PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

MCC

We strive to cultivate opportunities and experiences that deepen our connection to the works on stage and with each other. We welcome communities from all across New York City and beyond. A visit to MCC goes beyond taking in a show. Community members are invited to continue to explore, expand, and grow through our discussions, creative workshops, and community-building events.

Join us for our post-show TALKBACKS with artists and AUDIENCES CONVERSATIONS moderated by MCC staff after select performances and for FORUM DISCUSSIONS and events aimed at provoking conversation. Download our 2024/25 Public Engagement Season here.

FORUMS & COMMUNITY EVENTS

Our forum discussions bring together guest experts, community leaders, and peers to explore important issues relevant to our times or raised in our work. Forums and Community Events are free and open to the public, regardless of whether or not you have seen a performance.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT SEASON KICK-OFF

THU, AUG 22 at 5:30 PM

Join us for a community forum with Zhailon Levingston, Douglas Lyons, and Robert O’Hara to kick off our 2024/25 season as they discuss their upcoming plays, working Off-Broadway, and their roles in the industry.

LATE NIGHT LOBBY

THU, AUG 29

We’re trying a new format for our Audience Conversations! Stay after the performance to get you on your feet, talking to new folks, and making connections. After, we will keep our lobby open with light refreshments for our first Late Night Lobby to keep the vibes going.

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF THE BLACK ROM-COM

THU, SEP 5 at 5:30 PM

Looking for an appetizer or dessert to go with TABLE 17? Make a reservation for this community forum to discuss the importance of Black love in the media and the disappearance of the Black rom-com. This conversation will be facilitated by 3Views on Theater co-editor BRITTANI SAMUEL and cultural critic JOURDAIN SEARLES.

Post-Show Movie Night

THU, SEP 12

Following the performance of TABLE 17 on THU, SEP 12, visit our neighbors at The Red Stache to meet with other audience members and continue the Audience Conversation on Therapy. They’ll also be showing one of the films that inspired the play, LOVE & BASKETBALL.

VOTER REGISTRATION

THU, OCT 10 & SAT, OCT 12

OCT 26 is the last day to register to vote before Election Day! Stop by the MCC lobby before or after the performance of SHIT. MEET. FAN. to register.

QUEER HORROR WRITING WORKSHOP

SAT, OCT 26 at 1 PM

Feeling spooky? Stop by our one-off Halloween weekend workshop, “What’s Hiding in the Closet.” During this Queer horror writing workshop, prepare for some exercises that may or may not lead to an exorcism on the page.*

*Limited space. Registration required. Fee-based with accessible pricing available to ages 14 and up. Contact education@mcctheater.org for reduced or free access.

SHIT. MEET. FAN. GAME NIGHT

THU, NOV 14 at 5:30 PM

Think you know someone well? Come prove your knowledge at our SHIT. MEET. FAN. game night! Bring a friend, partner, parent, or plus one and answer trivia questions that only they know the answer to. Prizes will be awarded to top players.

BLACK AFFINITY NIGHT LATE NIGHT LOBBY

WED, NOV 20

Join us post-show WED, NOV 20 during our Black Affinity Night where Black-identified audience members are encouraged to gather in our lobby for community and conversation.

AUDIENCE CONVERSATIONS

If you crave theater that demands your attention and continues to stir up conversations long after the performance has ended, you’re not alone. Audience Conversations take place directly after select shows and are moderated by the MCC Talkback team. They provide the space for people to come together to discuss, share, and unpack their experiences with our work.

CONNECTION vs. CONNECTIVITY

TUE, OCT 15

FRIENDSHIP & FRATERNITY

WED, NOV 7

TALKBACKS

Post-show Talkbacks launch you into a lively exchange of ideas with the artists, creative teams, and cast members who bring our productions to life. Ask a question or sit back and take in the moderated discussion. Together, we will dive deeper into the work with exclusive behind-the-scenes discussions with the artists who made it. Check out the show schedule to find out when our Cast Talkback and our Playwright and Director Talkbacks will take place.