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's Revolving Stage program provides an opportunity for directors to produce a 45-60 minute structured long form improv show.The next Revolving Stage production will be Home Slice, which premieres August 2024!
Step into the intimate world of Home Slice, where every performance unveils a new, unscripted two-act play set in a different home, underscored by live improvised music.Whatabout Theatre's Revolving Stage production of Home Slice invites you to witness authentic slices of life, each performance as fresh and unpredictable as the last.Event Details:Dates: August 3 and 10, September 14 and 21, October 12, and November 9, 2024
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Ypsilanti Performance Space 218 N Adams St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197Why Attend?Discover the magic of unscripted theatre, where talented actors breathe life into characters and situations created on the spot. Paired with dynamic live music, each evening promises laughter, insight, and poignant moments that resonate long after the curtain falls.Each show will also feature an opening performance from a local improv team - two great acts for the price of one!Tickets:- General Admission: $15
- Whatabout Theatre Members: $12Not a member? Join now for as little as $5/month!Don’t miss your chance to be part of this one-of-a-kind theatrical experience. Reserve your seats today and prepare for an unforgettable evening at Home Slice!
classes
Registration Now Open - Classes Start October! 14
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.There is no application! Simply select the scholarship price when you register.Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to get yours ASAP!
improv jams
Join us for a free (suggested donation $5) improv jam at 6:00 pm on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the Ypsilanti Performance SpaceThe YPSI is located at 218 N Adams St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198, USANo experience needed. Must be 16+ to participate in the Jam. Free.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! Whether you're a pro, brand new, or anywhere in between, we've got your back.Join us for this special Coming Out Downtown jam and stick around for the Home Slice show after!Suggested donation $5
about us
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
Amy Phillips, Member at Large
vision
To inspire a new era of community growth, development and joy and to foster the full potential of the human spirit through universal access to artistic spaces allowing expression, promoting collaboration and providing education and entertainment.
mission
Our mission is to create and nurture a collaborative performing arts space, guided by the community, that physically and digitally provides quality entertainment and education in a creative environment where all feel welcome. We work to lift up the voices and experiences of underrepresented communities, including but not limited to BIPOC, Women, Genderqueer people, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and/or economically disadvantaged individuals of all ages.Whatabout Theatre's mission is guided by the community. As the community expands and changes, the mission of the theatre will adapt to meet its wants and needs as identified through member feedback.
values
We will perform our mission through dedication to the following improv principles:Yes, And:
Through listening with an open mind, Whatabout Theatre is dedicated to accepting and building upon the wants and needs of our community. Our organization will be developed collaboratively and transparently with a focus on providing space to foster relationships, experiment, learn, and adapt. We also encourage the use of “No, because” to foster constructive growth.We’ve Got Your Back:
We support your personhood and safety within our organization and foster an environment where honest mistakes are an opportunity to learn and grow. Through community feedback, a culture of accountability, representation in decision-making, and committee leadership, we create accessible physical and digital environments that have belonging, safety, and respect as top priorities.Trust Your Instincts:
At Whatabout Theatre, we welcome your input. We are committed to following our best instincts and those of the community. We value the way first-time patrons, long-time patrons, students, performers, other community members, and anyone in the intersections of those groups perceive the quality of the organization.Use What You Have:
We embrace the dedication and enthusiasm of our membership and community, which provides talent, support, and guidance. We commit to organizational, financial, educational, and artistic partnerships with our neighbors. We commit to taking positive action to do all we can to support local partners.
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.
volunteer
Whatabout Theatre is a completely volunteer-run organization, and we can always use your help!Sign up to volunteer by filling out a short request form here. Let us know what kind of tasks you want to do and once you're approved you'll be able to sign up for available shifts whenever is convenient for you!Generally, we're looking for volunteer help with things like:
Ushering
Box Office
Concessions
Photo/Video Recording at Events
Street Team (putting up flyers/posters)
Social Media/Marketing
Fundraising & Development
Grant Writing
Volunteer ManagementWe also have longer-term volunteer opportunities like joining a committee, working on a project, or running for the Board of Directors! Want to learn more? Send us an email at info@whatabouttheatre.org.
WORKSHOPS
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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