About Actors' Theatre: Our History

Founded in 1980, Actors' Theatre, a tax exempt not-for-profit organization, was created through the efforts of Fred Sebulske, then a faculty member of the theater department at Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC), and a group of local actors. Then and now Actors' has been a showcase for the talents of local actors and a training resource for theater students in West Michigan.

Fred Sebulske - 
Founding Director

From its inception, Actors' Theatre has been committed to productions which address issues that reflect the dilemmas, conflicts and joys of human existence. Often the plays stimulate dialogue for some and discomfort for others. To that end, Actors' has produced such plays as Seven Passages: The Stories of Gay Christians, Angels in America, Corpus Christi, Intimate Apparel, A Lesson Before Dying, Boy Gets Girl and The Waiting Room, dealing with issues important to the African-American, women's and Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Trans-gender communities.

Many Actors' Theatre productions have been West Michigan premieres such as Bat Boy the Musical and Side Show. Throughout its history, Actors' has been recognized for its work, including awards from the American Association of Community Theatres, Between the Lines newspaper, On The Town - Townie Awards and 65 Grand Awards for excellence in Grand Rapids theatre.

The Board of Directors and staff of Actors' Theatre maintain a commitment to the development of local playwrights. To this end, each year in June, Actors' produces Living on the Edge, a ten minute play series of work selected for three nights of performances. We continue to develop new works through our special series and new works committee.

Actors' Theatre has successfully defined a niche in the local community theater scene as the off-Broadway of Grand Rapids. With the support of our community we continue to bring you the best in entertaining, innovative, challenging and thought-provoking theatre. We believe in the inclusion of all.