User:Baracreech/Sandbox

What A Do Theatre
What A Do Theatre, founded in October 2009, is a not-for-profit, 501 (c) (3) organization committed to the production of live professional theatre in downtown Battle Creek, Michigan. What A Do will operate under a SPT (small professional theatre) agreement with the Actor's Equity Association. What A Do's inaugural season will consist of a series of staged readings tentatively scheduled to begin in October 2010. What A Do's vision for performing arts in Battle Creek includes building a venue to be shared with other non-profit performing arts organizations, establishing professional/internship opportunities for aspiring talent attending local universities and community colleges to stem the tide of "brain drain" in Michigan, and the formation of a multi-age performing arts academy that trains future artists and audiences alike.

History
Like all great ideas, the concept of What A Do Theatre happened by accident. Managing Director Ed Creech returned to Battle Creek in October 2009 for a family wedding. Ed, born and raised in Battle Creek, moved to Chicago upon graduation from Michigan State University, so he hadn't been back downtown in more than 20 years. What he saw upon his return surprised him: a downtown absent of people on a Saturday night. Ed casually suggested to his wife a live professional theatre would be the ticket to bring people downtown. For most people, this is where the thought would have ended. Ed, normally, would have been no exception save for the fact he had just taken a sabbatical from teaching and had yet to find a project that excited him the way teaching had. What A Do turned out to be that project. Battle Creek turned out to be that place. And, What A Do Theatre became the right idea at the right time.

Since its inception, What A Do officials have been meeting with local non-profits, including performing arts organizations, business owners, reporters, economic development officials, and community foundations to lay the groundwork for its anticipated launch in October 2010.

Programming Philosophy
What A Do Theatre's programming philosophy is to focus on contemporary playwrights who express their voice through dramas that have a strong sense of humor. What A Do's goal is to create a writers ensemble to develop original works by Michigan artists and artists of color.

Productions
What A Do Theatre's inaugural season will consist of a series of staged readings tentatively scheduled to begin in October 2010.