No matter the form they might take, a story that’s shared with an audience will have three central beats—beginning, middle and end. Now, imagine a team of storytellers who accept spontaneous one-word prompts to perform a new story’s beginning, but have no idea of where it might lead to.

The beloved storytelling form of the situational comedy originated on the radio a century ago and they arguably had their heyday on Midcentury American television. Often formulaic, sitcoms continue to be irresistibly palatable to us, largely because of their big characters and the ways in which a problem is always resolved in a satisfying, pithy way.

Aladdin, the musical based on the 1992 animated film (which in turn was based on a story whose origins have been lost to the sands of time), is a cave of wonders.

In the 10 years between the release of The Little Mermaid (1989) and Tarzan (1999), Disney experienced what’s now considered a renaissance: a run of funny, exciting films brimming with fine animation and gorgeous music.

Play is more than just fun—it’s a necessity to thrive. This is an idea Saugatuck Center for the Arts strongly believes in and has put at the forefront of their 2024 season.

It’s 2024 and arts organizations in West Michigan are thriving, with incredible, jam-packed seasons of art, conversations, fun and community involvement.

A brand-new comic book series has hit shelves recently called Kill Your Darlings, and one half of its writing team calls Michigan his home—Griffin Sheridan.

While The Nutcracker is a winter tradition for most, Grand Rapids Ballet’s creative director James Sofranko starts thinking about the shows as early as August. 

In 2023, arts organizations are back on their feet and offering incredible seasons of art, conversations, fun and community involvement. This month, you can visit the theaters for big Broadway shows and intimate plays, listen to symphonies play the classics and modern pieces, and head to local museums for a variety of stunning art. Check it out.

On May 10 of this year, a beloved theatre arts practitioner, professor and director passed away. His name was Randy Wyatt, and besides acting as an indescribable force for positive good in his local community, he had also received renown as a regional playwright.