new life with the innovative, distinctive Mac-Haydn style. Productions are new and fresh, but still true to the originals in spirit and content. The whole family enjoys the entertaining and totally fun shows. The talent and exuberance of the Mac-Haydn company and staff is apparent in every singing, dancing, acting, design, and technical aspect.
The Mac-Haydn Theatre is professional musical theatre at its very best. Come see for yourself!
Theatre mission
The Mac-Haydn Theatre operates as a non-profit 501(c)3 to preserve, promote, and celebrate American musical theatre, and provide fine quality professional entertainment to the people of and visitors to the Chatham region.
Attendance
350-seat theatre-in-the-round. Average annual attendance of 35,000.
Audience area
Columbia, Albany, Rensselaer, Dutchess, Greene, Berkshire (Mass.) counties. Regular attendees from as far as Saratoga, Ulster Park, Poughkeepsie, Springfield (Mass.), and Whittingham, Vt.
Includes local residents with discretionary income, tourists, and weekenders.
Local economic impact
$2,000,000 per year, based on NYS Dept. of Commerce estimate of $4 for every $1 spent on the arts. Approximately $400,000 invested in the local economy through payroll and purchases.
Employment
65-70 people on payroll. 16-17 people hired locally. All services provided by area contractors.
Advertising and promotion
In 40 years, hundreds of thousands of dollars invested in promoting the theatre and its location.
Community services
$4,-5000 per year in tickets donated to local charities and organizations. Special discount rates for school groups. Discounted or free tickets for disadvantaged groups. Speakers/programs for local organizations. Children's scholarships. Annual fund raising campaign for area animal shelters. Special fundraising for national disaster relief. Benefits for local charities and organizations. Sixty volunteers.
Existing partnerships
Partnerships with local restaurants and attractions for group tour packages. Partnerships with radio stations to promote and advertise theatre programs.
Productions
The Mac-Haydn Theatre produces seven-eight fully staged musicals each year on the main stage, and four original musicals for children. All costumes and sets are designed and built by the theatre's talented designers and staff.
