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" • Auditions: About a month and a half before each show • How to get involved: Audition for shows or volunteer for backstage crew, costuming or props. PEPPERMINT CREEK THEATRE COMPANY 110 Charles St. (517) 719-3887 peppermintcreek.org • Upcoming shows: "Fiction," "A New Brain" • Auditions: One night in August to cast the whole season's shows • How to get involved: Artistic director Chad Badgero said students always are welcome to audition and backstage help always is needed. RIVERWALK THEATRE 228 Museum Drive in Lansing (517) 482-5700 riverwalktheatre.com • Upcoming shows: "I Hate Hamlet," "The Full Monty" • Auditions: Six to eight weeks before the performance date • How to get involved: Acting, directing, ushering and crew work.
