LCC Performing Arts presents Going Medieval! Two comedic plays from the 1400s. 

The Second Shepherd’s Play and Mankind represent two of the funniest plays from this period.

The Second Shepherd’s Play is one of the most well-known Mystery Plays from the period which depicts the lives of three shepherds just before the nativity. Known for its blend of religious theme and regional humor, this is one of several plays included in the Wakefield Mystery Cycle. Each play in the cycle depicted a story from the bible and toured through small towns and villages. It was written by the Wakefield Master (identity unknown) between 1475-1500.

Mankind was written around 1470. This morality play is often considered one of the most humorous and controversial plays to have survived the period. The story follows the character of Mankind and his temptation into sin by characters representing four worldly vices.

These performances are recommended for adult audiences.

Admission is free. 
Audience members should visit the box office to pick up a seat voucher for entry into the theater. 
The box office will open ½ hour before curtain. 
Reservations will not be taken.

WHO: Lansing Community College Performing Arts
WHAT: Going Medieval! Two Comedic Plays from the 1400s
WHEN: July 22-26 @ 7 p.m.
WHERE: Dart Auditorium – 500 N. Capitol Ave.
Free parking is available on Capitol Ave., the second floor of the Gannon Parking Ramp and in nearby LCC parking lots.

The Fenton Village Players Invites Audiences to Make the Trip for a Killer Production of Little Shop of Horrors

Fenton, Michigan — This season, Fenton Village Players (FVP) is bringing the beloved cult classic Little Shop of Horrors to life with a production audiences won't want to miss! Even if it means a drive to get here.

Running July 10th through the 26th, this exciting production promises an unforgettable evening of laughter, incredible music, outrageous comedy, and one very hungry plant.

Featuring favorite songs including "Suddenly Seymour, " "Somewhere That's Green, " and “Skid Row, " Little Shop of Horrors has delighted audiences for decades with its blend of Motown-inspired music, quirky characters, and delightfully dark humor. FVP’s production brings fresh energy to the iconic show with a talented cast, imaginative staging, and a larger-than-life Audrey II that audiences have to see to believe.

For theatre lovers across the region, this production offers more than just a night at the theatre. It's the perfect excuse for a road trip and a memorable evening out in Fenton. Whether audiences choose to enjoy dinner at one of our amazing local restaurants before the show,
explore the community, or simply make an evening of it, Little Shop of Horrors is worth the journey.
"This is one of those shows that audiences love introducing to friends and revisiting again and again, " said Shannon Emmons, Producer.
"We're creating an experience that celebrates everything people love about live theatre: great music, huge laughs, memorable performances,
and a little bit of mayhem.”
 
In keeping with FVP's commitment to making live theatre accessible to all audiences, the production will feature a special American Sign Language (ASL)-interpreted performance on Friday, July 17. This performance will allow Deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons to fully experience
the music, humor, and heart of Little Shop of Horrors, and audiences from across the region are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity.


Content Advisory: This campy sci-fi production contains comic horror violence, depictions of domestic abuse, the consumption of characters by a man-eating plant, and the abuse of laughing gas.
Performance dates are July 10th through the 26th . Tickets are available now and advance reservations are encouraged.
Tickets and additional information can be found at FentonTheatre.org or by calling 810-750-7700.


Performance Information
Little Shop of HorrorsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 10-26th, 2027
Fenton Village Playhouse
14197 Torrey Rd.
Fenton, MI 48430
Tickets: $20 Adult, $17 Student, $15 Child
Information: http://FentonTheatre.org

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​Season 20 Flex Pass for Williamston Theatre! 
Any of you who have never been to this gem of a theatre, here’s a great deal to give it a try! Up-close-and-personal professional theatre! - Jane

Flex Passes for Season 20 are now on sale! Enjoy the WT experience at your convenience. Our unique WT Flex Pass entitles you to all the benefits of a traditional theatre subscription in a completely flexible way. 
• For $215 you get 5 Flex Passes that can be used in any combination for any performance! Seriously, in any combination.

• Preferred seating! Sit right down front if that’s your desire! (Subject to availability.)

• Early reservation opportunities for all productions. Jump to the head of the line.

• Changes to reservations up to 24 hours before the show without penalty. Change in plans? It’s flexible!

• More tickets! Up to 6 additional tickets can be purchased per production at the discounted price of $3 off per ticket.

• No ticket fees when using your Flex Passes to reserve your tickets.

• A Share the Love coupon! When you bring two friends who have not been to the WT before, their tickets are on us! All we ask is that you provide contact information for your guest. Valid for any performance in the season.

Season 20 Flex Passes are valid on all regular performances from September 24, 2026 - August 15, 2027.

Purchase Williamston Flex Passes here: https://purchase.williamstontheatre.org/TicketSubscriptions?dm_i=7R8A,4MML,B7L0R,NS97,1,0,0,0


Not on the Williamston Theatre mailing list? Please call our box office at (517) 655-7469 to be added!

Not that many shows, but lots of AUDITIONS!


July 2026

7/5 & 7/6 @7pm AUDITIONS for Reefer Madness Book by Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney; Music by Dan Studney; Lyrics by Kevin Murphy; Directed by Quinn Kelly - RWT


7/9 - 8/16 - The 39 Steps Adapted by Patrick Barlow, Directed by John Lepard  - Thurs 7:30 is Pay-What-You-Wish; first weekend: Thurs & Fri @ 7:30, Sat & Sun @ 2; remaining weeks: Thurs @ 2, Fri @ 7:30, Sat @ 2 & 7:30, Sun @ 2 - WT 

7/12 & 7/13 @7pm AUDITIONS for Come From Away directed by Jane Falion & Michele Booher-Purosky - RWT

7/18-19 - AUDITIONS for Annie Delta Presbyterian Church - Performances 10/16–18 & 10/ 23–25 - EVO

7/22-26 - 7pm  - Going Medieval! – Two comedic plays from the 1400s: The Second Shepherd’s Play and Mankind, Directed by Paige Dunckel - Dart Auditorium - LCC
8/1 - 7pm - The Emerging Playwrights Festival, Directed by Tom Ferris - Black Box - http://riverwalktheatre.com - RWT (I know this is August, but just ONE NIGHT - don’t miss this collection of new scripts from high schoolers!)
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7/31-8/9 - 7pm Fridays, 3pm Sat & Sun - Shrek Jr. - at Okemos High School, 2800 Jolly Rd. Okemos, MI - AECT

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The Turner-Dodge House Fairytale Festival 2026 is seeking talented actors / performers to help bring the magic to this year’s festival on Saturday, July 11th!  

We are looking for family-friendly characters in the spirit of a Renaissance Festival — Kings, Queens, members of the royal court, Jesters. Performers could also portray beloved fairytale figures, historical characters, or original themed creations. Because the festival’s largest audience is young families and children, all characters should be wholesome, welcoming, and non-controversial.  

Performers might fully embrace a character’s persona through conversation and improvisation with guests, or may simply greet guests with waves, bows, curtsies, and magical charm.  Performers will spend the day roaming the festival grounds, interacting with guests, posing for photos, entertaining children, and helping to create an immersive fairytale atmosphere.  Characters may also help direct visitors to festival activities and performances throughout the day


In its 5th year, the Turner-Dodge Fairytale Festival has become a beloved community event, drawing 300–500 attendees annually. The festival features 30–40 vendors, hourly dance performances, and live entertainment throughout the day. Returning performers include Children’s Ballet Theatre, Ballet Folklorico, McCartney Irish Dance, and the Habibi dancers — all of whom actively engage with guests while promoting their organizations and programs. 

Participating actors and groups will receive a stipend ranging from $100–$300, depending on the number of performers involved and available sponsorship funding. We are currently seeking additional sponsors with the goal of increasing performer compensation.  

In addition, if you are a nonprofit organization, affiliated participating performers are invited to join our “Non-Profit Village” at no cost. This includes a complimentary booth or tent space where organizations can connect directly with festival attendees, promote classes or performances, recruit supporters, and increase community visibility throughout the event. This is a wonderful opportunity for actors, theatre groups, and community organizations to showcase their creativity, engage with hundreds of guests, and become part of one of the area’s most unique and enchanting summer festivals.

Here’s a link to last year’s event, with some of the photos & discussion.  We invite the public to dress up for the event & they really love doing that!  What I would most want for our performers is that they would have a fun day and a great experience -- I hope to hear from you soon. https://www.facebook.com/events/1342544380331532/?active_tab=discussion

Barbara Loyer, MA
Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center
Lansing Parks and Recreation Dept.
100 East North Street| Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: 517-483-4220 | E: mailto:[email protected]

June 2026
5/28-31- 7:30; 2pm Sunday - Timeless: Where Eras Sing—fast-paced, all-singing, all-dancing production sweeps through the sounds and styles of multiple eras. Created & Directed by Garrett Bradley - https://www.lebowskycenter.com/ LEB
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

6/4-7 - 7pm & 4pm Sunday - FREE The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - MSU Summer Circle
6/4 - 14 - 7pm/2pm Sundays - Seussical, Main Stage Musical, Directed by Tom Ferris; Music Direction by Lizabeth Desmet - RWT
6/11-14 - 7pm & 4pm Sunday -  FREE  Pride@Prejudice - MSU Summer Circle
6/14 & 15, 7:00 - AUDITIONS for Ransacking Troy Directed by Emily Clark at Sycamore Creek church on S. Pennsylvania - everyone will audition with the same monologue and then do a few scenes. There will be copies of the monologue at auditions - Production Dates: 9/11–13 & 17–20, PCTC
​6/18-21 - 7pm & 4pm Sunday -  FREE  Honky Tonk Laundry, the Musical - MSU Summer Circle
6/23–28-7:30pm Tue-Fri; 2pm & 7:30pm Sat; 1pm & 6:30pm  Sun - & Juliet, - Great Hall - WTN
6/22 - Monday, 6:00pm Riverwalk Annual Membership Meeting - RWT
6/24-28 - Wed. - Fri.  7 pm.; Sat. & Sun. 2 pm. FREE The “Tail” of Peter Rabbit – A Musical Adapted by Rob Roznowski from the story by Beatrix Potter, Music and Lyrics by Chelle Peterson, Directed by Chelle Peterson - Gannon Building Black Box Theatre - LCC
6/26 - 6pm - Riverwalk Barney Awards - reception, entertainment awards  - RWT

Did tickets for the Re-Mixed Casserole sell out before you got yours? 

Riverwalk has got some good news for you!: More tickets available!

The Black Box sold out so fast, that the good folks on the Seussical team are letting us take over their space for this one-night-only event, allowing more people to attend! Plus, you'll get a sneak peek at the in-progress Seussical stage, it's going to be beautiful!

Lansing "favorites" return to the Riverwalk stage after eleven years for a sequel of miscast musical numbers. 
Kyle and Kayla Harwood, 
Tigi Habtemariam, 
Joe Quick, 
Kelly Stuible-Clark, 
and Tony Sump 
are joined by John Dillingham and Kait Wilson on keys and Aaron Bender drums, for an evening of unforgettable renditions of their favorite numbers- favorites they'll never play on stage. 

This event is a fundraiser for Riverwalk Theatre, and all proceeds go right back to the theatre we love so much.

Friday, May 22 at 8:00pm
Even though we've moved this event to the Main Stage, the seating is not assigned.
Lobby opens at 7:00pm
House opens at 7:30pm
 
Tickets are $20, and RWT Members get a $5 off!
Tickets at: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=327866

Community Circle Players at Riverwalk Theatre
Visit us
228 Museum Dr. Lansing, MI 48933
517-482-5700
[email protected]

Williamston 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
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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:[email protected]
www.ixiontheatre.com

__________________
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​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. ([email protected]) 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!