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 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