CHARLOTTE, N.C.  — Many theaters in North Carolina have sat empty for the last year. That’s because COVID-19 forced them to cancel in-person shows. But as more people get vaccinated, stages are coming back to life.

What You Need To Know

  • Matthews Playhouse Theatre will hold its first in-person show since the pandemic in June

  • It will be outside at Stumptown Park in Matthews

  • Tickets are for sale online and $10 each

Hanah Wooten says the last year has been pretty lonely. She is a high school senior in Charlotte. Five days a week, she would sit in front of her computer screen to do school work. It’s also where she did virtual theater rehearsals.

“A big part of theater is the community and being virtual you just don’t get that as much,” Wooten said.

Wooten started acting in 9th grade. She joined Matthews Playhouse and spent countless hours there. It’s also where she made some longlasting friendships.

“I find that with theatre, you spend all of your time together,” Wootne said. “For two or three months, you spend every day coming to rehearsal for hours.”

But until recently, those months have been spent alone or virtually through a screen. Wooten said since it is her senior year, it’s really important to see people in-person before she heads off to college.

“This is my last chance to do a show here before I leave,” Wooten said. “So it’s super important to have that closure. I am really excited that it will actually happen.”

The play "Godspell" will take place June 4 to 13. There will be five performances, each starting at 7:30 p.m. at Stumptown Park in Matthews. For more information click here.