Crumpled paper wrapped in tape, Tight enough to hold its shape. To some it looks like just a ball, But at The Rose we respect this small, Multi-colored lightweight wad, To set new records, cheer, applaud. Ready, waiting, palms stretched out, With every hit we start to count: One, two, three, four, If the…
Every fall, the PRTC welcomes seven new apprentices to assist with the daily operations of the theatre. In doing so, they learn and apply a whole host of important skills that every theatre professional should have. Applications will open sometime in March. For those thinking of applying, read on for 10 reasons why it’s an…
During my first days as a Purple Rose Apprentice back in August 2013, I spent a lot of time learning about The Rose; its mission, values, acting philosophies, and the daily operations that make the place go ‘round. A lot of what I learned came from conversations with Resident Artist and Apprentice Chief Michelle Mountain.…
By: Paul Stroili “So there’s this theatre in Michigan that’s doing one of my plays,” my friend Michael Grady said to me. Michael is an amazing writer, a brilliant playwright and the funniest person I’ve ever met. We were roommates in Chicago in the early ‘90s, but it was now 1996 and my wife Monica…
Part of what makes The Purple Rose Theatre Company unique is that it produces at least one new play every year—and sometimes more. Our 2017-2018 season, for example, will feature 3 world premieres, all by Michigan playwrights! PRTC Resident Artist and Literary Manager Michelle Mountain is the first to read any new works at The…
Communication. Anticipation. Artistic integrity. According to Purple Rose Theatre Company (PRTC) Stage Manager Thomas Macias, those are three areas of focus for any stage manager at The Rose. After recently finishing his third PRTC show as production stage manager, Macias sat down with me to provide a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to manage…
Having been a Properties Designer at The Purple Rose for more than 25 years, Danna Segrest is well accustomed to the challenge of finding obscure objects for productions. Since beginning her work on “Smart Love,” a world premiere by Michigan playwright Brian Letscher now being staged at The Rose, her latest quests have sent her in…
