Wild Swan Theater Wins State History Award for ROSIE THE RIVETER

Wild Swan Theater is pleased to announce that we are the recipient of The 2017 State History Award for Education: Educational Programs from the Historical Society of Michigan for our production of Rosie the Riveter and associated educational materials. The 2017 State History Awards will be presented during its annual State History conference in Holland, Michigan, September 22-24, 2017. The Society presents the State History Awards every year to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the appreciation, collection, preservation, and /or promotion of state and local history. The awards are the highest recognition presented by the Historical Society of Michigan, the state's official historical society and oldest cultural organization.

Created for 4th-12th grade audiences, Rosie the Riveter is an original musical production that explores the lives of women who helped establish southeast Michigan as the "Arsenal of Democracy" during World War II. Written by playwright Jeff Duncan with a soaring music score evocative of the era by composer Brian E. Buckner, it tells the remarkable story of the women who filled thousands of factory jobs left empty by men suddenly called to war. Rosie the Riveter features four fictional women inspired by interviews with those who worked at the Willow Run and Detroit bomber plants. It introduces audiences to stories of a diverse group of women who helped redefine the roles, expectations, and occupational choices of women. The play provides a sensitive and accessible exploration of race, culture, and diversity as these women found themselves working side by side with people different from themselves. With the cooperation of the Michigan chapter of the American Rosie the Riveter Association, we were thrilled to uncover and share the stories of these trailblazing women who were among the millions who altered forever our nation's workforce and workplace.

Rosie the Riveter has been added to our touring repertoire allowing us to continue to perform in a variety of spaces--theaters, libraries, museums, and schools. For more information about the company, its current season, touring programs and theater camps, visit the Wild Swan website at www.wildswantheater.org or contact Michelle Trame Lanzi at (734) 995-0530.

Wild Swan Theater is dedicated to producing professional theater for family audiences of the highest artistic quality and to making that theater accessible to low income, minority and disabled children through low ticket prices and innovative outreach programs