Originally known as Acting Up at Mission Beach, the Mission Arts theatre group, under the guidance of Kerry Borthwick-Bolton, began its journey in 2019 with the goal of providing people across the Cassowary Coast region access to theatrical experiences.

In 2021, the group embraced a broader vision, evolving into an ensemble to strengthen its mission and establish a clear direction. This transformation gave birth to the Mission Arts Theatre Ensemble (MATES).

The ensemble style brings a collaborative focus to its operations and productions, with an emphasis on local. At MATES, we celebrate the Cassowary Coast community by showcasing content created and produced by local people, while ensuring inclusivity and creativity remain at the heart of all we do.

Mission Statement

The objectives of MATES are:

1. To encourage community interest in the performing arts;
2. To provide performance experiences to the Cassowary Coast communities; and,
3. To provide a platform to bring the community together, that offer its participants social opportunities, and a wide-range of performance experiences.

Initial MATES sub-committee (2021)

Following the group's name change and development into its ensemble format, its guiding sub-committee comprised:

Dr Don Sanderson, Coordinator

Ingrid Mason

Carol Giuliany

The Pineapple Cottage Theatre was once a farmhouse. The owners were the Bruekner family who grew pineapples, along with other produce. When the family moved away from farming, it became a Girl Guide’s ‘hut’ until the local chapter was disbanded in 2021. After months of negotiation with Cassowary Coast Regional Council (CCRC), ownership was eventually transferred to Mission Arts. Our MATES group quickly became the primary occupant, moving in in July 2022. A renewable ten-year land lease agreement between CCRC and Mission Arts was formally signed in October 2023.

MATES’ first production in the space was our Petite Salon Pièces, debuting on 21st September 2022.

Sometimes cheekingly referred to as the ‘Pineapple Can Theatre’ (due to its cramped dimensions as a theatre and performance space), it has affectionately come to be known as the ‘Pineapple Cottage Theatre’, a fitting homage to its history.