In addition to live theater, MCT operates a movie theater on the same site: Marathon Community Cinema.
Historically, the building was a cinema (the original Marathon Cinema); after renovations and restructuring, the theater group re-took control and reopened a community-run cinema
The Cinema was taken over and re-staffed by MCT, and the public reopening occurred in February 2021, after closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
This dual function (live theatre + cinema) makes MCT unique in the region: it is the only theatre and cinema within a 50-mile radius in Monroe County
Challenges, Resilience, and the Community Spirit
Over the years, MCT has weathered significant challenges: not least hurricanes (like Irma) that caused physical damage
Despite that, the community has repeatedly rallied: volunteers, donors, and board members have helped raise funds for rebuilding, upgrades, and maintenance
The theater’s roof has been a recurring concern; as of 2025, MCT is continuing roof-repair fundraising to maintain the building’s structural integrity
MCT also survived the 2020 pandemic: while the cinema was closed, the theatre group did not abandon its mission, and the cinema re-opened with community support
- The resilience of MCT underscores not only its role as an entertainment venue, but as a cultural anchor for the Florida Keys — a place where art, community, and identity come together. shutdown123