Michigan Stage

06/10/2026

🎨➡️🎭 What happens when young artists step inside one of the world's greatest art museums and then create original theatre inspired by what they discover?

This summer, Playlabs campers will explore the galleries of the Detroit Institute of Arts as part of their creative journey.

Students will engage with artwork from across cultures and centuries, then transform their observations, questions, and imaginations into original stories and performances.

Through improvisation, collaborative playwriting, role-playing, and theatre-making, campers won't just study art—they'll use it as inspiration to create something entirely their own.

Sessions 1 & 2 include this special field trip experience.

🎭 Create.
🎨 Explore.
✨ Imagine.

Limited spots remain for Summer Playlabs. Register at link in bio.

06/05/2026

Love this article from Arts Midwest and shared by Michigan Arts and Culture Council about the economic impact of the arts.

Artists have been hearing the phrase creative economy a lot lately. Learn where you fit in and why it matters.

04/25/2026

We’re still glowing from last weekend’s Playlab Craft Day ✨

Thank you to all of our incredible students and families who showed up, got creative, and poured so much care into building costumes, props, and scenery for our upcoming Spring Tour. The talent, teamwork, and joy in that room reminded us exactly why this work matters.

Every brushstroke, glue stick, and bold idea is helping bring our original performances to life—and we can’t wait for you to see it all on stage.

🎭 Don't Miss Our Upcoming Playlab Performances. Come support our students as they take their original work on tour!

5/5 – Ferndale Lower Elementary
5/7 – Ferndale Upper Elementary
5/11 (Monday) – Community Playlabs (Lower + All Ages)
5/12 (Tuesday) – Community Playlabs (Upper + PPE)

All performances at 5:30pm. All FREE and open to the public.

Each performance is a celebration of student voice, creativity, and collaboration—we’d love to see you there.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this creative community. Let’s keep building something special together 💛

01/19/2026

Looking for a fun, creative outlet for your young artist? Playlabs return! Enroll today for a one-of-a-kind theater experience at the link in our bio, or at MichiganStage.org.

These community-based theater programs, bring together students of mixed ages from different schools and neighborhoods. Under the guidance of our professional Teaching Artists, participants learn to collaborate across differences, share leadership, and transform their ideas into an original play that belongs to everyone in the room.

No prior theater experience is required—just curiosity, imagination, and a willingness to work together.

📣 Enrollment is now open, and space is limited. We encourage families to register early to secure a spot. Register at link in bio or at MichiganStage.org.

12/09/2025

Welcome to our online Playlab fundraising auction. 📣

Each item up for bid has been generously donated with all proceeds directly benefiting our after-school Playlabs. By participating in our auction, you’re not just acquiring remarkable items; you’re also making a meaningful difference, providing access to after-school theater programs for hundreds of local youth.

Spread the word, rally your friends and family, and together, let’s make this auction a success! 🚀

Thank you for your support, and happy bidding!

Michigan Stage

12/09/2025

More than 15 million students—including approximately 3.7 million middle schoolers—are alone and unsupervised between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m., leading to juvenile crime and risk experimentation.

Playlabs take place during this peak unsupervised time, nurturing brave and curious young people to their highest potential.

Our flagship program filled in less than four minutes this year — faster than ever before. Sadly due to funding cuts to the arts, 120 students were left on a waitlist.

Support our work with a year-end gift this holiday season, and help restore these vital programs for those who need it most. Together, we can keep creating spaces where people of all ages and backgrounds feel seen, heard, and inspired.

Donate at link in bio or MichiganStage.org.
All donations tax-deductible. Michigan Stage is a registered 501(c)3.

12/03/2025

We're excited to share a fun new way to support Michigan Stage and help bring Playlabs back to the people who need them most.

Over the past year, budget cuts have forced us to scale back some of our after-school programs which provide a creative home for students to grow in confidence, collaboration, and self-expression. For many of our participants, Playlabs are more than just theater classes; they’re a safe, supportive space to be fully themselves.

To help us restore these cut programs, we’ve launched a Theater for All Online Auction, featuring eight custom prize packages—and every dollar raised goes directly to reopening access to Playlabs.

Whether you place a single bid, share the auction with a friend, or simply help us spread the word, you’re playing a real part in making theater accessible to all. The auction closes on Dec 12th so bid today and help restore Playlabs for the young people who need them most.

Thank you for being part of the Michigan Stage community and for considering a gift that puts kids back in the spotlight.

Welcome to our online Playlab fundraising auction. 📣Each item up for bid has been generously donated with all proceeds directly benefiting our after-school Playlabs. By participating in our auction, you're not just acquiring remarkable items; you're also making a meaningful difference, providing ...

12/01/2025

Thank you to everyone who came out to our Drag Queen Karaoke Fundraiser! 🌈🎤

Because of you—our singers, queens, kings, royal volunteers, and donors—we raised crucial funds to restore Playlabs to those who need it most.

The energy, the outfits, the HIGH NOTES made the night unforgettable. A special shoutout to our newly crowned Karaoke Crown Jewels, JahJah Shee and Rose Ritz! Their performances were equally legendary, earning them the well-deserved shared title.

We’re so grateful for this community that shows up, sings loud, and gives generously.

Stay tuned for more events—and more chances to shine in the spotlight with us. ✨

11/21/2025

Another throwback to our first ever DQK.

👑 We’re 9 days out from this year’s event, raising vital funds for Playlabs! 💋 Bring your sass, your singles, and your fiercest applause — it’s karaoke with glitter, guts, and glory!

Watch Rose Ritz and Jah Jah Shee battle it out while YOU decide the winner. Be prepared to grab the mic and snag some of incredible raffle and auction prizes.

Tickets on sale now at link in bio or at MichiganStage.org

11/12/2025

What a show-stopping year it’s been! Your energy, curiosity, and love for musical theatre continue to make our favorite Sundays sparkle brighter than a Broadway marquee.

Join us for our final Talkin' Broadway Session of 2025 on Sunday, November 16th from 2–3:30 PM at the West Bloomfield Library. Dive into the razzle-dazzle world of Chicago the Musical. Expect sharp wit, sizzling songs, and of course, “All That Jazz.”

Talkin’ Broadway is free and open to the public—but just like the best productions, it takes a community to keep the lights shining. If you love what we do, please consider making a gift to support this year's series, next year's sessions, and all Michigan Stage programs all year long.