Grosse Pointe Theatre - Community Connection June 2023

SEASON RECAP

Dear Friends, What a year! Grosse Pointe Theatre took advantage of its 75th Anniversary season to celebrate with its donors and patrons as a community theatre whose future is even brighter and more promising than its exceptional history. By every metric this year was a resounding success: our fundraising exceeded expectations; our donors were engaged and generous; our volunteer participation increased and our shows continued to entertain audiences and reached a broader community of attendees than ever before! The exclamation points to this year’s success are the multiple national and local awards and accolades GPT has received. This newsletter will recap the year’s highlights.

Wow! As we close out this memorable year we are thankful to you, our donors and patrons, whose support– both large and small– help us bring quality theatre to our community as we work toward our goal of continued artistic growth and regional theatre presence in our new performance home at the Schaap Center. We are especially grateful to the John A. and Marlene L. Boll Foundation, who sponsored Youth on Stage’s Little Mermaid, the Richard and Jane Manoogian Foundation, the Community Foundations for Southeast Michigan, the A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Foundation and the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation grant, whose support provided the seed money for GPT to offer Sensory performances which will be an annual offering at GPT.

As we prepare for our next 75 years of exceptional theatre, GPT encourages your feedback so we can give you, our donors and patrons, the community theatre you want.

We hope you enjoyed this year of theatre. And as always, please plan to give to GPT today to become part of an extraordinary GPT tomorrow!

Sensory Performances Share the Gift of Theatre

With the generous support of the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation, GPT was provided the seed money to offer Sensory-Friendly performances to the community. This year our mainstage production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Youth on Stage’s The Little Mermaid, Jr., were both conducive to sensory-friendly performances.

Joseph meets audience members after the performance.

Connect, Create, Inspire.

These performances are designed to create a welcoming and comfortable arts experience for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, or other social, learning or cognitive disabilities. Special adaptations to the performance include: lights remaining on, reduced sound levels, ability to move around as needed, waving instead of clapping, and special materials to help audience members to engage.

With over 300 attendees, the community response to these performances has been overwhelming gratitude. The following is an excerpt from a letter to the Grosse Pointe News Editor, by Annette and Amy Feldpausch of Grosse Pointe Woods.

Gratitude is what I felt as I watched “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” on Sept. 24, with my 38-year-old special-needs daughter. The performance was outstanding … When a family has a neuroatypical person, everyday activities are processed and considered very differently, so going to see a fun musical “inside” an auditorium is met with hesitancy … The grant money was very well spent in preparation for the patrons to be able to enjoy and understand their magic outing, including a preparatory packet, mailed to the home, and velcro activity cards handed out at the theater, to name a couple of efforts … Thank you, each and everyone of you involved in any way with GP Theatre, for providing our perfect memories.

GPT looks forward to continuing to expand its theatre audiences and give back to our community with annual sensory-friendly performances.

Annette and Amy Felpausch enjoyed the show.

Kyle and O’lyvia O’Donnell brought their niece to her first live theatre experience.

Connect, Create, Inspire.

Another Season of Awards for GPT

GPT receives three AACT awards! The American Association of Community Theatre (AACT) honored Dennis Wickline of Grosse Pointe with the Robert E. Gard Superior Volunteer Award. This national recognition is given to volunteers over the age of 65 who have faithfully served community theatre for over 25 years. Dennis has twice been GPT Board president, has served on multiple committees, directed 13 main-stage productions, designed sets, lighting and sound, and acted in both dramas and comedies at GPT. Thank you and Congratulations Dennis!

In addition, Kathy Conlon and Sal DeMercurio of Grosse Pointe were both given the Special Recognition Award by the AACT. Kathy and Sal, both retired school teachers, share their passion for education and theatre with GPT in many ways, including adjudicating GPT’s student Scholarship Program, teaching workshops including scenic artistry and set design, and teaching students in our Youth on Stage program. Kathy and Sal also created GPT’s Purdon Theatre in 2010, a black box venue for performing non-traditional plays in an intimate setting. This extraordinary theatre couple consistently works to benefit GPT and educate and support its next generation of artists. Thank you and Congratulations Kathy and Sal!

Grosse Pointe Theatre has been honored with The Diamond Crown Organizational Award by the American Association of Community Theatre (AACT). The Diamond Crown award recognizes AACT members that have expanded programming in the past 10 years and have the administrative leadership to remain vital to their community for the next 10 years! Recipients must have been in continuous operation for 75 years and as AACT organizational members for 10 years. Congratulations to GPT and its leadership!

GPT’s Shows Continue to Delight

Broadway Bound - The third of Neil Simon’s semi-autobiographical trilogy, Broadway Bound, was a powerful play on our stage this past winter. Superbly acted, this play offered an opportunity for extensive character development, and director Laura Ver Beek worked closely with her cast on their performances.

Photos courtesy of Sophie Leszczynski

Connect, Create, Inspire.

Clue On Stage - First-time GPT director Olyvia O’Donnell and her cast gave the audience an entertaining whodunit with the play Clue On Stage in March. The popular game was brought to life on stage with a series of twists and turns that kept the audience guessing.

Something Rotten - GPT wrapped its 75th season with a hilariously funny production of Something Rotten. First-time director, and GPT president, Danielle Caralis calls the show “a tribute to theatre lovers everywhere.”

Connect, Create, Inspire.

Youth on Stage’s Little Mermaid - A cast of 56 students took us “Under the Sea” during GPT’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. An additional 15 students worked back stage as part of GPT’s technical theatre program. With over 1900 tickets sold The Little Mermaid was a huge hit with fans.

Take 10 Play Festival - This year’s North American competition received 65 entries from the U.S. and Canada. Judging was done anonymously by a panel of out-state community theatre judges, and entries were written around a theme of “Seven and Five” (referencing GPT’s 75th Anniversary!)

First-time GPT Director, Rachel Hutchison, brought professional-grade puppets to the GPT stage for the first time. According to Hutchison, with puppets “our cast members are learning a whole new way to tell stories and to use their imaginations, and to captivate the imagination of the audience.” It worked! The audiences were captivated!

Act Two - This year GPT started a senior theatre program called Act Two. This program, heralded by Emmajean Evans, brings together GPT’s “legacy” actors to work on short scenes and expand their acting prowess. The group has performed at two member meetings this year and performed at The Helm on May 26th. We are always looking for new ways to serve our members and our community!

Community Engagement Continues

GPT History Presentation at the GPPL

At the invitation of the Higbie Maxon Agney Lecture Series, GPT members Patricia Ellis and Olyvia O’Donnell gave a presentation on the history of the Grosse Pointe Theatre group, the growth of its main stage performances, and its educational programs and community engagement. Sample costumes from GPT archives were also on display. Speaking to a standing-room-only crowd on April 26th at the Grosse Pointe Public Library - Ewald branch, guests heard about our history, were given insights into our future plans for our new performance home at the Schaap Center and enjoyed the craftsmanship and intricacies of several GPT costume pieces on display.

Patricia Ellis, Jef Fisk and Olyvia O’Donnell pose after the lecture series.

Connect, Create, Inspire.

GPT hosts the GP Chamber of Commerce

Grosse Pointe Theatre hosted an after hours networking event for the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce. GPT’s guests were able to visit our current historic home on Fisher Road, including the set design and construction shop, and meet our designers in the costume shop, as we touted our 75 years of history. The guests were then treated to a special preview performance of Something Rotten! GPT appreciates and treasures its partnership with the Chamber and the businesses in the community.

CONGRATULATIONS TO GPT’S 2023 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS!!!

Each year GPT gives away thousands of dollars in scholarship funds to support talented high school seniors planning to attend an accredited college or university and high school students attending a recognized summer theatre or performance camp.

Scholarship recipient Jach Sachs delivering a monologue at the GPT May member meeting.

Scholarship recipient Rebecca Dral performing a musical theatre dance at the GPT May member meeting.

All photo credits Dale Pegg and Patricia Ellis.

Connect, Create, Inspire.

Started in 1972, GPT’s scholarship program recognizes young people who excel in acting, dancing, singing or technical theatre. The rigorous application and audition process is open to all students in the metro Detroit area, with recipients primarily from GP South, GP North and University of Liggett High Schools. Recipients have also come from Regina, L’Anse Creuse and Eisenhower High Schools and the Detroit School of Performing Arts.

Since 2006, GPT has had over 125 applicants, and given away over $95,000 to 96 deserving students.

This year GPT had 12 applicants and awarded $10,000 in scholarships to 7 college and 1 camp recipients. This year’s scholarship winners are: Cathleine Rose Campbell-Cormier (Macomb County Community College); Paige Clark (Grand Valley State University); Gabrielle Duso (Oklahoma City University); Rebecca Dral (Norwalk University); Selga Jansons (University of Michigan); Dahlia Medvinsky (University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana); Jake Sachs (University of Michigan); Giovanni Thams (MPulse summer camp).

Who’s Who?

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

Meet Tim Higgins, GPT’s Strategic Planning Chairperson and Director of next season’s Newsies

Last year the American Association of Community Theatres recognized GPT’s own Tim Higgins for his contributions to community theatre with its coveted national Distinguished Merit Award. The award is presented to individuals who “promote and develop the highest standards of community theatre” — a hallmark of Tim’s tenure at GPT whether in his role as a director, actor, dancer, choreographer, mentor or thought leader.

This national recognition of Tim was well earned. Tim is the architect and critical thinker behind GPT’s current strategic plan. Tim’s 3-point plan, adopted and implemented 7 years ago, guided us to have a business and finance-focused GPT Board of Directors and Committees, and to fund and hire a Business Operations Director, Linda Zublick, to guide and support our fiscally responsible efforts. These efforts are why we emerged from the pandemic in the black! Tim’s leadership and plan continues to focus GPT on our pathway to funding and hiring an Artistic Director in the next few years. GPT’s fiscal strength will allow us to take full advantage of the new artistic opportunities available to us at the Schaap Center.

Of course Tim will be the first to say whatever he contributed to GPT was because of the work of many volunteers at GPT who should be singled out before him. But it is exactly that humble, collaborative demeanor that causes those around him to call Tim “an incredible leader”, “a gifted strategic thinker” and “a great mentor.”

While his business contributions to GPT are many, it is Tim’s role as Director and mentor that has earned him the highest praise. Tim had no experience with

Pictured from left to right: Giovanni Thams, Dahlia Medvinsky, Rebecca Dral, Gabriell Duso and Jack Sachs.

theatre when he first auditioned for a Chorus Line at GPT in 1985 and caught the theatre bug. In 1995 he directed and choreographed his first GPT show, Mack and Mabel and loved the process of it. He went on to direct multiple shows including West Side Story, Grease, Hello Dolly and Sound of Music. He attributes his success as a director to Lois Bender, one of his early GPT directors, who taught him to work with actors collaboratively, inquisitively, asking their motivations and reasons for choices before collaborating on a path forward. Tim started an Apprentice Director Program at GPT which allows him (and other seasoned directors) to mentor the next generation of directors at GPT and encourage this collaborative approach.

Tim graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Education. He spent 43 years working at Comerica Bank, retiring as a Senior Vice President in Information Technology. Tim and partner Frank Scott Davis, spend part of their time each year in Naples, Florida. Together they have developed a relationship with the Naples Players, a much larger community theatre, whose members have taken on a mentoring role with GPT, helping us see the path to growth and change. When asked what has meant most to him, of all his many accomplishments at GPT, Tim says unhesitatingly “the people I’ve met.” Tim says he found his “best, life friends here.”

Thank you Tim for your many contributions to GPT and congratulations on the National award. Well deserved!

What’s New? What’s Next!

Youth on Stage Summer Camps

Summer Camp - Rising Stars is currently full and registration is waitlist-only. Students in first through 4th grade (in fall 2023) will enjoy an immersive theatre experience learning the basics of theatre skills and exploring their theatrical abilities. Located at Christ Church- Grosse Pointe, the 1-week camp will culminate in a performance for family and friends.

July 17-21, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Registration fee is $325

Registration Ends July 14

To be added to the waitlist, please call (313) 881-4004.

Summer Camp - Show Stoppers is still open for students in fifth through ninth grade (in fall 2023). Students will explore their theatrical abilities and learn the basics of theatre skills. Located at Christ Church- Grosse Pointe, the 1-week camp will culminate in a performance for family and friends.

July 24-28, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Registration fee is $325

Registration ends July 21

Want to Volunteer at GPT?

Interested in helping with costumes, set building or painting? Sign up to help. No skills? No worries! We will teach you. If you can hold a paint brush, you can paint. If you can hand sew a button, you can sew. Join us! This is a great way to become more a part of the GPT community, have some fun and make a few friends along the way.

Click to register here

GPT’s Next Season of Shows Announced!

THE ADDAMS FAMILY

Directed by Michael Gravame

ANYTHING GOES

Directed by Don Bischoff

9 TO 5

Directed by Rachel Settlage

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

Directed by Nick Marinello

DISNEY’S NEWSIES

Directed by Tim Higgins

Season Packages and Single Tickets

go on sale August 4

SCHAAP CENTER - Update

Great news! Construction fences are up and crews have begun working on the site. Completion is expected fall 2025.

GPT on YouTube

You can enjoy GPT performances on YouTube Programming! Missing your favorite performers and productions? Tune in to GPT YouTube for programming whenever you want it.

As an anchor tenant of the anticipated Schapp Center, GPT looks forward to the enhanced artistic and technical milestones we can reach with a theatre that includes: fly space, hydraulic pit lift, LED wall, advanced lighting and state-of-the-art acoustics. Here are a few additional renderings of the new facility. www.schaapcenter.com

Thank You Donor & Community Sponsors!

Offering a place to gather and enjoy quality theatrical productions for 75 years, GPT can only exist with the support of you, our donors and community sponsors. Every gift helps to ensure we realize Grosse Pointe Theatre’s mission to connect, create and inspire the community through theatre. Thank you all!

www.gpt.org/donate

Donors & Sponsors List

STAY IN TOUCH

GPT on Social Media!

Enjoy behind the scenes and show-related GPT postings on social media. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok to see community theatre musings like only GPT can. And if you like what you see PLEASE SHARE!

Facebook

www.facebook.com/GrossePointeTheatre

YouTube

www.youtube.com/c/GrossePointeTheatre

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/grossepointetheatre/

TikTok

https://www.tiktok.com/@grossepointetheatre