Matchbox Children's Theatre History

The History of MCT

The debut of Matchbox Children’s Theatre and Puppet Theatre was in the autumn of 1975 under the wing of the Austin Park and Recreation Department. It was a collaboration of Bill Libby and Janet Anderson, both had theatre backgrounds and were employees of Park & Rec. Our first production, Sleeping Beauty or the Famous Rose Taboo, performed in the basement auditorium of Queen of Angels Church.

Despite Positive audience response to Sleeping Beauty, budget constraints forced Park & Rec. to cut the children’s theatre program. Happily, there was a strong core of enthusiastic people who wanted to see quality children’s theatre continue in Austin. Soon after, MCT was established as an independent, non-profit organization and that spring produced Hansel and Gretel. In 1983 we renewed our relationship, on a limited basis, with Park and Rec. and began producing the Halloween Warm-Up at the J.C. Hormel Nature Center.

As plans began for our second season, a theatre friend, Wally Nordin, proposed an arrangement that would enable us to move to the Austin Community College Theatre (Now Riverland Community College/Frank W. Bridges Theatre). Frank W. Bridges, the theatre director at ACC at that time, agreed and the Riverland Community College/Frank W. Bridges Theatre was our home until December of 1998 when we performed our last production there, Puss in Boots. In February of 1999 we moved to our new permanent home, the historic Paramount Theatre. Our first production at the Paramount Theatre was Snow White & Rose Red. As MCT evolved we phased out puppet theatre and concentrated our full energies on live theatre.

The enthusiastic response from “children of all ages” makes us proud to play a strong role in the Austin arts community. We eagerly anticipate another score of years ahead as we strive to stimulate imagination through the magic of live theatre!

A Eulogy for Bill Libby
His Gifts to Austin - A Friend to Matchbox

Bill Libby played a leading role in starting Matchbox Children’s Theatre in Austin. He died too young on February 23 at age 58 due to complications following heart surgery. Bill will be also remembered for his acting roles at the former Austin State Junior College in Sound of Music, Fantastiks, JB, Carnival and others. In tribute, I want to let people know about a wonderful gift this talented man gave to the Austin area over 27 years ago. Now his family is offering another gift in his memory.

I met Bill Libby when we worked together at the Austin Park and Recreation Department. We both had theatre backgrounds and were thrilled to get our plan approved to start Matchbox Children’s Theatre. At first the program combined creative dramatics, puppetry and live theatre. I have fond memories of working with the children to present touring shows with puppets they had built in our workshops. Bill had great rapport with the kids. Our first live production, Sleeping Beauty or the Famous Rose Taboo was presented in the basement of Queen of Angels Church in autumn 1975. Bill directed the show, designed and built the set and even made lights out of coffee cans. Often he would bring his then infant daughter, Sarah, to rehearsals. She would happily munch Cheerios from her blanket near the stage while enjoying all the activity. Even though the audience response was very enthusiastic, budget restrictions forced Park and Rec to cut funding. Then something wonderful happened. Parents who had attended Sleeping Beauty wanted their children to continue to have good live theatre experiences. They organized a Board of Directors and established MCT as an independent, nonprofit 501 c 3 organization. Bill’s talents were instrumental in creating the theatre magic that inspired them to keep Matchbox theatre going and we have been thriving ever since.

Bill left Austin to follow his career path. Over the years, theatrical work and government service kept him on the move. Bill and his wife Molly lived in New Jersey, Italy, New York, Georgia and Belgium before their recent move to Alaska. We lost touch but now and then I sent news of Matchbox milestones through his ex-wife Sue (Haines) Reed. She graciously passed on the information, as I didn’t keep up with all the address changes. Since his death, we learned that Bill was happy to know that many facets of his dreams for Matchbox Children’s Theatre did come true and that he was proud of the legacy he left behind.

Molly Libby called to tell me that Bill often shared Matchbox memories with family, friends and colleagues. When they returned from Belgium, one of his goals was to visit Austin and see a Matchbox play. In that light, Molly has chosen MCT for donations in Bill’s memory. We are touched and honored by her kindness and so his legacy continues in a new way.

As an interesting note, the second play MCT produced in the spring of 1976 was Hansel & Gretel. Now, it seems a bit ironic that the play that marked a MCT turning point way back then, is the same title we are preparing to present this spring as the news of the memorial choice made by Bill’s family reaches us. Somehow I think this twist in the plot would make Bill smile. He is survived by his wife Molly Libby - Anchorage Alaska, his mother Betty Libby – Jacksonville, NC, one sister Jessie Campanero – Midway, NC, one daughter Sarah Banning – Harrisburg PA, two sons; Aaron Libby – San Diego, CA, Adam Libby – Holloman AFB, New Mexico, three stepchildren; Todd McCammon – Astoria, NY, Christopher McCammon – SC, Amanda Ladue – GA and 6 grandchildren.

On behalf of the MCT Board of Directors, past and present, I extend heartfelt sympathy to Bill Libby’s family and friends.

With Warmest Regards, Janet Anderson, 
Co-founder of Matchbox Children’s Theatre

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