Auditions for our Fall Mainstage Production, Emily Bronte, Teenage Necromancer are THIS WEEK. It’s not too late to sign up!

Download the audition packet

Sign up for auditions

The audition workshop will take place TODAY, Wednesday, August 26 from 6:30-8:30pm. The audition workshop gives new participants the chance to meet the director, learn about the show, and practice the audition process. The workshop is limited to 30 participants.

Enroll in the audition workshop

It’s also time to sign up for a guild or experience crew for the fall show! Joining a guild crew is a great way to meet new friends, have fun, and learn new aspects of the theatre. After acting in a show, youth need to earn a crew point before auditioning again by participating in a guild crew or experience crew.

Sign up for a crew

Check out our website to learn more about our crews: https://www.allofusexpress.org/guild-program.html

Notice of Annual Meeting

We will hold our Annual Meeting Thursday, September 17, at 5:30pm at our Saginaw location. Everyone is welcome!

Proposed Changes to AECT’s Articles of Incorporation

At our September meeting, members will be asked to vote on proposed changes to AECT’s Articles of Incorporation. The main changes are to update our mission statement to be more inclusive, add important liability protections for our volunteers, and change AECT from a membership structure to a directorship structure.

As we reevaluated our Articles and Bylaws following our move and the end of our partnership with the City of East Lansing, we recognized that our membership structure had evolved to function primarily as a discount program rather than as a meaningful governance structure. In practice, membership voting was once a year and not a regular part of how AECT has operated.

Moving to a directorship structure better reflects how AECT is currently governed. The Board of Trustees will continue to provide the leadership and oversight it has provided, and members of our AECT community who are interested in learning more about Board service are welcome to attend a Board meeting and/or apply to serve on the Board.

Most importantly, eliminating membership fees and member-only discounts allows everyone to have equal access to AECT programs and performances. We believe this better reflects our commitment to making AECT an inclusive and welcoming community for everyone.

If you have any questions, please come to the meeting in September, and you’re welcome to email the Board at contact@allofusexpress.org

AECT’s production of Emily Bronte, Teenage Necromancer will be performed October 30th-November 1st, and November 6-8. Performance location will be announced before auditions take place.

Sign-ups for Auditions or Crews are now available for our Fall Mainstage Production, Emily Bronte, Teenage Necromancer.

Download the audition packet

Sign up for auditions

The audition workshop will take place Wednesday, August 26 from 6:30-8:30pm. The audition workshop gives new participants the chance to meet the director, learn about the show, and practice the audition process. The workshop is limited to 30 participants.

Enroll in the audition workshop

It’s also time to sign up for a guild or experience crew for the fall show! Joining a guild crew is a great way to meet new friends, have fun, and learn new aspects of the theatre. After acting in a show, youth need to earn a crew point before auditioning again by participating in a guild crew or experience crew.

Sign up for a crew

Check out our website to learn more about our crews: https://www.allofusexpress.org/guild-program.html

Shows will be held at the Okemos High School Theater, 2800 Jolly Rd., Okemos, MI

Friday, August 7 - 7:00pm

Saturday, August 8 - 3:00pm

Sunday, August 9 - 3:00pm

Tickets available online and at the door. $15/adults; $10/youth

Buy Tickets

As All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre continues its exciting next chapter as an independent organization, the Board of Trustees has been working diligently to review, update, and streamline our governing documents. Following our recent separation from the City of East Lansing, it is important that our bylaws reflect our current structure, operations, and future goals.

Board Vote on Proposed Bylaws

The Board of Trustees will vote on proposed new bylaws on:

Tuesday, August 11
5:30 p.m.
5206 W. Saginaw Highway

We welcome any members who would like to attend the meeting and observe the discussion. Member engagement is an important part of our organization, and we encourage you to stay informed as we move through this transition.

If you are unable to attend but have questions, comments, or feedback regarding the proposed bylaws, please feel free to contact Board President Jen Shangraw at jenshangraw@gmail.com. We value your input and appreciate your support as we work to strengthen the organization for the future.

Save the Date: Annual Meeting

Please also mark your calendars for our Annual Membership Meeting on September 15 at 5:30pm.

During the meeting, members will receive an annual report highlighting the organization’s accomplishments, financial overview, program updates, and plans for the coming year. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the progress of All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre and the exciting opportunities ahead.

We are grateful for the dedication and enthusiasm of our members, volunteers, families, and supporters. Your involvement helps ensure that All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre continues to provide meaningful theatrical experiences for young people in our community. We look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming meetings and sharing this next chapter together.

Can Drive Fundraiser Ending

For the past six years, All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre has been the beneficiary of an extraordinary act of dedication and generosity. Former board member Jeff D’Valentine has tirelessly collected and returned cans and bottles on behalf of AECT, turning what began as a simple pandemic project into one of our organization’s most successful fundraising efforts.

What started during a challenging time grew into an incredible source of support for our theater family. Through Jeff’s hard work and commitment, the Can Drive consistently raised more than $10,000 each year. Those funds have made a meaningful difference, helping AECT continue its mission of providing opportunities for young performers. Proceeds from the Can Drive have supported scholarships for families, the purchase of tools and equipment, costumes, set-building materials, and countless other resources that help bring our productions to life.

As we announce a hiatus of the Can Drive, we want to take a moment to reflect on the tremendous impact this effort has had on our organization. The success of the program was not only measured in dollars raised, but in the opportunities it created for children to learn, grow, and shine on stage.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Jeff D’Valentine for his unwavering dedication, countless hours of work, and belief in the mission of All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre. We would also like to thank the many board members and volunteers who assisted along the way, helping to collect, sort, transport, and support this fundraising effort over the years.

Because of your generosity and commitment, AECT has been able to continue providing quality theater experiences for young people in our community. While the Can Drive may be taking a break, its legacy—and the impact it has made—will continue to benefit our organization for years to come.

Tickets for Shrek Jr., the Musical are on Sale NOW

You can buy tickets online: https://aect.ludus.com/show_page.php?show_id=200515574

Shows will be held at the Okemos High School Theater, 2800 Jolly Rd., Okemos, MI

Friday, July 31 - 7:00pm

Saturday, August 1 - 3:00pm

Sunday, August 2 - 3:00pm

Friday, August 7 - 7:00pm

Saturday, August 8 - 3:00pm

Sunday, August 9 - 3:00pm

How YOU Can Get Involved

It takes a village to run a children’s theatre, and we would love to have you be part of our village! There are many ways that you can get involved this summer and beyond:

Consider volunteering with the Board

The All-of-us Express Board of Trustees is looking for volunteers and/or new Board members to join us. We could use help in the following areas and would love to have you join us in volunteering a few hours a month or becoming a Board member. We have specific needs for volunteers with skills in the following areas:

• Human resources

• Nonprofit management

• Organizational project management

• Accounting

• Graphic design

• Fundraising

• Event planning

• Corporate donations and sponsorships

• Grant writing

• Social media

• Technology

• Web design and maintenance

• Marketing

• Sales

If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities, please join us at one of our Meet the Board events, which take place during rehearsals. You can drop your kid(s) off at rehearsal, come join us for a drink or dinner, and learn more about what the Board does and ways for you to get involved. We would love to meet you and learn more about your skills and interests! You can also email us at contact@allofusexpress.org to ask questions.

Meet the Board at Joes on Jolly (2360 Jolly Rd.), Tuesday, July 21, 6:30-8:15pm

We’ll have a second event in early August; date and time TBD.

Please RSVP at this link if you are able to join for all or part of the time Tuesday, July 21 so we can reserve a large enough table.

RSVP for July 21 Meet the Board event

Return cans for our ongoing can drive

Community members donate cans to support scholarships, technology purchases, and more, but we need help returning the cans. Thanks so much to those who have helped us out in June with can returns. Please sign up to help return cans at the Sign-up Genius below.

July can return sign-up

Volunteer for our Shrek performances

Our productions require a lot of family support both backstage in the green room and front of house with concessions, merchandise sales, and more. Click the button below for more information and to sign up. We are now implementing a new background check policy for volunteers, so when you sign up to volunteer, please email Anna Szabo (anna@allofusexpress.org) a copy of your driver’s license so she can complete a background check for you.

Shrek Volunteer Sign-ups

We’re so excited to share with you our big 38th Season! Follow us on social media, on our website, and these emails for updates for show dates, auditions, crew sign-ups, and more.

Our First Month in the New Space

We’ve had an amazing first month in our new space! Our Open House was filled with youth and families as they toured the space, learned about the 38th Season, sang karaoke, colored The Fish, and enjoyed the company of old and new friends. Since then, AECT has kept busy with Shrek auditions and rehearsals, crew meetings, and camps.

Membership Changes

With our recent move and separation from the City of East Lansing, we are taking some time to evaluate our next steps. As part of this process, all memberships have been temporarily placed on hold while we determine the options that make the most sense moving forward.

If you have a lifetime, current, or recently expired membership and need member pricing for participation in an upcoming production, please reach out to Jen Shangraw at Contact@allofusexpress.org. Jen can provide you with a code so you can still access member pricing.

As we move forward, one of our core priorities is accessibility. We want every youth and family who wishes to participate in AECT to be able to do so, regardless of financial circumstances. We are actively exploring ways to keep costs as low as possible and to remove financial barriers wherever we can.

We truly appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support during this transition. Thank you for being part of the AECT community.

How YOU Can Get Involved

It takes a village to run a children’s theatre, and we would love to have you be part of our village! There are many ways that you can get involved this summer and beyond:

Return cans for our ongoing can drive

Community members donate cans to support scholarships, technology purchases, and more, but we need help returning the cans. Thanks so much to those who have helped us out in June with can returns. AECT is taking the next week off, but keep an eye out for sign-ups for July can returns.

Buy an ad in the Shrek show program

There’s still time to buy an ad for the Shrek show program. Our summer show typically has an overall attendance of over 1500 attendees, so advertising in our show program is a great way to share about your business, organization, or program to families in the Greater Lansing area. If you are interested in learning more, click on the button below. Note that due to printer deadlines, we can no longer accept ads for the Shrek program after July 5.

Show Program Advertising Form

Volunteer for our Shrek performances

Our productions require a lot of family support both backstage in the green room and front of house with concessions, merchandise sales, and more. Click the button below for more information and to sign up. We are now implementing a new background check policy for volunteers, so when you sign up to volunteer, please email Anna Szabo (anna@allofusexpress.org) a copy of your driver’s license so she can complete a background check for you.

Shrek Volunteer Sign-ups

Consider volunteering with the Board

The All-of-us Express Board of Trustees is looking for volunteers and/or new Board members to join us. We could use help in the following areas and would love to have you join us in volunteering a few hours a month or becoming a Board member. We have specific needs for volunteers with skills in the following areas:

• Human resources

• Nonprofit management

• Organizational project management

• Accounting

• Graphic design

• Fundraising

• Event planning

• Corporate donations and sponsorships

• Grant writing

• Social media

• Technology

• Web design and maintenance

• Marketing

• Sales

If you are interested in learning more about these opportunities, please join us at one of our Meet the Board events, which take place during rehearsals. You can drop your kid(s) off at rehearsal, come join us for a drink or dinner, and learn more about what the Board does and ways for you to get involved. We would love to meet you and learn more about your skills and interests! You can also email us at contact@allofusexpress.org to ask questions.

Meet the Board at One North Lansing (5001 W. Saginaw Hwy), Tuesday, July 14, 6:30-8:15pm

Meet the Board at Joes on Jolly (2360 Jolly Rd.), Tuesday, July 21, 6:30-8:15pm

Some of the important things we can fund with this money are technology and scholarships. Computers and lights and sound equipment not only run our shows, but also provide learning opportunities for our crew kids. Scholarships can lower the barrier to participation for families.

I have set up a few dates for people to join me in sorting and returning cans this summer so we can catch up on the returns we have waiting. With a little manual labor, and a willingness to get a little smelly, we can clean out our collector’s storage area and get some funds to the theatre. What do you say, folks?

This sign up is to meet at the AECT space and pick up cans. You can return them to a location (Meijer, Kroger, etc.) of your choosing and bring your receipts or cash back next time you come to the space. I’m happy to make other arrangements for you to pick up cans. If each of our All-of-Us Express families could return 4 large bags of cans, that would get us caught up.

Please reach out to me if you have any questions.

Andrea Hoagland
All-of-Us Express Children’s Theatre Board of Trustees Secretary
517-899-3180

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944AEA828A1F5C43-64511138-canand

Sign up to pick up cans

After a busy week and weekend of Hamlet and moving, we can’t wait to invite you into our new AECT home! Wear an AECT shirt or show shirt, and join us from 6:30-8:30 pm at 5206 W Saginaw Highway, Lansing MI. We will announce the new season productions at 7pm in the rehearsal room, with karaoke/singalong after. Before and after the season announcement, we invite you to tour the new space, enjoy a cookie, make a craft honoring our mascot, The Fish, and even get a picture with The Fish himself.

Directions to 5206 W Saginaw Hwy

The new location is behind the Lansing Mall and the old Best Buy, by the U.S. Post Office, off of Elmwood Rd (across from Midland Dr.). To enter our building, go to the entrance on the Elmwood Rd. side of the building. There is ample parking by the post office and mall when the spots out front are full. Note that there is a lot of construction all over the Lansing area, including Saginaw Dr. east of the mall. If you are coming via 696, you may want to take the Creyts Rd. exit and approach from the west. You may want to run your route through a maps app to see the best route for you given the ever-changing construction.

Thank you to our sponsors, donors, and volunteers

This move was made possible by our generous sponsors. The Dart Foundation provided us with a generous grant that funded moving costs and bought new technology, tools, supplies, and more. The Michigan Arts and Culture Council and National Endowment for the Arts funded new sound and light technology, both for our new space and to supplement what we have available to us in the theaters we rent for productions.

We also thank the youth, families, and friends who helped by purchasing items from the Wishlist, donating items and money, and volunteering time to paint, clean, build, pack, and unpack. We truly could not have made this move without all of your support.

If you would like to purchase any additional items off our Wishlist or make a monetary donation, click on the links below.

AECT Amazon Wishlist

Donate to AECT

https://www.allofusexpress.org/auditions.html

It’s also not too late to sign up to audition! There are a few sign-ups left for Shrek auditions, and crew sign-ups are still open too. Both sign-ups can also be accessed at the auditions page above

.

Audition and crew sign-ups for Shrek Jr. are now available! Auditions are open to youth currently enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade.

Important information:

Performances: July 31-August 2; August 7-9 at Okemos High School

Audition workshop: Wed. May 27, 6:30pm (enrollment available soon)

Auditions: Thursday-Saturday, May 28-30

The audition workshop, auditions, and rehearsals will take place at our new space at 5206 W. Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI.

Run week rehearsals through performances will take place at Okemos High School (July 20-August 9)

Audition sign-ups for Shrek Jr.

Crew sign-ups for Shrek Jr.

For more information on auditions, check out our auditions and crew sign-ups page on our website.

Work Day at 5206 W. Saginaw Hwy

Join us for another work day at AECT's new space in Lansing, Saturday, May 9, from 9am to 5pm. Come for two hours, or stay for the whole day! We'll have a variety of tasks for all ages, from unboxing, putting together furniture, and more. Lunch provided at noon.

Sign-up for May 9 Work Day

Studio Class Presents Shakespeare’s Hamlet

Little Women isn’t over yet (check it out tomorrow!), but the Studio Class is preparing to present Hamlet May 15 (7pm) and May 16 (3pm). Shows will be held at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center Albert A. White Theatre.

Tickets can be purchased online, in person at the Box Office or by calling (517) 333-2580 ext. 0. You can buy tickets online at https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/822/Ticket-Information

Open House, May 20

Join us for our Open House, May 20, 6:30-8:30pm at 5206 W. Saginaw Hwy, Lansing, MI. We’ll have crafts, activities, snacks, and merch. The 38th Season Announcement will begin at 7pm with karaoke/singalong to follow.

You can buy tickets online at https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/822/Ticket-Information

Shows will be held at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center Albert A. White Theatre.

Friday, April 24 - 7:00pm

Saturday, April 25- 3:00pm

Sunday, April 26- 3:00pm

Friday, May 1- 7:00pm

Saturday, May 2- 3:00pm

Sunday, May 3- 3:00pm

Tickets can be purchased online, in person at the Box Office or by calling (517) 333-2580 ext. 0.

Little Women Volunteers Needed

Show days are busy at AECT, and we need more volunteers to help everything run smoothly. We especially need adult volunteers to hang out with the actors in the Green Room, the room backstage where they spend time when they are not onstage. We also need volunteers to help run concessions and sell merchandise. We will teach you everything you need to know, so don’t hesitate to sign up if it’s your first time volunteering.

Sign up to volunteer

Hamlet Opens May 15

Our studio class has been working hard Saturday mornings since January to bring you Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Shows will be held at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center Albert A. White Theatre on Friday, May 15 at 7pm and Saturday, May 16 at 3pm. Tickets are available now!

Save the Date for Our Open House!

We are so excited to show you our new space in Lansing! We have a fun night planned with our 38th Season announcement (at 7pm), karaoke, crafts, activities, and snacks. Come join for all or part of the time. The whole family is welcome!

5206 W. Saginaw Highway, Lansing, MI 48917

Our talented Set Construction Crew Head, David, is leading a group of volunteers to paint the new All-of-Us Express theater spaces on Saturday, April 4. Join us at 5206 W Saginaw Hwy for a couple hours to pitch in and get us one step closer to moving.

Wear clothes that can get messy. We’ll have all the supplies ready to go.

Kids are encouraged to come help! Anyone 12 and under needs a guardian on site.

We’ll be there from about 9 to 5 (cue Dolly Parton), let us know when you can come by. Thank you!

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0944AEA828A1F5C43-63266943-lets?useFullSite=true#/

Registration FAQ’s

We’ve received a few questions regarding registration and want to share the responses with everyone to aid in your planning:

Q: Where will the camps take place?

A: Camps will be held in our new space at 5206 W. Saginaw in Lansing. We’re excited to host camps in our very own, large space, with multiple camp rooms. This big, new space will allow us to play great theatre games, create props, sing and dance as loudly as we want, and make new friends.

Q: How do I get the member pricing?

A: If you are a current member of AECT, you will choose the member price when you register. If you would like to become a member to take advantage of the camp member prices, you can sign up for membership at the button below.

Become a Member of AECT

Q: Where will the camp performances on Fridays be held?

A: Performances will be held at our new space in Lansing. We will have a small stage in one of the large rehearsal rooms where the camps will perform and families will sit in the audience.

Q: I received an email from the City of East Lansing, and that brochure showed different camps and camp dates. Which is correct?

A: The City of East Lansing will be hosting their own theatre camps this summer at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center. Their camps are not affiliated with All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre. The AECT Theatre Camps are listed on the blue brochure above and will be held at the new space in Lansing. The AECT Theatre Camps will feature the same counselors, formats, and activities that your kids know and love, just in a new, bigger, and better space.

Registration FAQ’s

We’ve received a few questions regarding registration and want to share the responses with everyone to aid in your planning:

Q: How do I get the member pricing?

A: If you are a current member of AECT, you will choose the member price when you register. If you would like to become a member to take advantage of the camp member prices, you can sign up for membership at the button below.

Become a Member of AECT

Q: Where will the camp performances on Fridays be held?

A: Performances will be held at our new space in Lansing. We will have a small stage in one of the large rehearsal rooms where the camps will perform and families will sit in the audience.

Q: Today I received an email from the City of East Lansing, and that brochure showed different camps and camp dates. Which is correct?

A: The City of East Lansing will be hosting their own theatre camps this summer at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center. Their camps are not affiliated with All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre. The AECT Theatre Camps are listed on the blue brochure above and will be held at the new space in Lansing. The AECT Theatre Camps will feature the same counselors, formats, and activities that your kids know and love, just in a new, bigger, and better space.

Summer Camp Information

We are excited to share this summer’s line-up of Theatre Camps! Registration will open Sunday, March 1 at www.allofusexpress.org.

Goodbye to Blake

With mixed feelings we announce that Blake is leaving his role as Assistant Artistic Director to focus full-time on finishing his undergraduate degree. Blake joined us in this role in 2023 and was a youth participant from 2014 to 2019. We will miss him greatly, but we wish him all the best in school!

Family Zoom Q&A about Moving

We realize that many families may have questions about moving to the new space, so we’re offering a zoom meeting with board members TODAY Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30pm. Attendees will be able to ask questions in the zoom meeting, but if you can’t attend and want us to address your questions and include them in a Q&A document we will email out later, please submit your questions here.

Questions for Family Zoom Q&A

Zoom Link:

https://msu.zoom.us/j/95011582405

Meeting ID: 950 1158 2405

Passcode: AECT

How You Can Help with the Move

If you’d like to help us get ready for the big move to the new space, here are two easy ways to support us:

1. Check out our Amazon Wishlist: Anything you buy from the Wishlist will be delivered directly to AECT.

AECT Amazon Wishlist

1. Donate: These donations will help us buy furniture and supplies and pay to move costumes, props, and set materials to the new space.

Donate

We’re excited to announce that AECT summer camp registration will be available March 1 at www.allofusexpress.org. Although the camps will take place at our new space in Lansing, everything else your kids love about our theatre camps will remain the same. We will send an email out next week with our camp schedule so that you can plan before registration opens. Be sure that you are subscribed to our newsletters so that you have early notice about camp registration.

Subscribe now

Family Zoom Q&A about Moving

We realize that many families may have questions about moving to the new space, so we’re offering a zoom meeting with board members next Wednesday, February 25 at 7:30pm. Attendees will be able to ask questions in the zoom meeting, but if you can’t attend and want us to address your questions and include them in a Q&A document we will email out later, please submit your questions here.

Questions for Family Zoom Q&A

Zoom Link:

https://msu.zoom.us/j/95011582405

Meeting ID: 950 1158 2405

Passcode: AECT

How You Can Help with the Move

If you’d like to help us get ready for the big move to the new space, here are two easy ways to support us:

1. Check out our Amazon Wishlist: Anything you buy from the Wishlist will be delivered directly to AECT.

   AECT Amazon Wishlist

2. Donate: These donations will help us buy furniture and supplies and pay to move costumes, props, and set materials to the new space.

   Donate

Dear All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre Members and Families,

The Announcement …

The All-of-us Express Board of Trustees writes to share some exciting news. We will be saying goodbye to the Hannah Center and moving to 5206 West Saginaw Suite A in Lansing as of May 18th, in time to hold summer auditions AND summer camps in our new space. During rehearsal tonight, we shared this information with the youth attending rehearsal or crew meetings, so be aware that your children may already know about the announcement.

As parents, AECT alumni, former and current crew heads, and current participants, we care deeply about AECT and want it to continue to be a great program for the next 35 years and beyond. Although the partnership with the City of East Lansing, which began 15 years ago, helped AECT to grow into the quality program that it is now, we currently turn away half of the youth interested in participating on crews, in casts, and camps and need room to grow.

What the Change Means …

Change is always exciting and stressful. Many of us have watched our children grow up in the spaces in the Hannah Center, and it will be hard to say goodbye. More than that, though, we are excited to be able to enter our next phase of growth in our own space: a space where we can sing in the hallways without worry we’re interrupting other activities, a space that we can access whenever we want.

What’s not Changing …

• The People: The artistic director, directors, and crew heads currently involved in the program will continue to participate. So all the teaching and leadership that are central to the program will come with us. We are hoping to bring most of our youth and families with us too, because you all are the heart of the program.

• The Culture: Having the adults (and our youth and families) come with us means that the organization will still feel like us. The inclusive, caring culture of AECT program will remain our primary aim.

• The Shows: We will continue to create high-quality productions —on mainstages, via studio classes, at camp shows and more. In addition to our brilliant directing and technical staff, we will be bringing all of our sets, costumes and props with us.

• The Fun: AECT youth love to spend time together, and having our own space will allow for even more fun together, like broadway karaoke, painting murals on our very own walls, dance parties, and more.

• The Non-Profit Structure: We will remain a nonprofit and will continue to seek funding for scholarships and programming. As we make this move, we anticipate our fundraising needs will increase, so let us know if you want to help out.

What is Changing…

• Rehearsal Space: We will rehearse and meet in crews at the new location in Lansing. For some of you, this will be a longer commute; for others, it will be closer.

• Performance Space: Our new space in Lansing will offer performance spaces for camps and perhaps some studio classes, and our mainstage shows will be at a new venue (more to come on specifics as we finalize contracts).

Why This Move?

We have three main reasons for the change.

• Growth of The Program: Those of you who have been with us for many years have watched the explosion of programming and youth participation. While the Hannah Center has been a wonderful space, it is not set up for our continued growth. We don’t currently have a dedicated, independent space for all of our crews, and we pay for each room we use, so adding more activities is often a challenge. We currently turn away 50% of the youth who want to participate in productions as cast or crew, and most of our camps fill up within 24 hours of registration opening. We are ready to expand!

• Financial Health: We are uncertain about the city’s financial situation and Parks and Recreation programming, especially with the failure to pass the most recent millage. In the past few years, our program has paid for increasing overhead and indirect costs related to Hannah Center operations.

• Safety and Stability: The public nature of the Hannah Center has resulted in some potential safety issues, from theft of AECT property and crew youth witnessing public altercations in shared spaces. Additionally, there have been many times that rehearsal space room reservations and stage reservations have been dropped last-minute to accommodate an outside group who would like to use the space, leaving AECT staff scrambling to adjust schedules, performance dates, or space use.

What Can You Do?…

• Learn More/ Ask Questions: We encourage you to email the Board at contact@allofusexpress.org with any questions or concerns you have. While Nina is, of course, also available, her focus is on implementing our current programming and planning for our next steps. We will also be holding some open talk time with the board in the coming weeks.

• Give Money: We aren’t worried about the long-term health of the program, but moves are expensive. We want to be able to continue to offer scholarships and keep our overall costs down. To do that, we are asking that families who can, donate now. As a bonus, we are tax exempt. Click here to donate.

• Get Ready! Even before we officially move, we will start hosting some events in our new space to help our youth get familiar with it. We will also be putting out calls for help with some of the moving logistics.

AECT is an amazing organization. We all have stories of how this place has helped our kids to grow, and this move will provide us space to create even more stories. Thank you for trusting us with your children, and thank you for helping to build this community.

Sincerely,

All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre Board of Trustees

• On stage in April/May: Holes

• On stage in May: Laramie Project

• Marcos Pizza: A flavorful fundraiser

• Season 37 Announcement & Karaoke Night

• Summer camp registration

• Upcoming Auditions: The Little Mermaid

After a brief hiatus, SHOW NOTES is back! Read on for news from the All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre (AECT) nonprofit Board, and we would love to see you on Facebook and Instagram as well!

On stage in April: Holes

The story exploring fate, destiny, friendship, and the consequences of choices…

Stanley Yelnats can’t catch a break. Born into a family cursed with bad luck, it comes as no surprise when he finds himself accused of a crime he didn’t commit. Sent to a labor camp as punishment, he is tasked with digging one hole, five feet wide and five feet deep, every day. He’s told it is to "build character." But the tyrannical Warden is definitely hiding something. Will Stanley and his new friends unearth what’s really going on?

Show times

• Fridays, April 25 and May 2: 7:00pm

• Saturdays, April 26 and May 3: 3:00pm

• Sundays, April 27 and May 4: 3:00pm

Ticket information

Tickets are available at the front desk of the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, by phone at (517) 333-2580 ext. 0, or online. Tickets are date-specific, but are still for general seating. Doors open approximately 30 minutes before the show.

Can you help???

It truly takes a village, and we love having lots of adult volunteers before, during, and after our performance weekends to help our production run smoothly. We’re seeking adults to help with the cast party, concessions, merch table, green room supervision, and post-show laundry! Use this link to see how your talents match our opportunities!

On stage in May: The Laramie Project

A deeply complex portrait of a community's response to the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man living in Laramie, Wyoming.

​Members of the Tectonic Theater Project made six trips to Laramie, Wyoming in the aftermath of the beating death of Matthew Shepherd and during the trial of the two young men accused of killing him. Using material from more than 200 interviews, they constructed a deeply moving theatrical experience—a breathtaking collage that explores the depths to which humanity can sink and the heights of compassion of which we are capable.

Show times

• May 15th & 16th at 7:00pm

Ticket information

Tickets are available at the front desk of the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, by phone at (517) 333-2580 ext. 0, or online. Tickets are date-specific, but are still for general seating. Season ticket holders should trade in tickets at the front desk for a specific performance date. Doors open approximately 30 minutes before the show. The Laramie Project contains mature content including descriptions of violence and homophobic slurs.

Ongoing Marco’s Pizza Event

A flavorful fundraiser

Curb your pizza craving, prepare an easy dinner, and support AECT all at the same time! Use the code AECT on MONDAYS when you order and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to AECT. This offer is only valid at the Lake Lansing Road location.

AECT Season 37 Announcement & Karaoke Party

Do you want to know what the shows will be for next season AND have a deep abiding love for Broadway karaoke? Have we got an event for you! Please mark your calendars and join us on April 11th at 6:30pm in the Hannah Community Center Banquet Hall to celebrate the unveiling of next season’s lineup. Snacks and drinks will provided, with donations accepted. All ages welcome!

Summer camps are here!

Registration is now open

We have another exciting summer full of exciting AECT drama camp opportunities! registration is open, and you can either use the City of East Lansing website or call the Hannah Center front desk at (517) 333-2580.

Next up: The Little Mermaid

Save the dates for auditions and audition workshop

In a magical underwater kingdom, the beautiful young mermaid Ariel longs to leave her ocean home—and her fins—behind and live in the world above. But first, she'll have to defy her father, make a deal with the evil sea witch, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she's the girl whose enchanting voice he's been seeking.

• Summer 2025: Disney’s The Little Mermaid *Auditions May 19-21*

  • Look for audition sign-up toward the end of April.

  • Audition workshop May 14.

  • On stage: August 1-3 and 8-10, 2025

  • Directed by Jocelyn France

Thanks for reading Show Notes—we hope to see you on Facebook and Instagram as well! Keep up between issues on our website.

• On stage in October: 101 Dalmatians KIDS

• On stage in November: Puffs

• Burritos for a good cause: Chipotle fundraiser

• Theatre is our sport, so… volunteer at an MSU football game

• Board buzz: Comings and goings on the board

• Show recap: The SpongeBob Musical

• Season 36 productions

We’ve had a busy start to Season 36, with our annual meeting earlier this month and not one, but two shows coming to the stage this fall! Read on for news from the All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre (AECT) nonprofit Board, and we would love to see you on Facebook and Instagram as well!

On stage in October: 101 Dalmatians KIDS

Inaugural Elementary Workshop

Disney’s classic animated tale of villainous kidnappers and courageous puppies is adapted in this "fur-tastic" musical adventure. This production is our first Elementary Workshop, casting children in grades 2-5 and allowing some of our youngest theatre fans to take center stage. Coming to the stage for two performances only, 101 Dalmatians KIDS is directed by AECT’s veteran of many musicals, Jocelyn France. We hope you and your family can join us to see these little ones shine!

Show times

• Saturday, October 12 and Sunday, October 13: 3:00pm

Ticket information

Tickets are $10 for all attendees and are available at the front desk of the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, by phone at (517) 333-2580 ext. 0, or online. Tickets are date-specific, but are still for general seating. Doors open approximately 30 minutes before the show.

On stage in November: Puffs

Or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic

​For seven years a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs... who just happened to be there, too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world. Directed by Jen Shaw, this one is for the fans of a wildly popular book and movie franchise, but explores the multi-year story from a hufflier and pufflier perspective.

• Item of headwear that divides student among four houses? Check.

• Misfits and heroes (sometimes embodied in the same character)? Check.

• Sinister potions instructor and unexpected villains? Check.

• A trio of unlikely pals who work together to save the day? Check.

Show times

• Fridays, November 1 and 8: 7:00pm

• Saturdays, November 2 and 9: 3:00pm

• Sundays, November 3 and 10: 3:00pm

Ticket information

Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for anyone under 18 and are available at the front desk of the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, by phone at (517) 333-2580 ext. 0, or online. Tickets are date-specific, but are still for general seating. Season ticket holders should trade in tickets at the front desk for a specific performance date. Doors open approximately 30 minutes before the show.

Seeking volunteers!

We are always looking for helping hands! Can you do a stint at Concessions? Cover the Green Room one night? Supervise the ushers for a performance or two? Please explore our volunteer openings for Concessions & Merch and all other needs.

October Chipotle fundraiser: Guac on!

Queso for a cause

Spread the guac word! Mark your calendar and enjoy delicious food from Chipotle Mexican Grill on Sunday, October 13 from 5:00-9:00pm. During this four-hour window, AECT will receive 25% of sales at the Chipotle location on Lake Lansing Road. Tell your friends and neighbors, and we’ll see you there! (This would be a fantastic family dinner after the 101 Dalmatians KIDS show that day!)

• Sunday, October 13, 5:00-9:00pm

• 1603 W. Lake Lansing Road (new-ish location west of Coolidge and Lake Lansing)

Volunteers needed at home MSU football games!

Calling all... football fans? AECT has the amazing fundraising opportunity to staff a concessions stand at every MSU home game this season, and we need at least eight volunteers per game. Whether theatre is your sport or you also enjoy a great day in Spartan Stadium, we need AECT friends, family, neighbors, and anyone else willing to join us to help support youth theatre programming through providing scholarships, paying space rental fees, purchasing materials for sets, props, and costumes, investing in equipment such as microphones, and much more. Learn more and sign up for a shift here!

Board buzz

Comings and goings following our Annual Meeting

Congratulations to the new Executive Board for Season 36: President Jen Shangraw, Vice President Chris Gillett, Treasurer April Hunt, and Secretary Melissa Aste.

Thank you to these outgoing members of the Board of Trustees, who have cycled off the board after their terms:

• Jen VanDerHeide—in her six years on the board (including three as Vice President and the last two as President), Jen saw AECT weather COVID and worked on creative ways to recover and continue to grow the company. Jen wrote numerous grants and served as the board’s primary liaison with the City of East Lansing, and organized our Opening Night receptions,

• Peter VanZwoll served as the Board’s Vice President for the last two years, and as a trustee for four years prior. Peter worked as membership chair, tirelessly promoting memberships (and mugs!) at First Reads. He was also instrumental in expanding the merch table to include show-specific offerings like the Witch’s Princess Jabberwocks, SpongeBob bubbles, and Addams Family black roses).

• Joy Campbell, outgoing board Secretary, spearheaded the creation of the new AECT website in 2022, managed AECT’s social media for 15 months from March 2023-May 2024, and created or revised countless forms, handouts, and signs to bring a unified, professional look to the company. Joy also served as our first board house manager, keeping tabs on the lobby for shows since School of Rock.

• Piper Beczkiewicz (Youth Representative) was always willing to weigh in on merch decisions to let us know what would be popular among the cast and crew, and covered the alumni beat for Show Notes, interviewing past participants to see where they currently work and how the program influenced them.

As we say goodbye to a few trustees, we also welcome these new members of the Board of Trustees and look forward to their insights and contributions:

• Eric Fitton

• Amy Greenberg

• Andrea Hoagland

• Amy Lampe

• Audrey Tieman

• Vinnie Tardino

Show recap: The SpongeBob Musical

It’s the best…day…eeeeeeeeVER!

Got that stuck in your head now, don’t you? Our summer production of The SpongeBob Musical was six performances of bubbly fun and fearless friendship. Not everything went swimmingly as an underwater volcano threatened the town of Bikini Bottom, but Sandy, Patrick, and our favorite simple sponge saved the day by working together.

Congratulations to the production team, cast, and crew members who brought us into Bikini Bottom, for the many front-of-house, backstage, and other volunteers who kept things running smoothly, to our sponsors, and to everyone who came out to enjoy the show!

Season 36 productions

Save these dates!

More information about auditions and audition workshops, performance dates and times, and plot details can be found in the Season 36 brochure.

• Elementary Workshop 2024: 101 Dalmatians KIDS

  • A new opportunity for our youngest actors to take center stage!

  • Directed by Jocelyn France

• Fall 2024: Puffs

  • Alternate title: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic

  • Directed by Jen Shaw

• Winter 2025: Little Shop of Horrors *Auditions November 2024*

  • Don’t feed the plants.

  • Directed by Jocelyn France

• Spring 2025: Holes *Auditions February 2025*

  • Some secrets are too big to keep hidden.

  • Directed by Andrea Arnold

• Studio Class 2025: The Laramie Project *Auditions December 2024*

  • When a small town comes face to face with murder, everybody has a tale to tell.

  • Directed by Jen Shaw

• Summer 2025: Disney’s The Little Mermaid *Auditions May 2025*

  • Life is the bubbles, under the sea!

  • Directed by Jocelyn France

Thanks for reading Show Notes—we hope to see you on Facebook and Instagram as well! Keep up between issues on our website.

• Next on stage: The SpongeBob Musical

• Upcoming auditions

• Annual meeting: Save the date

• Yes, we can: Four years of our can drive!

• Board buzz: A new trustee

• Season 36 productions

It’s been a hot one this summer and we can’t wait to cool off in Bikini Bottom with SpongeBob and his friends—we’ll look for you on Opening Night! Read on for news from the All-of-us Express Children’s Theatre (AECT) nonprofit Board, and we would love to see you on Facebook and Instagram as well!

Next on stage: The SpongeBob Musical

Come on down to Bikini Bottom!

When the citizens of Bikini Bottom discover that a volcano will soon erupt and destroy their humble home, SpongeBob and his friends must come together to save the fate of their undersea world. With lives hanging in the balance and all hope lost, a most unexpected hero rises up.

You’re sure to “lava” this show, which is a fun one for kids and grown-ups alike. The SpongeBob Musical will be directed by AECT musical veteran Jocelyn France.

Show times

• Fridays, July 26 and August 2: 7:00pm

• Saturdays, July 27 and August 3: 3:00pm

• Sundays, July 28 and August 4: 3:00pm

Ticket information

Tickets are $14 for adults and $9 for anyone under 18 and are available at the front desk of the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, by phone at (517) 333-2580 ext. 0, or online. Tickets are date-specific, but are still for general seating. Season ticket holders should trade in tickets at the front desk for a specific performance date. Doors open approximately 30 minutes before the show.

Opening night reception

The AECT Board of Trustees invites you to join us for some pre-show fun on Opening Night. Our free reception includes appetizers, beverages, kids' games, and conversation. The SpongeBob Musical reception will be Friday, July 26 in the Hannah Center Banquet Room from 5:30-6:30pm. Please RSVP by July 19 via the link below to help us with planning. Feel free to bring your whole family after dropping off your cast or crew member for their Opening Night call.

RSVP for SpongeBob Reception

Seeking volunteers!

We are always looking for helping hands (or fins, or flippers, or whatever a sponge has)! Can you do a stint at Concessions? Cover the Green Room one night? Supervise the ushers for a performance or two? Please explore our volunteer openings for Concessions & Merch and all other needs.

Upcoming auditions: 101 Dalmatians and Puffs

Two shows coming up this fall!

We have two exciting opportunities for youth this fall—our inaugural Elementary Workshop, 101 Dalmatians, and our fall main stage production of Puffs... or: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic. Watch social media and our website for audition and crew sign-up information!

Annual meeting date set

Did we mention ice cream?

Save the date and plan to join us for the annual meeting of the AECT board of trustees, which will take place at 8:00pm on Tuesday, September 10 in room 235 of the Hannah Center. Come for a short (like less than 30 minutes) and sweet (ice cream social after) meeting to cover a few bylaws updates, vote on new board and executive committee members, and distribute the annual report. All AECT members have voting privileges. If you are interested in serving on the board or joining a subcommittee (no board membership required), please contact us prior to the annual meeting.

Yes, we can!

Celebrating 4 years of the can drive—and our Can King!

Cast your mind back to 2020... our spring and summer shows had been cancelled due to COVID (RIP, Fantastic Mr. Fox), the studio show was rehearsing online, and theatre companies around the country were facing an upcoming season in the middle of a pandemic. No one knew what to expect. AECT's board brainstormed ways to keep the company solvent when ticket sales dried up, and then-Treasurer Jeff D'Valentine saw a post online…

With recycling centers shut down nationwide, cans were piling up and people wanted to get rid of them. Jeff saw a post on Nextdoor from a neighbor who wanted to de-clutter, and the can drive was born! For the first few months, Jeff collected cans but couldn’t return them. He had a mountain of 30,000 cans in his garage by the time recycling centers opened again in the summer. Once they did, he would load up his 2007 Ford Edge and visit several stores, hitting the limit of 250 cans at each location.

He hasn’t slowed down since! Our “Can King” still makes regular rounds to collect cans at local homes and businesses (he has about 150 regular donors). He says it keeps him busy in his retirement, but it is also an incredible amount of work. Jeff has returned over 430,000 cans—that’s $43,000 raised for AECT, one dime at a time. Once you factor in the non-returnables and water bottles, Jeff figures he has handled over half a million cans in the last four years!

At any given stop, Jeff might pick up two grocery bags full from a driveway or five big sacks from a local business break room. Some people leave out dog biscuits for Ben and Cooper, who accompany Jeff on his can runs. Sometimes Jeff gets invited in for a cup of tea, or chats about AECT’s upcoming show with a donor. He knows the store managers at all the local Kroger and Meijer locations, plus Aldi, Costco, Sam’s Club, and Horrocks. He can tell at a glance which stores take which brands (pro tip: Horrocks takes a lot of the “weird” ones!). He’s even gotten to know the service providers for the TOMRA recycling machines and has worked with them to get new brands entered when he notices the store sells a product but the system isn’t updated yet for returns.

The can drive is about raising funds, but it’s also about building relationships. Jeff knows every one of his donors. He’s gotten referrals from individuals and now collects from their neighbors and workplaces. Our Can King is reliable—picking up when he says he will and tracking every can to provide tax receipts as well! Even after his board service ended in 2023, Jeff has continued this amazing volunteer work, and we are grateful to him and to those who donate their returnables!

Have some cans to donate? Email us at contact@allofusexpress.org or text Jeff directly at 269-207-0303 to arrange a pick-up or drop-off. As Jeff would say, “Pass the word…and drink up!”

Board buzz

Welcoming a new board member!

Welcome to our newest member of the Board of Trustees, Vinnie Tardino! Vinnie was voted onto the board for a partial term for the remainder of Season 35, and will begin a full term in Season 36. If you are interested in joining the board or serving on a committee (no board position required for committees), check our Board of Trustees page for more information!

Season 36 productions

Save these dates!

More information about auditions and audition workshops, performance dates and times, and plot details can be found in the Season 36 brochure.

• Elementary Workshop 2024: 101 Dalmatians *Auditions August 22-23, 2024*

  • A new opportunity for our youngest actors to take center stage!

  • Directed by Jocelyn France

• Fall 2024: Puffs *Auditions August 22-23, 2024*

  • Alternate title: Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic

  • Directed by Jen Shaw

• Winter 2025: Little Shop of Horrors *Auditions November 2024*

  • Don’t feed the plants.

  • Directed by Jocelyn France

• Spring 2025: Holes *Auditions February 2025*

  • Some secrets are too big to keep hidden.

  • Directed by Andrea Arnold

• Studio Class 2025: The Laramie Project *Auditions December 2024*

  • When a small town comes face to face with murder, everybody has a tale to tell.

  • Directed by Jen Shaw

• Summer 2025: Disney’s The Little Mermaid *Auditions May 2025*

  • Life is the bubbles, under the sea!

  • Directed by Jocelyn France

Thanks for reading Show Notes—we hope to see you on Facebook and Instagram as well! Keep up between issues on our website.