Mansfield ISD has recently cemented a partnership with Mainstage Classic Theatre to benefit the students of the district as well as the hard-working volunteers who make up the theatre group, according to announcement by Donna Watkins of Mainstage.

"Students will receive support with costuming, sets, props, know-how and MCT will receive support in the way of having a set venue in which to have their productions," Watkins said. 

With the partnership, Willie Pigg Auditorium will be Mainstage Classic Theatre's primary performance venue.

The duo debuts its partnership on Friday, Feb. 19, with a 7 p.m. performance of "Anne of Green Gables," followed by a 2 p.m. performance on Feb. 20. Tickets for students and children under 18 are $8; for seniors 62 and over are $10; and adults are $12.

Groups of 15 or more rates receive a $2 per ticket discount. 
Send email to MCTInfo@MainstageClassicTheatre.org to reserve your group.

There is also a free performance for the entire fifth grade body at the district since the book is on the students' reading list. 

The show synopsis reads: When aging brother and sister Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert send to the orphanage in Nova Scotia for a boy to help them on the farm, they get more than they bargain for. Due to a mix-up, they are instead left with 11-year-old Anne Shirley. Over the course of six years, this romantic, hot-headed, and energetic girl wins their hearts and turns the stodgy, rural Canadian community into a bright world of "kindred spirits." This swift yet theatrical adaptation of the classic novel is an all-ages crowd-pleaser.

"The members of MCT are elated to have this relationship with the school district and hope it will be successful for years to come," Watkins said.

The 2016 season continues with "Peter Pan Jr.," starting with the MCT Summer Camp: June 6 - 10 and 13 - 17, followed by performances: Saturday, June 18, at 2 and 7 p.m.

Up next, on July 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., and July 17 at 2 p.m., the group will perform 
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." The season concludes in December with "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever."

For more information, visit mainstageclassictheatre.org.