Michigan Equity Theatre Alliance

Thanks, CultureSource for all of your help and support in founding META.

With its owner closed, what’s the future of Encore Michigan? So what's a new-fangled internet-based arts-oriented media company supposed to do when its parent organization decides to go out of business? That's the question being discussed at EncoreMichigan.com these days, following the unexpected news that the Michigan Equity Theatre Alliance would close down…

http://www.examiner.com/article/meta-closure-threatens-theatre-resource-encoremichigan-com

Coverage of the META closure and the effect to EncoreMichigan.com.

BREAKING NEWS: META to cease operations tonight at 11:59 PM.

Michigan Equity Theatre Alliance to cease operations effective June 30 ROYAL OAK - The Michigan Equity Theatre Alliance board of directors has voted to suspend all operations effective 11:59 p.m. June 30. Over the past three months, the board has met to discuss possibilities to continue the operations and support of both META and EncoreMichigan.com. After careful revie…

Hopefully you all enjoyed the Tonys last night! Did any of your favorites win?

Tony Awards, anyone? Who are your faves?

"Old Love" is a touching comedy about persistence in the pursuit of happiness playing now at Williamston Theatre. Don't forget to grab your tickets and check out this very special show!

https://tickets.metatheatres.org/mainstore.asp

Hey Williamston Theatre fans! Here's an easy way to show your support for the Williamston Theatre and help them to possibly win $2,500 to go towards their general operating expenses. No strings attached!! Please go to the link on the Capital Region Community Foundation site here, read the directions, and type our name into the comments section as directed. (DON'T WRITE IT HERE, IT WON'T COUNT!). You can only put our name down once and you have to do it by June 16. Please help us spread the word! Thanks for your support!

https://www.facebook.com/givelansing/photos/a.403089029643.177702.335412204643/10152444902529644/?type=1&theater

The Capital Region Community Foundation is celebrating 25 years of grantmaking by GIVING AWAY MONEY! True, we always give away money — but this is different! You can help your favorite local nonprofit win a $2,500 grant.

HOW IT WORKS:
• Like our page
• Comment on this photo with the name of your favorite 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Ingham, Eaton or Clinton counties. Houses of worship, schools and political organizations are not eligible.
• This is meant to be fun. Go easy on our method. We’re not setting out to ruin anyone’s day.
• One vote per person. Double voting disqualifies your votes.
• Organizations that won previous Facebook grant contests in 2014 are ineligible.
• Votes must be cast by 5 p.m. June 16. A winner will be announced by June 20.
• All decisions by CRCF are final. Our contest, our rules.
What the organization wins:
• A $2,500 unrestricted grant for the charitable work of your organization (no trips to Maui)
• Bragging rights
• The admiration of your peers

Winning this grant does not affect a current grant application status.

This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. Facebook is released completely by each entrant or participant.

Check out these photos from "The Red King's Dream" at Tipping Point Theatre! You can buy discounted tickets here: https://tickets.metatheatres.org/mainstore.asp

This is a show you won't want to miss!
(Pictures taken by Giant Ginger Theatrical Design)

Set in Paris in 1929 and filled with delightful, witty, Cole Porter songs, "You Never Know" at Meadow Brook Theatre takes place one summer evening in Baron Rommer's elegant penthouse suite at the Hotel Ritz. The baron and his butler switch identities so that the butler can pursue a woman he believes is a lady of a much higher class. This is a door slamming farce with wonderful songs such as "Let's Misbehave" and "At Long Last Love."

Get your tickets today!

https://tickets.metatheatres.org/mainstore.asp

Happy Opening Night, Tipping Point Theatre and the cast and creative team of "The Red King's Dream!" Congratulations!

Happy Opening weekend of "Cole Porter's You Never Know" at Meadow Brook Theatre! When are you going to see the show?

As audience members, would you rather leave the theatre prepared for debate or would you rather leave the theatre "[floating] out on a cloud of pleasure after every theatregoing experience"?

http://www.theguardian.com/stage/theatreblog/2014/may/21/theatre-playwrights-kinder-audiences-king-lear-tragedie

Should playwrights be kinder to audiences? Shows such as King Lear and the choreographer Olivier Dubois's Tragédie can be punishing to watch, but that's what makes them interesting, writes Lyn Gardner

Have you planned to see "Old Love" at Williamston Theatre yet? You can buy discounted tickets at https://tickets.metatheatres.org/mainstore.asp

META Superstore - Online Registrations The Williamston Theatres mission is to produce professional theatre that excites and engages our audiences while challenging us all to explore our lives. This mission statement is supported by the following objectives: to be an integral part of the cultural fabric of Michigan; to pursue innovative c…

http://www.theguardian.com/stage/theatreblog/2014/may/26/verbatim-theatre-fiction-stories-london-road

What do you think of verbatim theatre? Seen any recently?

In theatre, fiction is being underrated Verbatim plays are lauded, but they are no more true as theatre than fiction, or even a combination of both: it's story that matters, writes Lyn Gardner

After Memorial Day this past weekend, an interesting thought on Shakespeare through the lens of a military veteran.

"And in this harsh world draw thy breath in pain,
To tell my story."

http://www.howlround.com/will-war-shakespeare-though-the-lens-of-a-military-veteran .NvGDad2k.dpuf

Will & War: Shakespeare Though the Lens of a Military Veteran | HowlRound Will & War: Shakespeare Though the Lens of a Military VeteranStephan Wolfert May 27, 2014 This ten-part series examines Shakespeare from a military veteran's perspective and offers a new perspective on Shakespeare's text and characters, while delving deep into the challenges facing American theater…

http://www.howlround.com/repertory-is-the-answer

What are your thoughts on a Repertory theatre? We have heard it said that the true passing of the art from master to apprenticed has lapsed now that the mixing of older artists with early career artists that happens in a repertory company is no longer the norm.

What do you think? What are your pros and cons?

Repertory is the Answer | HowlRound Repertory is the AnswerBrian Bell May 25, 2014 Anyone familiar with summer stock theater will remember that particular dread that sets in during the last two weeks of the summer, when you realize you will soon have to head back to New York/Chicago/D.C. and start auditioning again. The feeling that t…

Sad news from META Member Theatre, Performance Network Theatre. Sending love and thoughts to Ann Arbor.

http://www.metatheatres.org/performance-network-theatre-shuts-its-doors

Performance Network Theatre Shuts Its Doors | META Yesterday afternoon The Board of Directors of Performance Network Theatre announced that they have determined to shut the theatre doors as Performance Network Theatre is no longer financially viable. They have decided to interrupt the run of "Richard III", and end production meetings on the the fina…

Happy Opening Weekend "Old Love!" Break legs!

What are you going to see this weekend? There are so many META Member Theatre shows to choose from, how will you pick?

"Richard III"
Performance Network Theatre
April 25 - June 1

"Other Desert Cities"
Jewish Ensemble Theatre
April 23 - May 18

"The Andrews Brothers"
Meadow Brook Theatre
April 23 - May 18

"Old Love"
Williamston Theatre
May 15 - June 15

META May Newsletter - Now playing, deals, and upcoming events!

META May Newsletter

Thank you for everyone who came out to the Second Annual META Conference & Unified Auditions on Monday and Tuesday - you helped to make this event a fantastic success!

Our FINAL casting authority is American Prophet [film].

American Prophet is a new narrative short film excerpted from a feature based on the life of Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton of Detroit. As an internationally-renowned peace activist and social justice advocate, Bishop Gumbleton has become a hero to many around the world.

Get excited, it's almost time!

American Prophet Preview Vimeo is the home for high-quality videos and the people who love them.

Farmers Alley Theatre is a casting authority as well! We're excited to have them at auditions!

The Farmers Alley Theatre is a professional ensemble based non-profit performance company dedicated to producing popular and new work in the Downtown Kalamazoo area in a unique and intimate setting.

http://www.farmersalleytheatre.com/

Farmers Alley Theatre Farmers Alley Theatre

Etico Productions will also be joining us at the Unified Auditions. Their current production is "How I Became A Pirate" - check it out!

http://www.olympiaentertainment.com/events/detail/how-i-became-a-pirate?view_type=group

How I Became A Pirate :: Olympia Entertainment Olympia Entertainment and Etico Productions present How I Became A Pirate, a musical based on the book written by Melinda Long. Children will join the adventures of Jacob Jeremy as he jumps on board to join Capitan Braid Beard and his pirate crew. Buried treasure, sea chanteys, pirate talk--who woul…

Performance Network Theatre will also be joining us for the Conference & Unified Auditions. We are so happy to welcome David Wolber as the facilitator of "Using All Your Tools," Carla Milarch as a panelist on "Behind the Table," and Erin Sabo as the instructor of "The Business of Acting." On top of all of that they are casting authorities at the Unified Auditions!

Check out the season line-up for 2014/15 at our host and casting authority Meadow Brook Theatre! http://www.mbtheatre.com/20142015Season/tabid/877/Default.aspx

Meadow Brook Theatre > 2014-2015 Season The Bikinis,The BikinisIt's In His Kiss, Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, Heat Wave, Under the Boarwalk, These Boots are Made for Walking

Michigan Shakespeare Festival will also be joining us as a casting authority at the Conference & Auditions.

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival inspires and entertains a diverse audience while further developing an appreciation for professional performances of Shakespeare's works and other classical plays.

http://www.michiganshakespearefestival.com/

The Michigan Shakespeare Festival The Official Shakespeare Festival of the State of Michigan.

For the second year, Puzzle Piece Theatre will be joining us as casting authority at the Unified Auditions!

"Your point of view is the only one that matters. In theatre a group of artists come together to tell a story and their vision has a unified perspective. The meaning of their work is the impression it leaves on you, the audience member. No two people who take in one of our productions will agree fully on its meaning – that is what inspires us. Our artists put the pieces into place through storytelling, only you can interpret the final image." Puzzle Piece mission

Also joining us will be Williamston Theatre.

The Williamston Theatre’s mission is to produce professional theatre that excites and engages our audiences while challenging us all to explore our lives. This mission statement is supported by the following objectives: to be an integral part of the cultural fabric of Michigan; to pursue innovative collaboration in every aspect of our work; to establish a home for Midwest artists; to engage audiences of diverse ages, cultures and economic backgrounds.

We believe that theatre can enrich our lives and make a positive difference in our community, both culturally and economically. We believe that theatre should be accessible and affordable to everyone, whether they live in a large coastal city or a small Midwestern town. We believe that there are voices in the Midwest worth hearing, and our goal is to create moving, entertaining, professional theatre for, by and about this part of the world.

Next up on the casting authority list is, Tipping Point Theatre.

The mission of Tipping Point Theatre is to foster human interactions and relations, creating a unifying, yet personal experience through affordable, professional theatre performances and community outreach. Joining us will be James R. Kuhl, Producing Artistic Director. James will also be leading the Wilde Awards discussion at 4:30PM on Monday, April 28th.

It's almost that time! Over the next two days we want to introduce you to the companies with casting authority at the conference! Start getting excited, we know we are!

Jewish Ensemble Theatre (JET)
JET is a professional Equity theatre based in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Founded in 1989 by Evelyn Orbach with a group of prestigious theatre and community leaders, JET was established with the mission “to produce theatre of the highest professional standards and to provide a stage for the exploration of ideas that confront issues of humanity and community from a Jewish perspective. Jewish Ensemble Theatre serves as a force for Jewish continuity, a platform for new voices, and a bridge of understanding to the general community."

Flint Youth Theatre are casting their 2014/15 season, "Hope Springs Eternal" at the Unified Auditions this year! Check out their season here:http://www.thefim.org/images/14-15_Season_at_a_Glance.pdf

Hope Springs Eternal, Flint Youth Theatre

The Encore Musical Theatre Company is a non-profit musical theatre located in the historic Village of Dexter that will be joining us for the Unified Auditions. Their mission is to create quality, original theatrical productions with an emphasis on Musical Theatre, utilizing a unique mixture of Broadway and Local talent of all levels, while engaging and entertaining a wide spectrum of the surrounding communities.