Musical Theatre Workshops (MTW) is more than just a theatre studio; it’s a vibrant community where young performers can develop their skills, grow their confidence, and find their passion for the performing arts. Founded by Mickey Lubeck, MTW has become a cornerstone of musical theatre education in Augusta, Georgia, and the surrounding areas.
Our Story
Ms. Mickey’s Journey:
Ms. Mickey’s love for the performing arts began in her childhood, growing up in a family deeply rooted in dance and theatre. Her mother owned a large dance studio outside Chicago, where Mickey began teaching and choreographing at a young age. Despite pursuing a degree in Veterinary Technology, working in a large veterinary practice, as well as in a hospital research facility, her passion for dance and theatre never waned.
Mickey’s big break came when she was cast in the second national tour of Evita. While touring with Evita, Mickey met her future husband, Chuck, who also hails from the Chicago area. Their shared passion for performing arts and their mutual support for each other’s careers helped build a strong foundation for their relationship. After the tour ended, they both returned to Chicago and immersed themselves in the local theatre scene.
Chuck and Mickey’s theatrical careers were filled with both excitement and challenges. After a few years performing in and around Chicago, Chuck secured a position as dance captain in a national touring company of Cats, the Musical, while Mickey continued her theatrical career performing and choreographing in Chicago area theaters. The couple faced long periods of separation due to the demands of touring, but they always found ways to support each other. When Cats came to Chicago, Mickey auditioned and was cast, allowing the couple to tour together for over 10 years.
The birth of their first son, Nathan, brought new priorities into focus for Mickey and Chuck. Balancing the demands of touring with parenthood became increasingly difficult. Mickey retired from Cats to focus on being a full-time mom, and Chuck continued touring until the birth of their second child, Joshua. Realizing the need for stability and a permanent home, the couple decided to retire from their touring careers and settle in Augusta, Georgia. With family already in the area and a vibrant arts community, Augusta was the perfect place to raise their children and start a new chapter in their lives.
Founding Musical Theatre Workshops
With a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching, Mickey saw an opportunity to fill a gap in musical theatre education for children in Augusta. She started Musical Theatre Workshops (originally called Children’s Musical Theatre Ensemble) as a small operation in a church hall with just 12 kids. Despite the modest beginnings, her dedication and expertise quickly attracted more students. Word spread about the quality of education and the supportive environment Mickey created, and MTW began to grow.
Our Mission
At MTW, our mission is to provide a comprehensive and production-based theatre education that nurtures young talents and prepares them for future opportunities in the performing arts. We believe in fostering a supportive environment where children and teens can explore their creativity, build self-esteem, and gain valuable skills both on and off the stage.
What Sets Us Apart
Educational Focus: What truly sets MTW apart from other studios in the area is our unwavering commitment to education. While many studios focus primarily on the final production, we place a strong emphasis on the educational journey that gets our students there. We believe that a solid foundation in all aspects of musical theatre—acting, singing, dancing, and stagecraft—is essential for producing well-rounded performers.
Our approach ensures that students gain a deep understanding of their craft, rather than just memorizing lines and music for a single show. We tailor our teaching to the individual needs and strengths of each student, helping them grow and develop their unique talents. This focus on education is what drives our success and sets our students up for long-term achievement in the performing arts.
Why Choose MTW?
Our goal is not just to put on a show but to ensure that every student receives a thorough education in musical theatre. We tailor our productions to the talents and abilities of our current students, ensuring that everyone has a chance to shine. We prioritize the learning process over the production, making sure our students understand the intricacies of the craft.
At MTW, we believe in the power of community. Our students form lasting friendships and learn the importance of teamwork and collaboration. We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where every child feels valued and supported.
With her extensive background in dance and theatre, Ms. Mickey brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to MTW. Her passion for teaching and commitment to her students’ growth are at the heart of everything we do.
Ready to register for class? Check out all of our class offerings here.