a new arts organization in SE Michigan
A non-profit theatre and arts organization dedicated to producing quality improvisational theatre performances, classes, workshops, and more.
Whatabout Theatre was started by local community members wanting to further cultivate connections through improv and live theatre.Learn about our membership structure, our developing curriculum, and our commitment to community and belonging.Our Board of Directors is:
Michelle Weiss, President/Treasurer
Corene Ford, Vice President
Elissa Zimmer, Secretary
Karen Malinak, Member at large
Amy Phillips, Member at Large
Whatabout Theatre's Revolving Stage program provides an opportunity for directors to produce a 45-60 minute structured long form improv show.The current Revolving Stage production will be Adventure's Call: An Improvised Hero's Journey, which premiered February 2024! Sponsored by RIW Hobbies & Games.
The next Revolving Stage production is entitled "Home Slice" and is directed by Jason Robbins and Jamie Artman. Each show will follow the lives of a group of people who live in the same home, it may go from a crowded city apartment one performance to a rural farmhouse the next, and anywhere in between. The improvisers will create the world of the home and show a slice of life for its inhabitants and their neighbors with live accompaniment/underscoring from Music Director, Jamie Artman.Some improv experience is expected. Experience with longform/narrative improv is preferred, but not required. Singing is not required or expected.This production will be directed by Jason Robbins and Jamie Artman with Musical Direction by Jamie Artman.Audition Date/Times: Auditions will be held on Tuesday, May 14 and Sunday, May 19 at Riverside Arts Center, 26 N Huron Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48197.They will be held in 30 minute slots from 7pm-10pm on Tuesday the 14th and 2pm-5pm on Sunday the 19th.Please bring a copy of your headshot (does not need to be professional) and improv resume to the audition. If you don't have a headshot or photo, one will be taken of you at the audition. If you don't have a way to print your photo/resume, you can email it to info@whatabouttheatre.org.Callbacks will be held from 6-8pm Sunday, May 19th.Show Dates/Times: The show will be put up at one or more venues in the Ypsilanti area.
Saturday, August 3 at 8pm
Saturday, August 10 at 8pm
Saturday, September 14 at 8pm
Saturday, September 21 at 8pm
Saturday, October 12 at 8pm
Saturday, November 9 at 8pm
Rehearsals: Rehearsals will be held on either Tuesdays or Sundays, per cast availability. Will most likely be held in a location in Ypsilanti. There will be 8 rehearsals prior to the first show and at least 1 rehearsal each month during the run of the show.There is no cost to participate in this show. The participants will be paid via a profit-sharing model. Once the theatre recoups the cost of the production, all additional proceeds are considered profit. Profits are split among the cast (55%), directors (15%), and theatre (30%). Participants also have the option to donate their portion of the profits back to the theatre.
Join us for Whatabout Theatre's Revolving Stage presents Adventure's Call: An Improvised Hero's Journey!🎭 Immerse yourself in a world of spontaneity, laughter, and unexpected twists as our talented ensemble of performers takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the stages of the Hero's Journey. From the ordinary to the extraordinary, be prepared to witness the hero's transformation right before your eyes!Get ready to laugh, cheer, and be part of the journey. Join us for Adventure's Call– an improvised show like no other! 🌟 #WTRevolvingStage #AdventuresCallYou have SIX opportunities to catch this show:📅 Date: February 10, 2024 - 📍 Venue: Dreamland Theater - 🕖 Time: 8pm📅 Date: March 9, 2024 - 📍 Venue: The Ypsilanti Performance Space - 🕖 Time: 8pm📅 Date: April 5, 2024 - 📍 Venue: Dreamland Theater - 🕖 Time:8pm📅 Date: April 13, 2024 - 📍 Venue: The Ypsilanti Performance Space - 🕖 Time: 8pm📅 Date: May 3, 2024 - 📍 Venue: Dreamland Theater - 🕖 Time: 8pm📅 Date: May 11, 2024 - 📍 Venue: The Ypsilanti Performance Space - 🕖 Time: 8pmEach 90-minute show will start with an opening improv team followed by the hour-long Adventure's Call.Tickets are $15 - use card for online sales, cash only at the door.🎫 Secure your tickets now for an evening of unscripted brilliance, where the hero's journey unfolds with every burst of laughter and gasp of amazement! Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind, immersive experience that promises to be a night out to remember.Whatabout Theatre members get an extra 20% off of tickets! Not a member? Join Now and sign in with your member code to get the discount.All ticket purchases are non-refundable.Get your tickets now!THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR
mission
Whatabout Theatre is laying the physical and digital foundation for a performing arts community that cooperatively provides quality entertainment, excellent education, and a creative environment.
improv jams
Join us for a free (suggested donation $5) improv jam at 6 pm on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Ypsilanti Performance Space.Anyone (ages 16+) can get on stage and perform improv regardless of experience. Our hosts will welcome you, explain the rules, and leave space for you to have fun making things up on stage! Suggested donation $5
community
Whatabout Theatre was built with community and collaboration in mind. Our membership structure allows all of our community members to have a say in organizational matters.We can't do this without you – join as a member and/or join a committee and provide your input into the future of Whatabout Theatre.
learn
Registration Closed - Next Term Starts In Late July
If you've ever considered learning improvisation, Whatabout Theatre's Improv Level 1 class is the place to start! In this class, you'll gain familiarity with improv concepts, grow your skills, and build relationships with your classmates.After completing this eight (8) week class, you'll:
Employ active listening tactics in and outside of scene work
Create and embody characters with a variety of physicalities and voices
Perform improvised scenes live on stage in front of an audience!
At Whatabout Theatre, we want our students to stay on T.R.A.C.K.
Trust in your community. Respect yourself and others on and off the stage. Accept people for where they start their journey. Create in a safe and collaborative environment. Know that you are enough.To learn more about Whatabout Theatre's class policies and expectations, please read the Student Handbook.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES NOW AVAILABLE!
Whatabout Theatre is proud to now offer scholarships! Each class session has two (2) available scholarships for 50% off the regular registration fee. These scholarships are meant to provide access to classes for those who are unable to or would have difficulty paying the full fee.To apply for a scholarship, you just need to fill out a brief form indicating which session you want to register for.Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to submit yours ASAP!The next round of scholarship applications will open in June. To learn about registration, be sure to join the waitlist!
connect
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on progress, upcoming events, and more.For questions, email us at info@whatabouttheatre.org
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