Old Town Playhouse

== Old Town Playhouse == '''Old Town Playhouse''' is a vibrant community theater located in Traverse City, Michigan, with a rich history dating back to 1960. It has become a cultural mainstay in the community, offering a diverse array of theatrical performances and educational opportunities for all ages. The playhouse is known for its dedication to providing quality theater experiences by and for the community, and it operates with a strong volunteer spirit bolstered by community support. === History === The origins of Old Town Playhouse trace back to April 1960 when Elnora Milliken, alongside Interlochen faculty and 40 local theater enthusiasts, established the Traverse City Civic Players. The group's inaugural production was "You Can't Take It With You," performed at a local school. In 1969, the Players found a new home at the Park Place Dome, previously occupied by the Cherry County Playhouse, and expanded their repertoire with productions like "Guys and Dolls." During the early 1970s, the burgeoning theater group sought a larger venue and settled in the First Christian Church, built in 1903. By 1975, the Players had purchased the church facility and rebranded as Old Town Playhouse. The introduction of the Studio Theatre in 1978 allowed the playhouse to offer more intimate theatrical experiences to its audience. A significant phase of reconstruction occurred between 1983 and 1985, which included the installation of an elevator, new stairwells, a boiler, HVAC improvements, and the relocation of restrooms and makeup rooms. In 1993, the Traverse City Children/Teen Theatre was incorporated as the educational arm of the playhouse, emphasizing the organization's commitment to youth and education. The playhouse faced a critical moment in 1998 when fire code restrictions forced its temporary closure, necessitating over $350,000 in improvements. Demonstrating resilience, the playhouse continued performances at borrowed venues while a major capital campaign was launched. In 1999, thanks to overwhelming community support, Old Town Playhouse underwent renovations to meet safety codes and received various upgrades, reopening in 2000 with the production of "Nunsense." Subsequent years saw continued enhancements, such as the balcony renovation and seat upgrades in 2002, the retirement of the building's mortgage in 2006, and various building improvements. In 2007, the Board of Trustees initiated a review of operations and structure, leading to a governance restructuring in 2008 that established a community-based Board of Trustees and refocused the playhouse on managing growth and development. In the same year, Old Town Playhouse played a pivotal role in creating TREAT, a centralized regional ticketing operation, in collaboration with other arts partners. The initiative was supported by Rotary Charities of Traverse City and coordinated ticketing for the region. The playhouse continued to make strides in sustainability with energy efficiency improvements in 2019, including a transition to LED lighting. The 2020 pandemic brought a temporary closure, during which further upgrades were made, such as HVAC improvements and new ticketing software. In 2022, the playhouse unveiled new windows, branding, and a website. As of 2023, the Old Town Playhouse has further beautified its exterior with the "At the Corner of Art and Culture Mural Project," which showcases locally-sourced artwork. Today, the playhouse presents more than 75 performances annually, including five MainStage shows, Studio/Pop Up Theatre productions, Young Company shows, and Aged To Perfection performances. === Facilities and Programs === Old Town Playhouse operates out of a historic building that has been thoughtfully renovated to serve the needs of modern theater productions while retaining its historical charm. The playhouse includes a main stage for larger productions and a Studio Theatre for smaller, more intimate performances. Its educational arm, the Young Company, offers programs, classes, and camps for youth, emphasizing the importance of the arts in personal development and community engagement. === Community Engagement === The playhouse maintains strong ties with the community through partnerships, sponsorships, and a robust volunteer program. It is supported by a Board of Trustees, an Artistic Committee, and Tech Chairs, along with a dedicated staff. Volunteers play a crucial role in the organization, from acting and directing to technical support and operations. === Recognition === Old Town Playhouse has been recognized for its contributions to the arts and the community, receiving support and accolades for its efforts to provide accessible, high-quality theater experiences. [[Category:Theater companies in Michigan]] [[Category:Traverse City, Michigan]] [[Category:1960 establishments in Michigan]]