OUR PROGRAMS
WE OFFER 30+ HOURS OF WEEKLY THEATER PROGRAMS TO OUR COMMUNITY. GET INVOLVED TODAY.
WHAT WE OFFER
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Our year-round Playlabs are engaging, amusing, one-of-a-kind productions developed through theatrical workshops, from the ideas of participating students under the guidance of professional teaching artists. These programs are offered in partnership with our local public schools and resident senior living communities. More info below.
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Michigan Stage and Friends of the West Bloomfield Public Library present Talkin’ Broadway, a monthly play-reading and discussion group featuring performances and expertise from visiting Broadway veterans.
All programs 2-4 p.m., held in community room of the West Bloomfield Township Library 4600 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48323.
Sep 20 Pirates of Penzance, Nov 15 Charlie Brown, Jan 21 Fiddler on the Roof, Feb 18 Hairspray, March 24 West Side Story, April 21 Sweet Charity, May 19 Hamilton, (off June-August), Sept 22 Cabaret, Oct 20 Wicked, Nov 17 Jersey Boys, (off December).
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Want to learn how to audition like an expert? Join us for a professional audition workshop with Broadway artists!
As the inaugural part of our “Like an Expert'' series, this event is perfect for hopeful actors seeking to gain industry knowledge and direct feedback. The series will grow to include multiple workshops with insight and training from experienced theatre artists. Learn how to choose effective material, gain perspective on the casting process, and receive live coaching.
Bring a 32-bar cut of a song if interested in being coached. The workshop will be held in Seaholm High School’s Little Theatre on Saturday, February 24th from 1:00pm to 3:00pm. Click Here To Register.
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Spend the year engaging with our artistic team on every facet of producing a show in our summer season; including but not limited to show selection, marketing, production scheduling, contract writing and negotiation, budgeting, marketing and outreach, fundraising, casting breakdowns, running auditions (auditioning if interested), hiring creative teams, designers, overseeing production timeline and coordination, leading curtain speeches and engaging with audiences and more.
Members coordinate a production schedule alongside Michigan Stage professionals to produce a show in the summer season. YPE members meet monthly on the first Tuesday of each month from 6-8 p.m. All participants directly shadow a professional. The production will be run professionally during our summer season. For more information email Tim@michiganstage.org
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Nearly one-fourth of adults aged sixty-five and older are considered to be socially isolated. Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) are associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke, and higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Adaptive aging inspired curiosity based activities promote mental health and wellness. Our senior Playlabs are offered in partnership with local residential senior communities. Interested in bringing Playlabs to your community? Contact info@michiganstage.org
Summer Playlab Registration
Now Enrolling!
Center-Stage Showdown: Original scenes that follow the same theme. July 8-12
Students work in Age Appropriate Groups to create scenes and stories based on a similar theme. Each story will vary in style and format. Register Here
Take it to Broadway: A story told through music and dance. July 15-19
Students work in Age Appropriate Groups to create scenes inspired by existing songs and musical numbers. All performers sing and dance. Register Here
How Original: A student created production. July 22-26
Students work in Age Appropriate Groups to create an original play completely unique to the group. This session will heavily involve crafting and explore puppetry, mask-work and physical storytelling. Register Here
Challenge Accepted: Traditional improv showdown. July 29-August 2
Students work in Age Appropriate Groups to create an improv showcase of their favorite games and short-sketches. Register Here
Daily Schedule
9:15-9:30 Arrival
9:30-9:45 Check-In
9:45-10:00 Warm-Up
10:00-10:45 Activity
10:45-11:00 Break (Window)*
11:00-12:00 Specialty 1/Lesson
12:00-12:45 Lunch
12:45-1:30 Craft
1:30-2:15 Specialty 2/Lesson
2:15-2:30 Break (Window)
2:30-3:15 Specialty 3/Activity
3:15-3:30 Check-Out
WINTER/SPRING PLAYLABS LOCATIONS
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Mondays | 3:30-5:10 pm | Waitlist
Tuesdays | 3:30-5:10 pm | Waitlist
*School’s will send out registration to parents before we open online
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Mondays | 3:10-5:10 pm
*School’s will send out registration to parents before we open online
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Thursdays | 3:30-5:10 pm | Waitlist
Fridays | 3:30-5:10 pm | Waitlist
*School’s will send out registration to parents before we open online
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Mondays | 3:45-5:25 pm | Waitlist
Tuesdays | 3:45-5:25 pm | Waitlist
Wednesdays | 2:45-4:25 pm | Waitlist
*School’s will send out registration to parents before we open online
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Wednesdays | 2:10-4:10 pm
*School’s will send out registration to parents before we open online
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Wednesdays (Improv Only) | 3:05-5:05 pm
Thursdays | 3:05-5:05 pm
Fridays | 3:05-5:05 pm
*School’s will send out registration to parents before we open online
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(Ages 10+) Thursdays, 4:30-6:10pm
Playlab location: Royal Oak First United Methodist
If you have questions about out-of-district options, please contact stephanie@michiganstage.org
Our pay-what-you-can Playlabs are offered after-school twice a year in the Fall and Winter. These semester long programs take place during peak unsupervised hours.
Our innovative, outside-the-box approach to youth theater makes it easier than ever for anyone to participate. This applies to our tuition model too. We commit to making our programs 100% barrier free and accessible to all regardless of ability or experience. For all Playlabs, YOU name your price. The initiative is rooted in our mission to make theater more accessible, and to invest in emerging artists and the next generation of theater-goers.
Michigan Stage Playlabs are one-of-a-kind after-school theater programs. Each semester 150+ students in grades k-12, work together to create an original performance based on their ideas and interests under the guidance of professional directors and teaching artists. We spend each session getting to know our individual and group strengths. Along the way we explore every idea using improv and imagination creating our story as we go. We prioritize experimentation and take turns playing different roles, eliminating scripts and auditions to make our program as accessible as possible.
Everyone wants to belong somewhere. Playlabs are a safe environment where participants can find their voice, learn to express themselves and how to deal with challenging situations, better understanding how the choices they make will impact their lives and the lives of those around them, ensuring they will become well-rounded, active citizens, who contribute positively to society.
FAQs
FAQs
FAQs
What are Playlabs?
Playlabs for local youth in grades k-12 are engaging, amusing, one-of-a-kind productions developed through theatrical workshops from the ideas of participating group members under the guidance of professional teaching artists.
How does it work?
Each Playlab focuses on building performance skills through ensemble-based work, improvisation, and individualized coaching. Playlabs culminate with a student-created original play to be performed on the final day of the program. Click here for more info.
What kind of students participate?
We attract both veterans of the stage and first time performers. Our programs are strength-based. We meet all students where they’re at in their experience. We work closely with licensed counselors and social workers to train our staff on best practices for educating and supporting all kinds of students. We offer a 1-to-5 ratio of Teaching Artist to students.
Where do Playlabs take place?
Ferndale Public Schools, Hazel Park School District, & South Lake School District. All programs held on-site at respective partner school location. We host one out-of-district program per age group in Royal Oak.
How much does it cost?
Playlabs operate on our pay-what-you-can model. We operate exclusively through donations and foundational support. Your contribution allows Michigan Stage the ability to offer these programs to all community members, reducing the barrier of tuition.
What about the sets, costumes and props?
We invite our community to participate in building the scenery, props and costumes for our plays. Artistic mentors guide as volunteers help build.
When are Playlabs?
Weekdays after-school from September-December, February-May and summer.
This activity is supported in part by the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan + Michigan Humanities + Galloway & Collens + MACC + Culture Source + Ferndale Community Foundation
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Help keep our programs affordable. Your contribution allows Michigan Stage the ability to offer these programs on a pay-what-you-can basis to all community members, reducing the barrier of tuition. Expanding the boundaries of theater. Please consider a gift today.
