InTucker Magazine

Main Street Theatre Marks 10 Years

Main Street Theatre (MST) is proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary, commemorating a decade of producing quality performances, building community, and cultivating local talent in both Tucker and beyond our city limits.

Founded in 2014, MST quickly established itself as a beloved fixture in the city, staging an array of murder mysteries, comedies, and musicals. Its presence has not only entertained but united people of all ages and backgrounds.

A DREAM TURNED REALITY

MST began with President Sabrina Chambers’ desire to return to acting, something she’d loved in high school and at Georgia Tech’s DramaTech Theatre. A post in the Tucker Town Talk Facebook group led to a wave of community interest, in-person meetings at local restaurants, and eventually the founding of a nonprofit organization.

The theatre’s first full play, Harvey, premiered in 2015 at the Tucker Recreation Center, which has been home to MST ever since. Community support was overwhelming on opening night. Expecting about 35 people in the audience, the cast and crew were blown away when they ended up performing for 200!

“They found and scrounged up every single chair that was at Tucker Rec and we eventually seated 200 people that night,” recalled MST board member and artistic director Merle Westbrook. “It just almost brings me to tears now because it was totally unexpected—it was so mindboggling.”

GROWTH ON AND OFF THE STAGE

Over the years, MST has upgraded its performance space by installing auditorium blinds, creating formal stage entrances, and adding a lighting board to improve the theatrical experience.

When the COVID-19 pandemic halted live performances, MST pivoted to video productions and implemented health precautions so that the show could go on.

“I am so proud we weathered all of that and came out the other end,” Westbrook said. “I am incredibly proud of that.”

A WELCOMING STAGE FOR ALL

Diversity and accessibility remain at the heart of MST’s mission. There are no audition prerequisites, just a willingness to participate. The theatre has opened doors for both children and adults to explore the performing arts, some of whom have gone on to work in professional theatre and even Broadway.

“There is an opportunity for people to really get hands-on experience to explore those things they may not have had a chance to explore otherwise,” Westbrook said.

MST has also broadened its cast and audience base, producing a variety of shows that reflect and include the community’s voices and experiences.

LOOKING AHEAD

Now a staple in Tucker’s creative life, MST is proud to offer opportunity, entertainment, and inspiration to its community. As Westbrook put it, “It’s just shocking, it feels like two or three [years].” In the past decade, the theatre has brought forth much more than the standard full production show: original scripts for the highly heralded murder mysteries, a variety show, an immersive walking show down Main Street and holiday shorts at the annual tree lighting events. Just last month, they debuted an improv show and are opening up classes for more.

This month, MST is producing “Charlotte’s Web” and “Murder at the Seaside Cottages” is the murder mystery for August. Visit tuckertheater.com for details and tickets.

With strong roots and growing momentum, Main Street Theatre is poised to thrive for another decade, and beyond.

“Charlotte’s Web” will be performed at Tucker Recreation Center July 19, 20, 26 and 27. “Murder at the Seaside Cottages” will be performed at Fresca Tratoria Aug.14, 17, 21 and 24.