Fri, 08 May 2026 15:16:47 -0400WeeblyFri, 08 May 2026 18:30:32 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/friends-of-theatre-award-and-galaWilliamston Theatre Named 2026 Friend of the Year by Friends of Theatre at MSU


The Friends of Theatre at MSU Board of Directors has named Williamston Theatre as its 2026 Friend of the Year, marking the first time the honor has been awarded to an organization rather than an individual. The award recognizes Williamston Theatre’s longstanding partnership with the MSU Department of Theatre and its sustained impact on faculty and students. 

The announcement will be made at the Friends of Theatre Annual Gala on Wednesday, May 13. — and YOU can attend!
 
“As Williamston Theatre approaches its 20th season, this recognition honors a partnership that has helped shape and strengthen our department over many years,” said Kirk Domer, Interim Chairperson of the MSU Department of Theatre. “Through this collaboration, our department was accepted into the University Resident Theatre Association (URTA), expanding opportunities for our students through national exposure, professional training connections, and clearer career pathways. Most recently, Williamston Theatre played a key role in our 10-year URTA renewal, reaffirming the strength of our program on a national level.”
Williamston Theatre has served as a vital professional partner to the department, contributing to its growth through artistic collaboration and educational engagement. Founders and artists from the theatre have worked as instructors, directors, and performers within both the department and Summer Circle Theatre, bringing professional practice directly into the classroom and production environments.
“We are excited to be receiving this award and grateful for the special relationship we have with the MSU Department of Theatre,” said Emily Sutton Smith, Executive Director of Williamston Theatre.
In addition to its institutional contributions, Williamston Theatre has created meaningful opportunities for students through internships, mentorship, shadowing, and professional employment. These experiences have helped bridge the gap between academic training and the professional theatre world, shaping the careers of numerous MSU graduates.
“Having such a committed partner has been truly transformative for our program,” Domer added. “Williamston Theatre exemplifies what it means to be a true Friend of Theatre.”


Also, don’t miss Williamston’s current compelling and fun show Bad Books! 
http://www.williamstontheatre.org
​]]>Thu, 07 May 2026 14:51:52 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/lcc-free-shows-ixion-opportunity
The LCC Performing Arts Department End of Semester Free Performances  showcasing student success

The Meta Plays by Andrew Biss
Directed by Emma Baker
May 8-9 @ 7 p.m.
LCC Black Box Theatre, Gannon Bldg. Rm. 1422

LCC Multi-Instrumental Ensemble
May 9 @ 3 p.m.
Dart Auditorium
Free parking is available on Capitol Ave., Grand Ave. in LCC lots near the auditorium and on the first floor of the Gannon Parking Ramp.

__________________
Ixion Ensemble (performing at Stage One Sycamore Creek Eastwood location) is currently seeking crew and set builders for our upcoming production of Defiance directed by Jordan Tayor which opens May 29. If interested, please email us. The production goes up the end of May.
Times flexible. Contact mailto:ixionensemble@gmail.com
www.ixiontheatre.com

__________________
​]]>Mon, 04 May 2026 16:41:02 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/will-you-be-a-thespie-judge8061727​Do YOU have what it takes to be a Thespie Judge?

The annual Thespie Awards for local, live theatre have a 40ish-year tradition, under the supervision of journalist Mike Hughes, originally sponsored by the Lansing State Journal and judged by their reviewers. 
Over the years it’s evolved tone judged by a motley but dedicated group of knowledgeable volunteers, semi-supervised by the GLUT. The Journal has detached itself as of this year, but Mike is still on board and City Pulse has agreed to print the article in June.

Sadly, two of our beloved motley crew of judges have died during the past year: Tom Klunzinger and Cele Freistater. These two are irreplaceable — yet we must replace them and carry on in their theatre-devoted memories.

TO BE A THESPIE JUDGE
You must be willing/able attend 40-50-ish shows per year. (You will receive comp tickets)
You must develop a list of up to three “nominees” in each category to discuss at the Decision Dinner, held in June. (If you cannot attend the dinner, you must submit your list of nominees via email.)

Interested? 
Send me an email explaining why YOU would be good at this. (jszussman@gmail.com) The ideal judge is experienced/educated in theatre, yet not too currently active, because you must recuse yourself from voting/judging for shows you’re involved in.

The season begins with MSU’s Summer Circle Shows in June.

Hoping to hear from some new theatre-lovers/judgers soon!]]>Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:36:43 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/the-shark-is-coming-to-riverwalk​All aboard the Orca! Behind-the-scenes drama sets sail as The Shark is Broken comes to Riverwalk’s Black Box.

The cast and crew of The Shark is Broken are hard at work bringing audiences aboard one of Hollywood’s most legendary productions. Riverwalk Theatre continues its season with this intimate and compelling play beginning Thursday, May 7 and running through Sunday, May 17 in the Dart Studio Black Box.
Director: Amy Rickett
Synopsis: Step behind the scenes of the making of Jaws in this witty and revealing play by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon. When the film’s infamous mechanical shark refuses to cooperate, actors Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, and Roy Scheider find themselves stranded on a too-small boat with too much time on their hands. Tempers flare, egos clash, and unlikely bonds form as they navigate the frustrations — and unexpected magic — of creating what would become the first summer blockbuster.
Veteran director Amy Rickett returns to Riverwalk Theatre to helm this unique production. With decades of experience both onstage and behind the scenes, Rickett brings a deeply personal and focused approach to the story. “Bringing The Shark is Broken to life has been an opportunity to explore the humanity behind the legend of Jaws,” Rickett shares. “What excites me most is stripping everything down — placing three actors in a confined space and letting their relationships, humor, and tension drive the story.”
Unlike a traditional mainstage production, this Black Box performance offers an up-close and immersive theatrical experience. “It’s intimate, it’s immediate, and it invites the audience to feel like they’re right there on the boat,” Rickett adds. With a conceptual, stripped-down staging and a strong emphasis on performance, audiences can expect a powerful blend of humor, conflict, and vulnerability.
The production team has embraced the challenge of bringing the Orca to life within the confines of the Black Box space. Through scenic design, lighting, and sound, audiences will be transported to the open ocean of 1974 while remaining just feet away from the action. This contrast creates a uniquely engaging theatrical experience that highlights the emotional core of the story.
This performance-driven piece features a tight-knit ensemble of accomplished actors portraying the iconic film stars as well as voice-over roles that enhance the storytelling. Together, they create a vivid and human portrait of the people behind one of cinema’s most celebrated films.
Please note: This production runs without an intermission and contains adult language and themes. Parental discretion is advised.
Cast:
Richard Dreyfuss – Kameron Going
Roy Scheider – Michael Palmer
Robert Shaw – Jeff Magnuson
Spielberg – Cats Maris
Assistant Director – Eric Vincent
Camera Operator/Sound Operator/Focus Puller/Continuity – Xander Adamski
Show Dates:
Thursday, May 7, 7:00 P.M.
Friday, May 8, 8:00 P.M.
Saturday, May 9, 8:00 P.M.
Sunday, May 10, 2:00 P.M.
Thursday, May 14, 7:00 P.M.
Friday, May 15, 8:00 P.M.
Saturday, May 16, 8:00 P.M.
Sunday, May 17, 2:00 P.M.
Tickets:
Reservations may be made by purchasing tickets online, in person at the Riverwalk Theatre Box Office, by emailing RWT@RiverwalkTheatre.com, or by calling (517) 482-5700.
In-person advance ticket sales:
Wednesdays, 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Prices:
$20 Adult
$15 Senior/Student/Military
$10 Child (under 12yrs)
]]>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 02:58:07 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/may-calendar-2026May 2026
5/1 - 5/31 - Thurs @ 2, Fri @ 7:30, Sat @ 2 & 7:30, Sun @ 2  Bad Books by Sharyn Rothstein, Directed by Tony Caselli. - WT https://www.williamstontheatre.org/shows/2025-2026/bad-books

5/2 -7 The Wizard of Oz at Waverly High School (160 Snow Road, Lansing, 48917) 62 and over free; 4 and under free!  tickets: https://gofan.co/app/school/MI3772?activity=Musical - WHS


5/7 - 17- 7pm Thu; 8pm Fri/Sat; 2pm Sun. - The Shark is Broken, Black Box Play by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon Directed by Amy Rickett tickets: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=288594 - RWT

5/8 - 9-10 - 6pm - 2pm Sunday - In the Heights musical - Tickets $5 cash at the door at Everett High School, 3900 Stabler 48910

5/8-9 - 7 pm Meta Plays - eight short, comedic plays designed to break the fourth wall, offering a "meta" commentary on the theater industry and the struggles of actors and writers, showcasing students enrolled in the Beginning Acting Studio, Directed by Emma Baker, the LCC's Black Box Theatre Gannon Bldg. Room 1422 Free parking is available on Grand Ave. and on the first floor of the Gannon Parking Ramp https://www.lcc.edu/calendar/event-details/5282a9c7-ee04-4a60-9449-bd86ccb2a706/series-overview - LCC

5/8-10 & 14-17 - 7pm; 3pm Sun.; Sat 3 & 7pm - Eureka Day by Jonathan Spector; Director: Ben Cassidy https://peppermintcreek.org/event/eureka-day/ -PCTC


5/14- 7:30pm - Wonder Bread Years May 14 – part one-man show, part stand-up, former Seinfeld writer Pat Hazell revisits the quirky, coming-of-age moments of the 60s and 70s. https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/the-wonderbread-years - WC 

5/16-17 7pm Sat; 4pm Sun -  Orange Colored Sky a new musical revue directed by Mark Ruhala
https://ruhalacenter.com/home - RPAC

5/22 8:00pm - Re-Mixed Casserole (A Riverwalk Theatre Fundraiser Cabaret) - Lansing "favorites" return to the Riverwalk stage after eleven years for a sequel of miscast musical numbers. - RWT

5/29 - 6/7 - 7pm Fri/Sat; 3pm Sun - Defiance: A Collection of Short Plays directed by Jordan Taylor https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/ixion-ensemble/69b5c10df6fdf6391046025d/tickets#/productions-view - IX

​]]>Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:19:26 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/in-the-heights-coming-to-everett-hsA message from Nicole Martin (copied from Facebook):

Psst you... Yes you... Step in closer.
Lansing has a problem. 

The community as a whole really struggles to come out and support its youth. 

We see school productions every year in Holt, Grand Ledge, and East Lansing and what I notice is, those communities turn out. Their auditoriums are packed each night. 
The same cannot be said for events that take place in Lansing schools. 

What's the difference? It certainly can't be the price. We pay $20 to see shows in Grand Ledge and shows at Lansing high schools are $5-$10. 
Everyone's always pointing a finger at the Lansing School District, quick to discuss its flaws and how "something needs to be done." But its own darn community never shows up for them. Why should the students care when the community doesn't? Half filled football stadiums, quarter filled auditoriums... 

When is the community gonna own up to the fact that they are partly to blame? That they don't put in very much into showing their students that they are worth the effort?

So here's my challenge to you - show up. Share this and challenge someone else to show. 

(Nicole’s son) Jack is starring as Benny, and he and the rest of the kids in this production are working their butts off. This is the most ambitious show Everett has attempted in a long time. 
Let's send a message to the Lansing School District and its students that we care. Let's show them that their big dreams and efforts are worthy of recognition. I hope to see you there.

Mark your calendars! IN THE HEIGHTS is coming to life at Everett this May! See you there the 8th, 9th, and 10th! Tickets $5 cash at the door. 6pm Fri/Sat, 2pm Sun
3900 Stabler 48910
]]>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:35:55 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/mary-jane-immersive-health-care-playMary Jane by Amy Herzog
Directed by Rob Roznowski
April 25 at 2:00 PM & 6:00 PM
Learning and Assessment Center MSU Campus, 965 Wilson Rd., 6th Floor East Fee Hall

Students from the MSU Department of Theatre will present the performances of Mary Jane, an acclaimed play by Amy Herzog, on April 25 at the Learning and Assessment Center, a healthcare simulation center on the MSU campus. Performances will take place at 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

This production will be staged as an immersive theatrical experience, placing audience members, at times, in simulated exam rooms. Audiences will be provided with the background regarding Mary Jane’s chronically ill son, along with information including his health, insurance concerns, and what may be done to help, before they transition to the performance spaces. 

The show focuses on Mary Jane’s continuous care for her son, born at 25 weeks with cerebral palsy, and the sustained community of women (neighbors, friends, and health care workers). Audience members should expect a close, immersive encounter during the performance, where space and story are deeply intertwined. Running time 95 minutes.

There is a limit of 30 seats for each of the two performances. Proceeds from ticket sales will support production costs.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-immersive-theatrical-experience-about-healthcare-mary-jane-by-amy-herzog-tickets-1984569861880

1. ​

]]>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:01:50 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/renegade-is-ba-a-ackExciting news: the Renegade Fringe Festival (formerly the Renegade Theatre Festival, 2005–2022) is back—reimagined and ready for a bold new chapter — A vibrant wave of artistic experimentation makes its highly anticipated return in Summer 2026, on August 7th and 8th  in REO Town. This newly re-envisioned event promises an expansive, inclusive celebration of performance, creativity, and community connection.
As we relaunch this beloved festival in a fresh iteration, we are officially accepting applications for artists and companies to bring their work to the festival. We would be honored to have you be part of it.
The application, as well as some history about where we came from and where the festival is going, is now live on our website:
https://www.renegadefringe.org/
The Renegade Festival has always been about celebrating creativity, experimentation, and the vibrant diversity of performance—and this new version expands that vision even further. We are welcoming a wide range of performance styles and voices, and we can’t wait to see what this incredible community has to offer. Applications are open through May 31st, 2026, welcoming multidisciplinary performances that embody the ethos of innovation and artistic risk-taking.Volunteers are also encouraged to join the effort behind the scenes — from guest services to house management — becoming a vital part of the creative engine that keeps the festival moving.
More details about programming, venues, and featured performances will be released in the coming months. Until then, the Renegade Fringe Festival invites audiences to mark their calendars and prepare for a summer experience filled with dynamic artistry, unexpected encounters, and the unmistakable energy of a community ignited through the power of performance.

The Renegade team also wants to take a moment to say thank you. Truly. The Lansing theatre community—you—were the lifeblood of the festival in its original run. Your work, your risk-taking, and your passion made Renegade what it was for over 15+ years. This festival exists because of you.
We hope you’ll join us again and help shape what comes next.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Otherwise, we encourage you to apply and be part of this exciting new chapter of the Renegade Fringe Festival.
With gratitude and excitement,
The Renegade Fringe Festival Team (Shannon Bowen, Ben Cassidy, Sally Hecksel, Melissa Kaplan and Chad Swan-Badgero) Questions? contact us via email renegadefringefestival@gmail.com or direct message from the Renegade Fringe Festival Facebook page.

​]]>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 20:47:38 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/light-board-operator-needed​
Ixion Ensemble’s  current production, "Kindness" by Adam Rapp is seeking a lighting board operator for tech week and the run of the show, April 10, 11, 12, 17, 18 &19 at Stage One @ Sycamore Creek Church - Eastwood, 2200 Lake Lansing Road

If interested please contact ixionensemble@gmail.com or 517.775.4246.]]>Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:51:45 GMThttps://www.greaterlansingtheatre.net/announcements/april-2026-glut-calendarApril  2026
3/31-4/1 - 7:00p AUDITIONS for Wuthering Heights - The Radio Version at Edgewood Community Church 469 Hagadorn Rd, East Lansing. - AAF
https://audioairforce.com/

4/7–12-7:30pm Tue-Fri; 2pm & 7:30pm Sat; 1pm & 6:30pm  Sun -Clue - Great Hall - WTN
https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/clue

4/10-12, 17-18 - 7pm Fri/Sat; 2pm Sun- 1984 by George Orwell - Adapted for the stage by Nick Hern; Director: Paige Tufford - Dart Auditorium - LCC
https://www.lcc.edu/calendar/event-details/c65e519e-6c84-4bdb-af84-13860c7f6d2c/instances/2026-04-18T23:00

4/10-12 - 17-19 7pm Fri/Sat; 3pm Sun -  Kindness by Adam Rapp directed by Miranda Hartmann - IX
http://ixiontheatre.com/

4/14-19 - 7:30pm; 2pm Sunday - Jane Austen’s Persuasion, Wharton Center Pasant Stage - Tickets at https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/jane-austens-persuasion - MSU
​
4/17 - 7pm- Audio Air Force presents Wuthering Heights - The Radio Version at East Lansing Hannah Community Center. - AAF
https://audioairforce.com/

4/17-26 - Fri/Sat 7:30 pm, Sun 2pm - Jukebox for the Algonquin LCPA (Lebowsky Center for Performing Arts - LEB
https://www.lebowskycenter.com/

4/17-19 - Fri/Sat @7pm, Sun @2pm Twinderella, family comedy, directed by Teresa Hurd & Ted Wulfekuhler - Greyhound Intermediate School Auditorium, Eaton Rapids - ICG
teresahurd@sbcglobal.net


4/18-19 & 24-25-26 - Grumpy Old Men musical directed by Mike Stewart - Dinner 6:30; show 7:30; Sundays dessert only 1:30; show 2pm. Waverly East Intermediate School -  PG 13 some adult language, innuendo, mature comedy not suitable for children. Reservations: ‭(517) 243-6040‬ -  STL
https://www.starlightdinnertheatre.com/


4/19 - 7pm - Suitcase by Ahmad Meree directed by Rob Roznowski Islamic Center of East Lansing 920 S. Harrison Road East Lansing https://www.lansingislam.com/event-calendar.html

4/23-24 - 6-9pm - LCC Under the Stars AUDITIONS for Peter Rabbit & Going Medieval! LCC Black Box Theatre, Gannon Building room 1422. Questions? tuffordl@lcc.edu8 or peeterc24@lcc.ed or call 517-483-1222 - LCC

4/23-26 - 7:30pm & 2pm Sunday - Dandelion - MSU Auditorium Studio 60 lower level - MSU
https://www.whartoncenter.com/events/detail/storefront-musical


4/23 - 5/31 - Bad Books by Sharyn Rothstein, Directed by Tony Caselli. Thurs 4/23 @ 7:30 Pay-What-You-Wish; Thurs 4/23 & Fri 4/24 @ 7:30, Sat 4/25 & Sun 4/26 @ 2; remaining weeks: Thurs @ 2, Fri @ 7:30, Sat @ 2 & 7:30, Sun @ 2 - WT https://www.williamstontheatre.org/shows/2025-2026/bad-books

4/25 2pm & 6pm - Mary Jane by Amy Herzog directed by Rob Roznowski, Immersive Theatre at MSU Learning and Assessment Center 965 Wilson Rd. 6th floor East Fee Hall. 6th floor https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-immersive-theatrical-experience-about-healthcare-mary-jane-by-amy-herzog-tickets-1984569861880


4/23-25 & 4/30--5/2 -7 The Wizard of Oz 62 and over free; 4 and under free!  - Waverly High School 160 Snow Road
https://gofan.co/app/school/MI3772?activity=Musical

4/24-26 Fri 4/24 @7:00, Sat/Sun 4/25-26 @2, The Little Mermaid Junior Fowlerville High School - FCT www.fowlervilletheatre.com

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