History and Legacy
In 1947, Grosse Pointe Theatre’s founder, the late Russel Werneken, had a vision to create a community theater that would offer quality theatrical productions to the community. He went door to door in hopes of securing funds to achieve his goal and secure a permanent home for the theater group’s productions that would foster excitement and a love for the performing arts.
Werneken was just 22 years old and a drama teacher at the time he established Grosse Pointe Theatre as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community theater. His passion to bring the highest standard of theater to audiences while also serving as a dynamic community force for artistic excellence through large stage productions, workshops and educational opportunities is a legacy that continues today.
“High-time we have a real community theatre in our own backyard, where all the people – miss and matron, teacher and teenager, carpenter and corporation lawyer – might join together in creative recreation….good theatre at low prices right here at home. A force for good that could be good fun, too!” – Russel Werneken
Grosse Pointe Theatre had 30 members at its start and their first meeting was held at the Alger House. Today, the group’s membership has risen to over 300 members – volunteers of all ages, from all backgrounds and walks of life from across our region who are united in their passion and love for the performing arts.
Grosse Pointe Theatre performed its first production in 1948 titled Clarence. To pay tribute to its beginnings, Grosse Pointe Theatre named its annual awards recognition the Clarence Award. From 1948 to July 2022, Grosse Pointe Theatre has produced 336 main stage productions. In spring of 2020 and for all of the 2020-2021 season, Grosse Pointe Theatre produced virtual productions that could be seen online to COVIC-mandated shutdowns and gathering restrictions. But in October 2021, GPT returned to live performances and completed its 74th season.
For many years, Grosse Pointe Theatre members rehearsed in basements, churches and storefronts and performed in whatever space was available.
In the early 1960s, the Fries Auditorium was built as part of the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Grosse Pointe Theatre was invited to perform as part of the dedication ceremony of Fries Auditorium in 1962. That was the start of Grosse Pointe Theatre’s nearly 55-year relationship with the War Memorial which allowed the theater group to lease the auditorium for its main-stage productions, serving as the group’s ongoing performance venue.
To serve its patrons as well as other visitors to the War Memorial, Grosse Pointe Theatre held several fundraisers to contribute $50,000 for the War Memorial elevator fund. The group also raised thousands of dollars for several other upgrades to the auditorium throughout the years.
Due to the War Memorial’s leadership decision to renovate and downsize the auditorium for other purposes, Grosse Pointe Theatre’s final performance at that venue was the sold-out Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in May 2017. Grosse Pointe Theatre has continued its legacy of providing quality theatrical performances at other venues throughout the community.
In 1981, a long search for the theater group’s own rehearsal space resulted in the acquisition of an abandoned area nursing home located at 315 Fisher Road in Grosse Pointe. The building was built in 1913 as a boarding house and later housed other business establishments before it became a nursing home.
Renovations, many by GPT members themselves who donated both financial and sweat-equity resources, transformed the building into what is now home to Grosse Pointe Theatre’s rehearsal space, scene shop, costume/sewing room, props storage, and administrative and ticket offices.
Today, our members, all volunteers with a passion for theater, take pride in belonging to one of the finest quality community theaters in Michigan. Members devote countless hours to achieve the highest standard of quality in each aspect of theater arts: set design and construction; costumes; props and set dressing; lighting; vocal and orchestra; choreography; directing and producing. Members rehearse for months to perfect each performance and countess additional volunteers are needed in all capacities to help create the magic for GPT audiences.
Potential shows are thoughtfully reviewed before the selection of productions is finalized for each season. Each show takes approximately two-years to plan and implement before it reaches the stage. Grosse Pointe Theatre’s attention to detail in each area of production is an effort to inspire and entertain audiences.
Other Programs
In addition to Grosse Pointe Theatre’s main-stage productions, it also has a vibrant and successful Youth on Stage (YOS) program. Grosse Pointe Theatre’s YOS started in 2000 as an educational opportunity for children and teens to learn about theater and stagecraft. The program serves youth from 8 to 14 years-of-age who meet, learn about and experience theater arts while also learning life skills in the process. Through the creative process, the program helps youth become self-confident, teaches problem-solving skills, establishes friendships and helps participant’s reach their full potential – both individually and collaboratively as a team. A Young Acting Class (YAC) has been added to serve children ages 6-8 who have a desire to explore Performing Arts.
Grosse Pointe Theatre’s Purdon Studio Theatre presents non-traditional theatre, also known as black-box theater productions. A small cast performs in an intimate setting which offers both performers and audiences the opportunity to connect in a unique way that’s different from larger stage productions. This expands Grosse Pointe Theatre’s performance repertoire, offering theatrical experiences beyond its main-stage productions. Purdon Studio Theatre was created by the bequest of the late Carol and Jac Purdon, two gifted artists who shared their incredible talents with GPT for many years.
Giving Back to Community
Grosse Pointe Theatre has a long history of giving back to the community – it’s part of the group’s mission that members continue to embrace. Whether it’s taking part in community outreach/engagement; donating funds or tickets to other charities throughout the region; or helping to provide opportunities and resources to young aspiring actors, musicians and those wishing to further their education in theater production, Grosse Pointe Theatre has generously supported the community and has felt it a privilege to help others succeed.
Grosse Pointe Theatre started its Scholarship Program 50 years ago. The program raises funds through concession sales at Grosse Pointe Theatre performances and through donations from members and other supporters. Each spring, high school students compete for scholarships to fund a portion of their tuition to performing arts schools and camps or a college of their choice. Since 2006, there have been approximately 180 high school students who have auditioned and applied for scholarships. As a result, Grosse Pointe Theatre awarded scholarships to 89 winners – granting more than $95,000.
Looking Ahead to Our Future
Grosse Pointe Theatre is looking forward to our new future home, the A. Paul and Carol C. Schaap Center for the Performing Arts (The Schaap Center) and the Richard and Jane Manoogian Art Gallery. Grosse Pointe Theatre is grateful to be the primary tenant for this new state of the art theater being built for use in 2024, and eternally grateful to the Schaaps and Manoogians as well as numerous other donors from the community as we plan for productions in our new home.
Looking back with Gratitude – Moving forward with Excitement
As Grosse Pointe Theatre prepares to move forward, there is a lot the group is thankful for:
- The vision and dedication of the group’s founding-members who built the foundation for GPT.
- The incredible commitment of its membership, all volunteers, who donate their time, money and talent to do whatever it takes to help GPT succeed, provide outstanding theatrical experiences for its audiences and contribute to the community.
- The wonderful season ticket holders and other patrons who have and continue to support Grosse Pointe Theatre production.
- The many generous donors, sponsors and community partners who recognize the gifts Grosse Pointe Theatre has to offer that benefit our community and region.
Grosse Pointe Theatre’s mission: To connect, create and inspire communities through theatre.
Each year, Grosse Pointe Theatre members work tirelessly to bring the group’s mission to life for approximately 15,000 theater patrons, as well as other program participants. That commitment remains stronger than ever as GPT celebrates its 75th Anniversary Season.
Grosse Pointe Theatre looks forward to serving the community and region for many years to come and invites everyone to join them as they continue to entertain, educate, inspire and engage through the performing arts.
For information on season tickets, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships or others ways to support, call 313-881-4004.
Composed by Patricia Ellis. 2017
Updated by Linda Zublick, 2022