Tent Theatre’s Mark Templeton to retire April 1

Mark Templeton, who has guided and tirelessly promoted Missouri State University’s Tent Theatre for nearly three decades, will retire April 1.

“The first time I encountered Tent Theatre was back in 1997, as a patron,” he said in a March 11 interview. “I never envisioned, sitting in that audience, that I would become so heavily involved in the operation.”

His title is managing director of Tent Theatre and executive director of marketing and external relations for the John Goodman Amphitheatre, but his job has been to do whatever is required to make shows come together.

He said the daunting task of pulling off back-to-back shows during the summer season has been exhilarating.

“Tent is a very fast-paced environment, one that I had not experienced before, but there was so much excitement about producing theater in rapid succession,” he said. “The students were excited. People were excited to be there, and it was just a very unique experience.”

Templeton described working with students and patrons in this role as the honor of his life.

“I need to let someone else carry the torch,” he said.

His successor has not yet been named.

Templeton’s first official role was serving as a graduate assistant for the marketing director of the Juanita K. Hammons Hall of the Performing Arts in 1997, helping out with Tent Theatre during the summers.

The MSU Department of Theatre and Dance hired Templeton, initially in a part-time role, in 1999, and he soon became managing director of Tent Theatre. His accomplishments include:

● Developing annual fundraising and sponsorship programs to support productions and student scholarships

● Negotiating with Actors’ Equity Association to recognize Tent Theatre as professional theater company

● Organizing 50 events to celebrate 50th anniversary of Tent Theatre

● Helping to develop John Goodman Amphitheatre in the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Arts Park

Templeton started in the days when the tent used for Tent Theatre was green and orange. Then, a white tent was used until a permanent structure, named for Goodman, opened in 2022.

“I never thought, in a million years, that would happen in my lifetime,” Templeton said.

Templeton said his Tent Theatre predecessor, Byrne Blackwood, was instrumental in his tenure, often providing insight and helping talk through ideas.

“He always encouraged me to find ways to make it better, and those many conversations really inspired me,” Templeton said.

At age 58, Templeton said he is ready for a new but less strenuous challenge. His goal is to remain in Springfield and involved in the arts.

“In some capacity, I hope that I am able to help arts in the community,” he said. “I want to find other ways to share my expertise.”

MSU is hosting a retirement reception to celebrate Templeton’s career at 4:30 p.m. March 27 at the Davis-Harrington Welcome Center.