Midland Community Theatre announced the return of Summer Mummers from June 5 through Aug. 29 at the historic Yucca Theatre in downtown Midland.
Summer Mummers has operated for more than seven decades and is recognized as the longest continuously running melodrama in the United States, according to information shared on Midland Community Theatre’s website.
Melodrama is a theatrical style developed in the United States that combines comedy, exaggerated characters, audience participation and live performance interaction. Summer Mummers is known for encouraging audience participation, including cheering for heroes, booing villains and participating in popcorn tosses during intermissions.
Performances are scheduled Fridays and Saturdays throughout the summer beginning June 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Yucca Theatre located at 208 N. Colorado St. in Midland, according to Midland Community Theatre information.
Each performance concludes with the “All-American Olio,” a fast-paced series of comedy sketches, music, dancing and audience participation acts created and performed by volunteers.
Midland Community Theatre officials stated Summer Mummers serves as one of the organization’s largest annual fundraising events and contributes nearly 27% of the theatre’s yearly operating budget.
The organization stated Summer Mummers raises approximately $250,000 annually to support Midland Community Theatre productions and operations.
Summer Mummers is operated almost entirely by volunteers, according to Midland Community Theatre’s website. Nearly 100 volunteers participate nightly throughout the summer season while collectively contributing approximately 15,000 volunteer hours annually.
Volunteers assist with acting, dancing, costuming, production work, fundraising, advertising, concessions and theatre operations, according to organization information.
Midland Community Theatre said Summer Mummers attracts visitors from outside Midland each year who visit local restaurants, hotels and businesses during the summer season.
The organization also said Summer Mummers volunteers spend months preparing scripts, costumes, rehearsals and production planning before performances begin each season.
Midland Community Theatre traces its history back to 1946 and has operated under the leadership of executive directors including Art Cole, Don Bachman, Timothy Jebsen and current Managing Artistic Director Adam Sahli, according to theatre information shared online.
The theatre organization provides community theatre productions, theatre arts education and volunteer opportunities for children and adults throughout Midland and the Permian Basin, according to Midland Community Theatre information.
Auditions and volunteer opportunities are available through Midland Community Theatre’s website and social media pages, according to the organization.
Audience guidelines shared by Midland Community Theatre state popcorn throwing is allowed only during intermissions and that casual clothing is recommended due to the nature of the performance environment.