Meadow Brook Theatre to Partner with Berkley Schools

Meadow Brook Theatre, Michigan's largest producing non-profit professional theatre, will partner with Berkley Schools in the 2015 - 2016 Season.

The partnership will include opportunities for Meadow Brook Theatre artists to teach workshops and to guest lecture to students in the drama program. It will also provide a special discount for Berkley students to enjoy MBT productions as well as student volunteer opportunities and backstage tours at Meadow Brook Theatre.

"We're elated to have a chance to provide educational outreach to Berkley's students," said Meadow Brook Theatre Managing Director, Cheryl Marshall. "We believe that by providing students direct access to professional theatre, we can help cultivate a love of the arts and the audiences of tomorrow."

Berkley Schools drama program focuses on finding balance between raising the bar of excellence and inclusion and acceptance for all. Under the direction of John Hopkins, Berkley's drama program aims to nurture each individual's interest in the arts to become the best, most informed performer, consumer and supporter of the dramatic arts. Berkley's drama program has expanded to include clubs at both middle schools as well as the formation of BeDrama, the Berkley High School drama organization. Recent years have also seen sold out audiences for the first time in the history of the program.

"The Berkley School District has a rich history of expanding opportunities and experiences for students for the past 175 years. This partnership between Berkley Schools and MBT will expose our students to professional theatre and experts in the field, expand student thinking and provide opportunities for educational experiences outside of the classroom. Students interested in drama from both Anderson Middle School and Norup International School, in addition to students at Berkley High School will benefit from this partnership," said Dennis McDavid, Superintendent, Berkley School District.

Berkley High School students will perform three shows this year including "Noises Off!" by Michael Frayn - December 3 - 5, 2015 at 7:00 PM, "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" by Frank Loesser - April 14 - 16, 2016 at 7:00 PM and April 17, 2016 at 3:00 PM and Senior Showcase - May 7, 2016 at 7:00 PM. All performances will take place in the Berkley High School Auditorium, 2325 Catalpa, Berkley MI 48072.

Meadow Brook Theatre is celebrating their 50th season with performances now - June19, and a special benefit concert by Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone, Saturday, July 16, 2015. Information and tickets are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at 248-377-3300 or going online to www.ticketmaster.com.

Meadow Brook Theatre's Season is made possible in part through the support of The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, The National Endowment for the Arts, The Kresge Foundation, The Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, and the Meadow Brook Theatre Guild.