Spotlight: Preserving Tradition, Inspiring Movement — The Croswell Opera House & CARE Ballet.
- John Sloan III
- Oct 13
- 4 min read
Michigan Arts Orgs to Support | October 13, 2025
From the stage lights of Adrian’s historic Croswell Opera House to the graceful artistry of Grand Rapids’ CARE Ballet, Michigan is home to organizations that preserve the richness of the past while shaping the future of the performing arts. Both organizations not only produce professional-level work but also open their doors to the next generation, ensuring that the transformative power of performance remains accessible to all.
The Croswell Opera House | www.croswell.org | @thecroswell
Mission
"The Croswell Opera House and Fine Arts Association and its employees will promote and perpetuate the arts. We offer professional growth for artists in an historic building. We motivate all ages to participate in cultural activities. We engage our community and connect people. Our goal is to be financially viable and self-sustaining."
Vision:
To enrich our community as a leading cultural icon and preserve our diverse heritage.
Values:
We offer a safe and inspiring environment for everyone involved. We enhance their personal growth and promote teamwork. We value and respect each person and encourage collaboration to offer art which our patrons will enjoy and support.
What they do
Produce 6–8 full-scale musicals each year, plus plays, concerts, and youth theater
Employ live orchestras for musicals, maintaining high artistic standards
Run youth education programs, including summer camps, technical theater internships, and children’s classes
Provide open auditions and volunteer opportunities, fostering community participation on stage and behind the scenes
History
In existence for more than 150 years, the Croswell is the oldest theater in Michigan and one of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the United States.
Named for Charles M. Croswell, an Adrian resident and the 17th governor of Michigan, the Croswell has seen more than its share of history. In addition to some of the greatest actors of the 19th century — Edwin Booth, Maude Adams, Otis Skinner, Mrs. Patrick Campbell — it hosted legendary bandmaster John Philip Sousa, not to mention important political figures like Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony.
In the early part of the 20th century, the Croswell became a movie theater, a role it would fill for about 50 years. If you talk to longtime Adrian residents, you’ll find that many memories were made during those days, creating emotional bonds with the Croswell that survive to this day.
Farver's at the Croswell
This full-service bar is located just off the Croswell’s main lobby. It can seat approximately 50 people, depending on setup. In addition to hosting many Croswell events and being open before and after every show, it is also available for private functions.
Ways to Support:
The Croswell encourages support through a variety of avenues including special events and IRA rollover. For more information on how to support, visit www.croswell.org/support
The Jackson School of the Arts | www.careballet.org | @careballet
Mission: “CARE Ballet is non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the dance community in West Michigan. CARE encourages young artists by offering performance opportunities and by cultivating a positive and enriching dance environment for all students. To achieve this mission, we have both a performing company Creative Arts Repertoire Ensemble (CARE) and a school, Care Conservatory of Ballet (CCB). "
Vision:
Jackson School of the Arts is a place where the transformative power of the arts is within reach for all, especially those with the least access.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Each season CARE Ballet welcomes more than 2400 students from area schools to see our ballet performances as part of our Community Outreach program. For many in our young audiences, this is their first ballet experience. We provide the bus transportation to and from their schools to attend the show. In the weeks leading up to a performance, an education specialist and dancers from CARE go to each school for a pre-performance assembly. This enhances the ballet experience by summarizing the story, explaining the choreography, identifying character traits, and highlighting the music.
What they do
Present three full productions each year, including classics and original works (2025–2026 season includes Peter & the Wolf, ’Twas the Night Before Christmas, and Giselle)
Offer year-round training in ballet, pointe, partnering, and ensemble work through three 10-week sessions annually
Run summer dance camps and adult ballet classes, expanding access beyond traditional students
Provide young dancers opportunities to perform alongside professionals in fully staged productions
CARE Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Statement
CARE Ballet is dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, identity, education, or disability, feels valued. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and advancement in all departments and programs, valuing diverse life experiences, and ensuring all voices are heard. As leaders in the nonprofit sector, we strive to model diversity and inclusion, actively addressing any inequities within our policies, systems, and services. Our commitment includes pursuing cultural competency, transparent communication, expanding diverse leadership, and advocating for policies that promote diversity, inclusion, and equity. This aligns with our mission and reflects our dedication to cultural equity.
CARE Statement of Non-Discrimination Policy
CARE Ballet is committed to non-discrimination in all activities and operations, ensuring an inclusive environment. As an equal opportunity employer, we actively oppose discrimination in employment based on various factors, and we participate in AccessGR, a program promoting accessibility to arts and cultural experiences. Our performances at the East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
CARE Ballet offers classes tailored to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced. CARE Ballet's Artistic Director will assess and determine the appropriate class placement for new students during their initial class session.
Ways to Support
CARE Ballet offers several options for support. For more info, visit www.careballet.org/support-us
Why These Orgs Matter
The Croswell Opera House preserves Michigan’s theatrical legacy while investing in community participation and education. CARE Ballet inspires dancers and audiences alike with performances and inclusive training that open doors for young artists. Supporting these organizations ensures that Michigan’s stages — from Adrian to Grand Rapids — remain places where tradition and innovation thrive together.
