Monmouth Community Players (MCP) is a community theater group in the Central Maine area. MCP was established in 1992 following a meeting of local citizens who had expressed an interest in creating a community theater. A strong desire to increase the use of our beautiful and historic Cumston Hall greatly influenced the decision to become more involved in local theater. After a successful fundraising effort, MCP presented its first musical production, ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’, directed by Artistic Director, Lucy Rioux, with musical direction by Norm Rioux. This production was enthusiastically and successfully received by the audience and a decision to continue producing musicals and plays was made. The Board of Directors was established and has continued to be a proactive organization involving not only citizens of Monmouth but also members of the surrounding communities.
Current Board of Directors Our SponsorsMission Statement
To provide a positive and affordable theater experience for adults and young people in the Monmouth area by presenting exciting productions with talented local casts under skilled direction.
To provide people of all ages the opportunity to participate in theater in a variety of capacities both on and off the stage.
To administer an annual scholarship program in support of students pursuing academic studies in the performing arts.
Goal Statement
To develop a new generation of theater patrons within the Monmouth area.
To collaborate with other educational and artistic initiatives in Maine.
To work with regional schools to assist students in developing an appreciation of theater.
To enhance the relationship between academic study and artistic practice.
Cumston Hall – A Maine Treasure
This beautiful edifice dominates the main street of the town and has aroused the interest and awe of passersby since its dedication in 1900. It was named for Dr. Charles Cumston, who for many years, was the headmaster of Boston Latin High School. Having retired to Monmouth, Dr. Cumston decided to give his town a community building which would house the town offices, a caucus hall, a public library and an auditorium. He entrusted the job of designing the building to Harry Cochrane, a Maine native with a reputation for fine interior work.
For the past several years, the Monmouth Community Players, Theater at Monmouth, Cumston Hall Trustees, The Friends of Cumston Hall, the Monmouth Board of Selectmen, representatives of the library and the many other user groups have been working cooperatively on a $2.7 million revitalization and addition. We are in the final stages of the restoration of this remarkable building.
The project is a testament to the vision of Dr. Cumston and Mr. Cochrane and their ability to create a facility that is both practical and unique more than 100 years later.
For an expanded history of this exceptional building, go to: