Sometimes you want to run away with the circus. Sometimes, you build the circus yourself. Gather ‘round the campfire and I’ll tell you a tale of two Joes.

Joseph Zettelmaier is an award-winning playwright with over 20 professional productions to his name. He’s taught at Eastern Michigan University for over a decade and been produced locally and internationally. Joseph Albright is a professional actor and director, appearing both on stage and on screen. He’s also been the Theatre Director at Ypsilanti’s Corner Health Center for many years.

Two years ago, on a lovely summer afternoon, the two Joes were enjoying a meal at Ypsilanti’s Sidetrack Bar & Grill, and the question was asked: “What if we start a theater?” The reasons behind it were many:

• To help revitalize the local economy in Michigan towns
• To create opportunities for students to build a resume prior to graduation
• To build an artistic home for all of the talented theatre professionals in this state

Why the name Roustabout? Well, a roustabout is “a circus worker who assembles and dismantles tents, cares for the grounds, and handles animals and equipment.” We were drawn to the idea of performance that moves; that travels; and to us, the roustabout also symbolizes working with your hands, rolling up your sleeves and doing the hard work – not for the glory of the spotlight, but because that’s the job.

The troupe will perform in 2019 at:
YES (Ypsi Experimental Space)
8 N Washington St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197