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Act out at community theaters

By Laura Leebove (Last updated: 08/28/09 6:31pm) Whether you like being the star of the show or staying behind the scenes, there are plenty of ways to get involved with theater in the East Lansing area.

MSU Department of Theatre

MSU AUDITORIUM AND WHARTON CENTER

(517) 355-6690

theatre.msu.edu

• Upcoming shows: "Pygmalion," "Arts or Crafts"

• Auditions: In the fall for winter shows

• How to get involved: Academic secretary Denice Detmer said there will be an open house at 7 p.m. the first day of classes in the Auditorium's Arena Theatre, where students can learn about the department and opportunities to help out with shows. Non-theater majors also can take theater classes, including beginning and advanced acting.

BOARSHEAD THEATER

425 S. Grand Ave. in Lansing

(517) 484-7805

boarshead.org

• Upcoming shows: "Moonlight and Magnolias," "Permanent Collection"

• Auditions: In mid-spring or early summer, but shows are mostly for union actors

• How to get involved: Become a member of the BoarsHead Guild, where you can volunteer to usher or sell concessions for shows and, in return, see shows for free. There also is an internship program for MSU students. If interested, contact Marlene Shelton at (517) 484-7800.

ICARUS FALLING

Shows used to be held at Creole Gallery, 1218 Turner St. in Lansing, but it has closed indefinitely. A new location is still being determined.

(517) 290-4375

icarusfalling.com

• Upcoming shows: "Parallel Lives," "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"

• Auditions: General auditions in August

• How to get involved: Audition for the shows. Artistic director Jeff Croff said the company always is looking for backstage crew.

LANSING CIVIC PLAYERS

2300 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing, but shows are performed at Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road

(517) 484-9115

lansingcivicplayers.org

• Upcoming shows: "Plaza Suite," "Desperate Hours"