Living on the Edge: World in the Balance

November 23

Now in its 17th year, "Living on the edge" is a 10-minute play festival. The main aspect is a playwriting competition. Anyone is welcome to submit a script for a 10-minute play which utilizes the each year's unique theme (this season being World in the Balance). A panel of judges narrows the submitted scripts down (based on how well the script draws on the theme, if it is 10 minutes, and quality of writing) and the top 10-15 scripts receive a public read. From there the top 5 scripts are chosen and those 5 scripts receive full performance in November.

Mary Jane

Jan. 30-Feb. 1, Feb. 6-8 at 8pm, Feb. 2 at 3pm

Armed with medicines, feeding tubes, and various medical equipment, Mary Jane is a single mother and relentless force when it comes to caring for her young, sick child. Mary Jane is a moving and compassionate portrait of a woman striving for grace and the prevailing strength of human will when fueled by unconditional love.

Michigan Premiere

Drama Critics' Circle Award

Paradise Lost

April 16-18, 23-25 at 8pm, April 19 at 3pm

The debate over right and wrong has never been so satisfying. This ultra-contemporary new drama is fiercely engaging, irreverently funny, and deeply moving. The 17th century and present day are seamlessly intertwines as Satan vents to an audience about her frustration at being cast out of heaven and her thoughts on oppression. When she finds out that God has created delicate new creatures called "humans," she crafts a plan for revenge and betrayal on the Almighty.

*Please be advised that there is a brief instance of nudity in this production

National Premiere

The Humans

May 14-16, 21-23, 28-30 at 8pm; May 17 at 3pm

The Humans tells the story of the quintessential family reunion: a group of people who love each other but still wrestle with basic human fears: old age, abandonment, poverty, and death. Filled with equal parts human and hurt, The Humans is powerfully empathetic, clear-minded, entertaining, and honest.

Winner - 4 Tony Awards
Winner - Outer Circle Award
Winner - New York Drama Critics' Circle Award
Finalist - 2016 Pulitzer Prize

Second Space: #thewaterproject

July 2020

Truth. Water. Power. #thewaterproject is a meta-theatrical conversation about Michigan water issues by way of kitchy education videos, anthems of the poverty stricken, water sommeliers, angry cartoon characters, Native American mythology, real life stories of Grand Rapidians, and a classroom travelling through time. Will the Great Lakes region be the most fought over in 2050? Can a water crisis like Flint's occur in our own community? What will it take to activate us?

Hedwig and the Angry Inch

Sept. 12-14, 19-21 at 8pm, Sept. 15 at 3pm

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is hilarious, harrowing, and powerfully uplifting for anyone who's ever felt different. This groundbreaking smash hit tells the story of "internationally ignored song stylist" Hedwig Schmidt, an East German rock 'n' roll performer who is the victim of a botched sex-change operation which has left her with just "an angry inch." The show daringly breaks the fourth wall, as Hedwig, with a little help from a band and back-up singer Yitzhak, examines her quest for identity, love, and wholeness.

Winner - Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical