About HMTC

Hanford Multicultural Theater Company is a place for diverse community members to practice their truth through creative expression with acceptance, inspiration, and encouragement by promoting our cultures through community building, today and tomorrow.

“The theatre was created to tell people the truth about life and the social situation.”

– Stella Adler

Activities

Bringing arts to the community

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Hanford Multicultural Theater Company is achieving more with our initiatives than ever before. We work on many exciting projects to help improve the lives of others, and are very proud of the progress we continue to make. Learn more about what we do, who we help, and how we work every day to promote positive change.

Experiencing Arts for the Whole Community

Creativity is good for mind health

HMTC is a place to be yourself and let loose. We encourage exploration of different forms of creativity in a fun, safe, and sometimes nutty atmosphere. Join us!

Our Beginnings

Filling the Void

It actually all started in 2015 when a knock on Silvia Gonzalez Scherer's door to get a masters in play writing (pen name Silvia Gonzalez S.) with a university enthralled with her plays about migrant experience, women’s issues, seeking cultural roots, and other human experiences, she contemplated her artistic future. Taking this university opportunity would have been a great boost to her career, but she felt she would be more driven to start a theater company in an area with much diversity and needed-opportunities for diverse people to share in theatrical experiences with relevant material. In January of 2016, Silvia began research and organization with assistance from the Fresno Arts Council. In 2017, Silvia and her daughter Camia Scherer (co-founder) organized the first free acting classes at the upper level of the Old Historical Courthouse. Classes were held at this location weekly for both children and adults. Interest grew quickly and mother and daughter polished the mission of Hanford Multicultural Theater Company to enormous interest. With the guidance of Lilia Chavez from FAC, HMTC started to grow leaps and bounds. People of all walks of life became involved. Acting classes, scene study, the origins of an improvisation group began to flourish with the interest. Due to the newness of the entity, the theater company was mostly itinerant. First place was the upper level of the Hanford Old Historical Courthouse. Then moves to the Hanford Civic Auditorium West Wing, Teen Center, with theatrical productions at the Kings Art Center courtyard, Bastille Courtyard, and Hanford Carnegie Museum courtyard. An actual location more prone to acting classes was in the Hanford Carnegie Museum’s big room. In the summer of 2019 HMTC was located in an empty storefront at the Hanford Mall. This was especially advantageous to share with the public what HMTC is all about. Then the amazing happened. Kings County Historical Society opened their arms to HMTC and classes and productions is being housed in the old church that was built in 1876.

HMTC, as a newer entity with diversity, has had fun with more forms of performance. First, was Udderly Improv, the brain child of Silvia. With her years of Improv experience and studying with the guru and master of improv Del Close at Improv-Olympics, series of Second City training, and performing in an improv group in Phoenix, Arizona, it was a natural exploration to try an improv group in Hanford. Performances began in December 2018 at Hanford Carnegie Museum until May 2019. (Currently in hiatus for reorganization.)

Recognizing the need for fundraising, under Silvia's guidance, the HMTC undertook the massive function of doing a Hanford Dia de Los Muertos 2017 community activity. This was a tremendous success and now is an annual event.

New ground continues as HMTC is experimenting with a production of GUNSMOKE, a radio stage re-enactment in January 2020. Also, a dream of Silvia to incorporate puppetry in the company. Puppetry will be part of the production of Alicia in Wonder Tierra (Or I Can’t Eat Goat head) in 2020 with support from California Arts Council and newly acquired corporation support from the area.

We will continue to thrive with all the enthusiasm and support from our community members.

First printed May 2018

Updated August 2020

Friendly and peaceful atmosphere

Escape to fun

At Hanford Multicultural Theater Company, participants are invited to have fun. A warm-hearted atmosphere, we treasure good vibes and positive interactions. We are housed in an old church with a peaceful-feeling tone conducive for all our creativity.

Contact Hanford Multicultural Theater Company

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14060 Hackett St, Hanford, CA 93230, USA

(559) 997-3838

(559) 633-8333 (f)