Maples Repertory Theatre History
Maples Repertory Theatre is Upstate Missouri’s only professional theatre company, proudly based in the heart of downtown Macon—a town of 5,500 with a rich tradition of supporting the performing arts. In its inaugural season, the company produced just three shows. More than 20 years later, MRT is still growing and thriving in rural Missouri. Now every year patrons can enjoy a full season of six original productions, a youth theatre education program, occasional new works, plus cabaret concerts and “Afterglow” events that spotlight cast members in an up-close, musical setting.
This remarkable growth is thanks to the support of theatre lovers from across the region. As Artistic Director Todd Davison puts it:
“No one really expects a town the size of Macon to support professional theatre. We are proving that great theatre is valued by people—even if they don’t live in a metropolitan area.”
Historic Royal Theatre
The area’s appreciation for live theatre runs deep. Macon was once a regular stop for touring theatre and opera companies in the late 1800s, and for more than 30 years it sustained a lively theatre scene. When Maples Rep opened its doors in the historic Royal Theatre, offering audiences a professional experience in an intimate setting, the community embraced it—and the audience has grown ever since.
Actors and theatre professionals also feel the quality and the draw of Maples Rep. Many return season after season, with familiar faces becoming local favorites and crew members establishing long-term relationships with the company. That sense of continuity and community is a defining part of what makes Maples Rep special—for both audiences and artists alike.
Our Non-Profit Status & Mission
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Maples Repertory Theatre is dedicated to providing high-quality theatre experiences that inspire, challenge, and entertain. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment for all ages and backgrounds while ensuring sustainability for the future of the Royal Theatre to fulfill our mission.
We are deeply grateful for the people who make this mission possible. Learn more about how to become a spotlight sponsor today.
Our Mission
OUR COMMITMENT
At Maples Repertory Theatre, our work is guided by a deep commitment to:
Artistic Excellence
We believe in the power of professional theatre to inspire, challenge, and entertain. Every production reflects our dedication to high-caliber storytelling, performance, and craftsmanship.
Community Connection
We are proud to call Macon home. From welcoming returning artists to engaging local audiences, we strive to be a vibrant part of Upstate Missouri’s cultural life.
Accessibility & Inclusion
Theatre should be for everyone. We are committed to creating welcoming experiences—on stage, backstage, and in the audience—regardless of age, background, or ability.
Education & Growth
We invest in learning—offering opportunities for students, emerging artists, and lifelong learners to explore the performing arts and grow in confidence and creativity.
Sustainability & Stewardship
As caretakers of the historic Royal Theatre and a nonprofit organization, we honor the trust of our donors and sponsors by managing our resources responsibly and planning for the future.
Cast, Crew, & Maturing Careers
With over twenty years under our belts, we’ve grown into a time when we get to see previous cast and crew members mature in their own careers. “Many of our alumni have gone on to perform on some of the world’s top stages, including Broadway. Our long-time audience members remember when they saw the performers on our local theatre stage. There’s a lot of pride surrounding how far we’ve come,” says Artistic Director Todd Davison.
Thanks to the ongoing generosity of our sponsors, donors, and community partners, we are able to provide world-class performances and educational opportunities in the heart of northern Missouri. As a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations are tax-deductible, and we are grateful for the support that helps us continue to bring professional theatre to our region.
Whirligig New Works
Over the years Maples Rep has produced several brand new youth theatre shows with professional actors. We continue to stretch our artistic wings with new plays as often as possible. For example, in 2019 we produced a staged reading of a new musical, AND A GUITAR by Darrell Johnston, which introduced our audiences to the concept of a staged reading. This is when the “new works” ball really started rolling for us. At the end of the 2021 summer season we produced the fully-staged premiere of a three-actor musical: A BUTCHER, A BAKER, AN AMISH HOMEMAKER by Wally Nason and Phillip Black.
Our final show of 2021 was announced as ‘TIS THE SEASON: A MAPLES REP HOLIDAY CELEBRATION. Bridget Grace Sheaff, who was our Director of Audience Services and Community Engagement at the time, wrote a book show with interpolated music and thus we put up our second brand-new mainstage show. These successes led to plans to initiate a formal new works program we call “Whirligig New Works.” We hope to regularly stage or workshop a new dramatic work.
MERRYMAKING by Michael Perrie, Jr.. was staged as a work-in-progress in August, 2022. It was performed four times with a talk-back after each performance and a post-production survey for audience input. In summer 2023, we produced the second production of a new work THE LEGEND OF NOAH ZARK by Wally Nason in a workshop production with audience talk-back after each performance. We have found that Maples audiences are increasingly responsive to the opportunity to see and provide feedback about new theatrical works. When invited to do so, they DID stay to comment on the show and give feedback to the author and production crew.
List of New Works:
- 2019 AND A GUITAR by Darrell Johnston
- 2021 A BUTCHER, A BAKER, AN AMISH HOMEMAKER by Wally Nason and Phillip Black
- 2021 ‘TIS THE SEASON: A MAPLES REP HOLIDAY CELEBRATION by Bridget Grace Sheaff
- 2022 MERRYMAKING by Michael Perrie, Jr.
- 2023 THE LEGEND OF NOAH ZARK by Wally Nason
- 2024 ‘TIS THE SEASON: An MRT HOLIDAY CELEBRATION by Bridget Grace Sheaff
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The Historic Royal Theatre: A Timeless Venue for the Arts
The Royal Theatre: A Cultural Hub for Over 130 Years
The Royal Theatre building has stood as a cultural cornerstone in Macon, Missouri, for over 130 years. Originally built by Thelonious Jobson in 1889, the theatre has served as the backdrop for countless community events, from operas and lectures to traveling shows and school graduations. Known through the years as the Jobson Opera House, Logan Theatre, Blees Theatre, and Macon Theatre, this beloved venue has been a hub of entertainment for generations.
Throughout its storied history, the Royal Theatre has adapted to the needs of its community. In the 1950s, it transitioned to showing films, a role it continued into the mid-1990s. During the 1990s, the theatre underwent a major renovation to better serve the needs of modern patrons, setting the stage for its future as a premier live performance venue.
Maples Repertory Theatre: A New Era for Macon’s Theatre Scene
In 2004, Maples Repertory Theatre took the stage for the first time, breathed new life into the historic venue, offering professional performances in a charming and intimate setting. The theatre’s ongoing renovations and improvements ensure its role as a vibrant destination for the performing arts. Over the years, MRT has continued to preserve and improve the Royal Theatre, with extensive renovations in the 2020-21 season, including updated seating, new heating and cooling systems, and other aesthetic enhancements, ensuring that this historic building remains a vibrant destination for the arts.
Since this latest use of the Royal Theatre, the downtown Macon scene has developed a number of new resident businesses. This economic developmental shift away from the major highways offers visitors a more walkable option for exploring local establishments and entertainment.
Grant Funding Expands Operations
In 2023, Maples Repertory Theatre received a significant boost with funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through the Missouri Department of Economic Development. This grant is enabling a new phase of growth, with plans to expand the Theatre’s operations. Improvements include enhanced lighting and sound systems, updated dressing rooms, and the expansion of our scene production shop and rehearsal spaces. Additionally, we’re excited to renovate a vacant downtown building into much-needed short-term housing for cast and crew who live in Macon for a period of weeks each season. Fundraising and groundbreaking for this project began in 2024 with an anticipated completion date of June 2026.
Staff and Board of Directors
Todd J. Davison
Artistic Director
todd@maplesrep.com
Kay Smith
Business Manager / HR
accounting@maplesrep.com
Ashley Hamblen
Production Manager, Director of Facilities
2025 Board of Directors
Randy Hagerty – President
Kirksville, MO – Retired Professor
Andrea Buerky – Vice President
Anabel, MO – Veterinary Technician
Becky Belt – Treasurer
Macon, MO – Retired Elementary Teacher
Shelley Petre – Secretary
Macon, MO – Education Professional
Kelsey Bright
Macon, MO – Accountant
Debbi Cartwright
Columbia, MO – Retired Professor
Kylie Dawson
Macon, MO – Restaurant Manager
Alison Evans
Macon, MO – Director of Veterans Cemetery
Josh Fay
Macon, MO – Attorney
Abby Lane
Macon, MO – Physical Therapist
Debby Mefford
Macon, MO – Retired Marketing Director
Gayle Siecinski
Marceline, MO – Retired Counselor
Looking Ahead: The Future of Maples Repertory Theatre
Looking ahead, Maples Repertory Theatre is expanding its mission with new renovations and educational programs that will continue to enrich the arts community throughout Upstate Missouri. With improved facilities and a growing outreach program, we are committed to inspiring future generations through the power of live theatre.
We’re currently seeking the next generation of theatre lovers who are passionate about moving this program and productions forward into the next generation.
Volunteer and Career Opportunities
We believe in the power of community and the magic of live performance. Whether you’re interested in ushering, assisting with events, or supporting our productions behind the scenes, there are numerous ways to get involved. Volunteers play a vital role in bringing our shows to life, and we welcome your enthusiasm and dedication. For more information on volunteer opportunities, contact the Box Office (660) 385-2924 or inquire here.
New in 2025! The Maples Rep Strike Force is a group who share their hands-on carpentry and renovation talents as we dismantle and store scenery when a show closes and work on maintenance and painting projects around the theatre throughout the year.