The Curtainless Theatre is dedicated to presenting classical theatre with a focus on modern relevance to the greater Lansing area. These stories form the foundation of our various cultures and societies, and we believe that exploring them can give us a better understanding of our humanity as a whole as well as our connections as individuals. Each production is used to facilitate community discussion and engagement through talk-backs and partnerships with local organizations. We take the label of "Community Theatre" very seriously: we believe that theatre can play an important role in a community, and we strive to engage with ours and produce theatre with a purpose.
Lansing, while having a thriving community theatre scene, has few free performances available and is lacking in any outdoor theatrical productions. Many major cities around the country have summer productions that take place outside and are treasured by both residents, as well as those who travel to enjoy the performances. The Curtainless Theatre would like to organize free, outdoor productions that are accessible, attract tourism, highlight local parks, and provide an enjoyable evening out for families. We are in the planning process for a performance of William Shakespeare's As You Like It in the summer of 2020 in Hunter Park, in partnership with Allen Neighborhood Center and The Poetry Room.
We had a test run of our educational outreach program in the spring of 2019 at East Lansing High School where several of our actors attended a day of freshman English classes to guest lecture on Romeo and Juliet and present scenes. We would like to expand to Lansing schools to offer guest lectures and performances to English and Theatre courses, and are in the process of developing programs that explore the major classics covered at local high schools.
Major Events Happening:
Two original works written by Lansing residents based classical literature are to be presented as staged readings (Monsters by Sarah Murphey; and The Brothers Grimm by Logan Kilpela, Ann Marie Foley, and Kris Vitols). Dates and Venue TBD.
Downtown Lansing Traffic JAM: pop-up art event with a Valentine's Day theme, an hour of Shakespeare's love scenes and sonnets, paired with music and small plates. February 13th, 2019, 4:30-6pm in the Knapp's Center (300 S Washington Square, Lansing, MI 48933).
Julius Caesar: A performance of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar set in a church, using the script to analyze power dynamics within the church structure and how to navigate them. March 6th, 7th, 13th and 14th @ 7pm, and 8th and 15th @ 2pm at Sycamore Creek Church (1919 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48910).
