04/02/2020
4/2/2020
A Message From D.B.
Hello everyone; I hope everyone is staying safe during this uncertain time. We lean on stories to make it through in times that are trying. Stories from our past, stories from friends, stories of events in the larger world, and stories so personal we keep them hidden. At its core, Theatre is about storytelling; if we artists are doing our work well it will leave a mark on your life and will become a compelling memory. A memory that compels you to think, compels you reconsider previous assumptions or outlooks on life, compels you dream, compels you to live- these are the reasons that theatre artists do what we do - tell stories.
Today, I have a sad story to share with you. After six seasons of fresh, bold, and provocative theatre the lights have come down on Puzzle Piece for the last time. What started as a fleeting thought in my mind almost ten years ago transformed into a passionate network of amazing artists that I am proud to have had the opportunity to collaborate with and whom I am very proud to call friends. I am still amazed and humbled by the professionalism, dedication, and creativity that the artists who trod the stage for us and who worked behind the scenes brought to every moment of Puzzle Piece's existence. For that I will always be grateful.
I need to send a special thank you to our amazing administrative team: Associate Artistic Director Laura Heikkinen, Company Manager Sergio Mautone, and the unsung jack-of-all trades Joe Sfair. Thank you for your belief in me and for joining me on this crazy adventure.
I owe a huge thanks to you, our audience. Theatre cannot exist with out you. Our work is all for naught if no one is there to see it. Thank you for seeing us, and putting together the pieces of our stories in ways that I hope remain meaningful to you. Many of you joined us at our humble beginnings in the Russell Industrial Center and stayed with us as we journeyed to the Box in Mt. Clemens, to the Abreact in Detroit, and lastly to what has been our home for the last four seasons, the vibrant Slipstream Theatre in Ferndale. I'll miss seeing you at performances and talking with you at our ever-present post show talkbacks. Thank you for the memories.
Thank you for everything; never stop the storytelling. Please support the amazing artists working in Michigan theatres, big and small. The coming months will be challenging for arts groups, and when we can once again emerge from our quarantine we will need their voices to help us find meaning.
Thanks for the stories.
D.B. Schroeder
