Michigan Stage

Six years ago, we launched our very first Playlab summer camp.

We had no idea then that this funny, wildly imaginative group of students (alongside a few others) would help shape what has since become Michigan Stage’s flagship educational program.

This weekend, I got to celebrate three of them as high school graduates.

In the fall they’ll be heading to Michigan State University to study engineering, political science, and sustainability.

As educators, we rarely get to see the ending of the story. We plant seeds, cross our fingers, and hope they take root.

Every once in a while, though, those stories circle back.

I’m incredibly proud of these brilliant humans—not just for what they’ve accomplished, but for the curiosity, creativity, and kindness they’ve carried with them since those first Playlab rehearsals.

Congratulations, friends. The world is lucky to have you.

🎨➡️🎭 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.

🎨➡️🎭 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. #Playlabs #SummerCamp #ArtsEducation #DetroitArts #CreativeLearning #YouthTheatre #DIA #ArtsIntegration

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

Beyond the Jargon: The Creative Economy and You Artists have been hearing the phrase creative economy a lot lately. Learn where you fit in and why it matters.

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 💛

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.

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

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.