CHELSEA— The Purple Rose Theatre Company recently completed the final phase of its two-season, $250,000 roof renovation project, made possible in part by a follow-up grant of over $38,000 from Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) and matching support.

The grant was awarded through MCACA’s FY2017 competitive peer review process and was one of over 630 applications considered by a panel of in-state and out-of-state arts and culture professionals. The project’s final phase was contracted and managed by A. R. Brouwer Company of Dexter. The raised roofline will increase the scale and capacity (in size and depth) of future set designs.

Organizations receiving a MCACA grant are required to match funds dollar-for-dollar.  The project included demolition of the theatre’s crossover roof; installation of structural steel, carpentry and masonry; EPDM roofing; modification and insulation of new HVAC, electrical and fire protection systems; new steel doors, related plumbing, interior painting, caulking/sealing, and complete EIFS exterior finishes.

The MCACA’s peer review process ensures that taxpayers, who support this project through legislative appropriation, and all Michigan residents and visitors have access to the highest quality arts and cultural experiences.

Founded in 1991 by actor, playwright, musician and Chelsea native Jeff Daniels, the Purple Rose Theatre Company is a creative home for original American plays. In the 168-seat theatre, patrons experience an intimate encounter with live theatre. The PRTC also provides an apprenticeship program, performance classes, readings, lectures and tours. It commissions new work from established and early-career playwrights. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit professional theatre, the PRTC operates under a Small Professional Theatre agreement with the Actors’ Equity Association.