We’d like to introduce you to Mitchel England of Haines City Theatre.
Mitchel, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Haines City Theatre was founded in 1981 by two teachers who were raising funds for A/V equipment at Haines City High School. Their first production, Curious Savage, launched what would become decades of quality community theatre. For many years, the theatre—then known as Haines City Community Theatre (HCCT)—was well known among local residents.
In 2013, everything changed. The old Haines City High School building, later repurposed as the Clay Cut Centre, was condemned, and HCCT was given just 24 hours to vacate. After nearly a year without a home or a stage, the City granted the group access to the former library building at 303 Ledwith Avenue, where we still perform today under our updated name: Haines City Theatre.
I’m Mitch England, a Board Member with HCT. I joined the Board of Directors in early 2023 with one major goal: to help the theatre become recognizable and relevant again. After performing in two shows, I kept hearing from Haines City locals who had never visited—or didn’t even know the theatre still existed. It was surprising that such an important cultural asset could be overlooked after more than 40 years.
To rebuild awareness, I advocated for a strategic rebranding: a fresh name, a modern logo (designed by Board Member, Erik Normandin), and consistent visual identity. While we removed the word “Community” from the name, we continue to place community at the heart of everything we do. Our mission remains the same—providing high-quality theatre for residents of Haines City, Polk County, and the surrounding areas.
The impact has been significant. A show I performed in three years ago drew under 100 patrons across a three-week run. Our most recent production, Over the River and Through the Woods, welcomed more than 400 patrons in the same timeframe. We’re seeing returning patrons, new faces, and renewed excitement.
Rebranding is only part of the story. Under the leadership of past President Chris Walsh (2021–2025), the theatre reintroduced musicals after many years of producing only plays. Chris recognized that musicals were essential to growth and community engagement. His 2022 production of Nunsense helped put HCT back on the map. Since then, we’ve staged beloved titles such as The Sound of Music, Bye Bye Birdie, The Drowsy Chaperone, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Little Shop of Horrors—with more on the way.
Now, under our current President Amy Goudie, HCT is expanding its community outreach, rebuilding the educational HCT Youth Program, launching a new volunteer program, and continuing the push for higher-quality productions. The momentum is strong, and the excitement within our audience and volunteers is unmistakable.
My role at HCT is truly a “jack-of-all-trades.” I design all print marketing materials and production programs, maintain the theatre’s website, manage email communications, and assist with social media strategy. On top of that, I continue to perform onstage and often contribute to set or lighting design for various productions.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think anything in life ever follows a perfectly smooth road. There will always be bumps, challenges, and unexpected turns — and anyone who says otherwise isn’t giving you the full picture. For Haines City Theatre, two of our biggest challenges were being forced to leave the Clay Cut Centre in 2012 and navigating the shutdowns during COVID in 2020.
Both of these periods left the theatre in the dark, and they created significant setbacks for our organization. But thanks to the determination and perseverance of the Board of Directors at those times, HCT pushed through. Their commitment is the reason the theatre not only survived, but continues to grow today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in connecting people through meaningful communications, marketing, and events. While I’m currently self-employed, my passion for theatre is what drives my commitment to volunteering with HCT. My background in marketing and events has been a tremendous asset in my role as a Board Member and Marketing Chair. One of my proudest accomplishments has been helping refocus and unify our branding so the community immediately recognizes HCT the moment they see our exciting logo.
What sets me apart is my genuine dedication to the arts and to this organization. I hold myself, and anything I create, to a high standard of quality, and I’m deeply involved in many aspects within HCT. My wife often laughs about how frequently I’m on my computer working on something for the theatre or how often I’m physically at the building. And she’s right, it’s a lot. But the truth is, HCT brings me joy. Being able to use my skills to strengthen an organization I care about is incredibly fulfilling, and I’m proud of the impact we’re making together.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next five to ten years, I see HCT becoming a true household name — a place that Haines City residents know, love, and feel connected to. Our partnership with the City continues to evolve in exciting ways, and I’m eager to see where that collaboration leads us.
I envision possibilities like expanding our current space with a dedicated workshop for set construction, or even one day moving into a brand-new theatre facility. These are ambitious goals, but they’re not unrealistic. With the momentum we’ve built and the support we’re continuing to grow, I believe HCT is heading toward a very bright future.
Pricing:
- Mainstage Adult Tickets $22-25
- Mainstage Student Tickets $18-21
- HCT Youth Adult Tickets $15
- HCT Youth Student Tickets $10
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hainescitytheatre.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/hainescitytheatre
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/HainesCityTheatre
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@HainesCityTheatre
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@haines_city_theatre
