Michigan Arts Orgs to Support | June 9, 2025

John Sloan III
Jun 9
5 min read

Shakespeare In Detroit and C. Glass Dance Co., two important arts organizations to follow. With work ranging from original dance pieces to retellings of classical text, these two producing orgs span the state’s geography while pushing boundaries in production and inclusivity.

Shakespeare In Detroit | www.shakespeareindetroit.com | @shakespeareindetroit

“Shakespeare in Detroit is a nonprofit organization that enhances and supports the cultural, educational and financial growth of Detroit with professional theatre created through a conscious lens of equity, diversity and inclusion.”

About:

Shakespeare in Detroit (SiD), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the premiere Shakespeare company in the city of Detroit.

*Sam White, Founding Artistic and Executive Director*

The organization was founded by Sam White, a Detroit native, and now an internationally recognized director and entrepreneur. In 2013, she produced and directed Detroit's first ever Shakespeare in the park experience within the city's boundaries.

Since then, the company has continued to produce groundbreaking, professional productions of Shakespeare’s works at various sites throughout the city – from traditional theatres to nontraditional spaces – to give access to both new and conventional theatre audiences, while highlighting Detroit’s vast array of historical structures, venues and parks. This site-specific template has created a movement of new audiences for classical theatre in the city of Detroit and challenged the status quo.

In 2025, the organization will begin exploring productions adjacent to Shakespeare's canon and other classical canons.

Vision:

Shakespeare in Detroit will produce the classics, musicals, contemporary and new works in equal measure throughout each season as the official Shakespeare organization of the city. The pioneering theatre company will attract tourists from all over the world to see its world-class offerings of staged readings, theatrical productions and special events as a cultural force in Detroit. The company’s work will also include educational programming to complement and supplement the curriculums of K-12 students throughout Southeast Michigan.

What is Shakespeare STEAM ?:

Shakespeare STEAM is designed to inspire and empower young individuals by providing hands-on learning experiences in a wide range of creative and technical disciplines. The program encourages curiosity, innovation, and problem-solving by blending scientific concepts with artistic expression. Through a summer conservatory and in-classroom activities, students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and technical skills while exploring their passions in fields like design rendering, automating, building, performing, and programming.

By fostering a growth mindset, the program focuses on academic knowledge and nurtures creativity and communication skills, preparing students for future careers and opportunities in an ever-evolving world. The program gives young learners a deeper understanding of real-world applications of STEAM disciplines across many fields and industries.

Shakespeare in Detroit's teaching artists are embedded in Detroit schools during the academic year (September - May). They work with grades 3 -12 in classrooms alongside educators to supplement arts and vocational learning.

High School students who thrive during the school year are encouraged to audition for the summer conservatory—an intensive curriculum that builds on the lessons and learning from the classroom via five-to-six weeks of onsite, paid training with Shakespeare in Detroit's experts.

Summer 2025 YOUTH CONSERVATORY

Shakespeare in Detroit will produce a youth production of William Shakespeare's Hamlet with Detroit teens between the ages of 14 and 18 years old, directed by former STEAM student Arise Rock.

All students, regardless of their role, will engage in STEAM workshops, attend mandatory field trips to our STEAM partners, and fully complete the program—either by performing onstage or contributing to the production team.

Upon successful completion of the program, each student will receive a $2,000 scholarship to advance their education.

Ways to Support:

Shakespeare In Detroit (SID) invites support in a variety of ways. Those interested can visit https://www.shakespeareindetroit.com/support-us for more information.

C. Glass Dance Co | www.cglassdanceco.com | @c.glassdanceco

“A Unique Community that sparks passion and individuality. INSPIRING STRENGTH and BUILDING community through judgment-free dance.”

About:

Welcome to the only artistic adult dance company that is inclusive to all types of dancers in West Michigan! C.Glass Dance Company is a professional & pre-professional experience offered to the greater Grand Rapids area dancers who want MORE from their dance training. We are seeking adults and advanced teens 16+ who love to perform & have a strong dedication & passion for dance. C.Glass Dance Co. members will be featured in at least 2 performances a year and will take part in a weekly rehearsal that is separate from their Haus technique classes. Ciara Glass, director and choreographer of the company creates collaborative & original materials to be featured in multiple awe-inspiring performances throughout the year.

Members can expect to receive private coaching, premiere choreography, injury-prevention exercises, team bonding experiences, leadership training, photo/video shoot opportunities & a dance family that you will cherish forever!

What’s Company?

STYLE

Our Company is a one-of-a-kind dance experience that is structured in a non-competitive and uplifting environment. We are here because we love how dance moves people to improve and we want to grow together as a dance family.

EXPOSURE

Within all of our Company positions dancers gain exposure through multiple original productions a year as well as fun community performances, and exciting opportunities such as; photo and video shoots. All alongside project-to-project based dancing that speaks to current topical concepts.

GROWTH

Growth is our #1 priority We want to help grow others not only technically but artistically, emotionally, and spiritually through dance. We want all of our dancers to find a positive change in their self confidence through our class design & rehearsal/performance process

Is C. Glass right for you? | C.Glass Dance Adult Company

Welcome to a soul-expanding space made FOR ADULTS and pre-professional teens 16+ looking to dance and perform! All dancer’s will get the chance to explore and grow in their technical skills and creative abilities! C.Glass Dance Company is fun, uplifting, and a strong group of talented dancers that you won't find anywhere else in Michigan. This inclusive space is a unique experience that welcomes all styles of dance and all styles of people! Our company will immerse you in multiple performances specifically for C.Glass Dance co, creative content gigs including complimentary photoshoot and videography content, community events and so much more!