Mighty Mitby

Staff writer Paul Gerard writes that the 976-seat Mitby Theater at MATC's Truax campus "could become a major performance venue for Madison arts groups." Among its assets: "a sophisticated computerized lighting system," a stage comparable in size to the Wisconsin Union Theater's, with a suspended wood floor ideal for dance, and a state-of-the-art sound system. "This theater just might have the best acoustics in the state," agrees Mitby manager Corey Helser. Having conducted two programs at the venue, Madison Symphony Orchestra maestro Roland Johnson calls the Mitby an ideal site for small productions. "It's a bit on the bright side acoustically, so it's more suited to a smaller ensemble than a full symphony orchestra," he says. "It also has a delightful little orchestra pit, and I got several comments during [Madison Opera's] Merry Widow as to how excellent the balance was." Johnson is now MSO's music director laureate. Helser remains managing director of Mitby Theater, which in the coming weeks is scheduled to host performances by American Theater Arts for Youth, MATC's Community Show Choir, Madison Community Orchestra and Monona Academy of Dance.