{{Infobox venue | name = Performance Network Theatre | image = Performance Network Theater.JPG | image_size = 400px | address = 120 E Huron | city = Ann Arbor, Michigan | country = USA | capacity = 140 seats | type = black box/proscenium | opened = 1981 | closed = 2015 | years_active = 35
}} '''Performance Network Theatre''', founded in 1981, was Ann Arbor, Michigan's premiere professional Equity theatre. It produced a wide variety of dramas, classics, comedies, Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winners, many of which were World or Michigan Premieres. Its professional season included five to seven main stage productions. Other programming included seasonal productions that ran in repertory over the holiday season, the Northern Writers' Project—a week-long playwriting intensive, children's programming, the Fireside Festival of New Plays, the Open Table Series, the Open Stage series, music and more.
On December 18, 2015, the Theatre announced that it would close at the conclusion of the year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://annarborobserver.com/articles/backstage_dramas.html#.XuVBjOd7l2A|title=Backstage Dramas - the life and death of the Performance Network|date=28 April 2016}}</ref> <ref>[http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2015/12/34_year_old_performance_networ.html After 34 years, Performance Network Theatre will close its doors, mlive.com, December 18, 2015]</ref>
==Overview== Performance Network was a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that began its tenure in Ann Arbor in 1981. Performance Network became Ann Arbor's professional theatre in September 1997 and built an elegant theatre in the heart of downtown in September 2000.
Performance Network's primary stage, the Shure Theater, was an intimate space that seated 139 patrons.
== History ==
David Bernstein and Jim Moran founded the Performance Network Theatre in 1981 as an arts collective. In addition to Bernstein and Moran, active collective members in the playwriting group included Lyn Coffin, Davi Napoleon, Judith Ottmar, Al Sjoerdsma and Rochel Urist. The theatre evolved into a nonprofit corporation in the mid-eighties. After the departure of the original founders, the organization continued to produce and present experimental, original and socially relevant work under the cooperative direction of Linda Kendall, Annemarie Stoll, Johanna Broughton, (and in time, Peter Knox). Eventually, the early 1990s saw departures from the artistic staff leave the artistic direction in the hands of Johanna Broughton, who (with her husband Dan Walker, along with Carla Milarch and David Wolber) led the theatre from the 'Warehouse Years' to professional status and in 2000 moved it from Ann Arbor's Washington Street location to the corner of 4th and Huron, near the Kerrytown district. In 1997, Performance Network secured a contract with Actors’ Equity and established itself as Ann Arbor's professional theatre. In doing so, it was able to * Increase the reputation of the Network by placing it in a higher tier of theatres nationally * Gain access to plays of nationally recognized merit, unavailable to community theatres * Increase artistic quality by hiring more experienced actors, directors, and designers * Gain listing in respected theatrical publications and presentation by participating in the Michigan Equity Theatre Alliance, the National New Play Network, and Theatre Communication Group * Expand the audience base by gaining press coverage in Southeastern Michigan publications. In 2003, direction of the theatre was turned over to Milarch and Wolber. Under Milarch and Wolber, Performance Network excelled at choosing a wide range of artistically challenging shows and began receiving multiple awards for artistic quality. In order to continue producing high quality work Milarch decided to join Wolber in the Artistic department. In 2012, Performance Network switched to a dual leadership structure and hired Erin Sabo to partner with Wolber. In May 2014, the Board of Directors suspended all operations, as the theater did not have resources to pay its staff, actors and vendors in a timely manner, and to make debt payments.<ref>[http://annarborchronicle.com/2014/06/06/performance-theatre-board-gives-update/ Ann Arbor Chronicle, June 6, 2014]</ref> In July 2014, the Board announced that the theatre would reopen under the management of local actor-directors John Manfredi and Suzi Regan.<ref>[http://www.freep.com/article/20140716/ENT05/307160170/performance-network-theatre-reopening-ann-arbor Detroit Free Press, July 16, 2014]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://annarborobserver.com/articles/backstage_drama_full_article.html|title = Backstage Drama - What happened at the Performance Network Theatre?}}</ref> Under the new management team, the Network produced one and a half seasons. Despite excellent reviews for some of the productions,<ref>[http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2015/10/theater_review_performance_net_5.html Theater review: Performance Network's 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf' is a must-see, mLive,October 10, 2015 ]; [http://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/arts/2015/10/14/whos-afraid-of-virginia-woolf-performance-network/73888744/ Stage vets soar in Performance Network's 'Virginia Woolf', Detroit Free Press, October 14, 2015]</ref> both ticket sales and donations dropped precipitously.<ref>[http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20151221/NEWS/151229976/ann-arbors-performance-network-theatre-to-close-at-years-end/ Crains Detroit, December 21, 2015]</ref> In October 2015, the theatre announced that unless it could raise $50,000 before Thanksgiving, it would need to close its doors permanently. The funding campaign failed to reach its goal. In December, the staff and Board of Directors announced that the theatre company was no longer sustainable.<ref>[http://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/arts/2015/12/18/performance-network-closing-ann-arbor/77598650/ Detroit Free Press December 18, 2015]</ref>
==Programs==
=== Professional Season === The professional season included classic and contemporary plays under a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors’ Equity Association. Performance Network strived to include a classic play, musical, and world premiere in each season. The season began in the fall and ran a full year.
Patrons could purchase a subscription to the professional season that gives them tickets at a discounted rate. Alternatively, patrons could purchase "Flex Tickets" or anytime tickets to use in any combination for any number of shows they pleased over the course of the season.
=== Apprenticeships and Internships === Performance Network's Apprenticeship program offered an intensive year-long paid position. The apprenticeship offered hands-on training in the areas of stage management, house management, development, marketing, and technical theatre. Apprentices developed a well-rounded experience in all aspects of theatre management.
Internships provided applicants a comprehensive experience in all elements of professional theatre, including box office, house management, and technical and clerical skills. Unlike the apprenticeship, which allowed apprentices to experience multiple areas of theatre, interns selected which field they would like to focus on.
==Staff, Board of Directors, and Associate Artists== In the Theatre's final 18 months, its staff members included: * John Manfredi, Executive Director * Suzi Regan, Artistic Director * Sara Dean, Company Manager * Meghan Bortle, Apprentice * Melissa Mercieca, Apprentice
Past staff members include: * [http://www.hometownlife.com/story/entertainment/arts/2015/09/16/huron-valley-council-arts-hires-new-staff/32504507/ Erin Sabo], Managing Director * [http://davidwolber.com David Wolber], Artistic Director * Carla Milarch, Associate Artistic Director * Logan Ricket, Associate Development Director * Joshua Parker, Technical Director * Jennifer Pan, Assistant Technical Director & Graphic Designer * Becky Fox, Director of Outreach and Education * Anna Simmons, Company Manager & Resident Stage Manager * Dayne White Bull, Marketing Assistant * Justin Dietzel, Apprentice * Eric Hohnke, Apprentice * Jahmeel Powers, Apprentice * Derek Ridge, Apprentice
Board of Directors * [http://www.zingtrain.com/about-us/meet-the-trainers/ron-maurer Ron Maurer], President * Mary Avrakotos, Treasurer * Tom DeZure, Vice-president * Steve Gerber, Secretary * Ed Abbott * Barbara Bach * Norman Bash * Heather Bell * Gene Dickirson * Hanna Goodstein * Terry Heck * David Herzig * Steve Klein * Jessica Litman * Sheila Sasser * Phil Stoffregen
Associate Artists * [http://www.nazedwards.com Naz Edwards] * [http://www.studioepoque.com Monika Essen] * Sarab Kamoo * Will Myers * Jan Radcliff * Chelsea Sadler * John Seibert * Malcolm Tulip * Daniel C. Walker * David Wells * Leigh Woods * [http://www.jzettelmaier.com Joseph Zettelmaier]
== Production history == '''The 2015–2016 season''' (Suzi Regan, artistic director) * ''Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?'' by Edward Albee—Holiday Shows: * ''Why Not Me? A Sammy Davis Jr. Story'' by Tim Rhoze * ''Dickens: An A Capella Carol'' by Charles Dickens
'''The 2014–2015 season'''<ref>[http://encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=8727 Encore Michigan July 23, 2014] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810202512/http://encoremichigan.com/article.html?article=8727 |date=August 10, 2014 }}</ref> (Suzi Regan, artistic director) *''Driving Miss Daisy'' by Alfred Uhry *''This Wonderful Life'' by Steve Murray *''Gift of the Magi'' by Annie Martin and Suzi Regan *''Yellow Man'' by Dael Orlandersmith *''Stones in His Pockets'' by Marie Jones *''Salvage'' by [http://www.jzettelmaier.com Joseph Zettelmaier] *''Other Desert Cities'' by Jon Robin Baitz A co-production with the [http://www.jettheatre.org Jewish Ensemble Theatre] (Michigan Premiere)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailytribune.com/arts-and-entertainment/20140514/jet-anniversary-finale-unveils-family-secrets-in-other-desert-cities|title = JET anniversary finale unveils family secrets in 'Other Desert Cities'|date = 14 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2015/06/theater_review_performance_net_4.html|title=Theater Review: Performance Network's 'Other Desert Cities' is a gripping family drama|date=13 June 2015}}</ref>
'''The 2013–2014 season:''' (David Wolber, artistic director) * ''An Iliad'' adapted by Lisa Peterson & Denis O'Hare, based on Homer's ''Iliad'' (Michigan Premiere) * ''Jerry's Girls'' with Music and Lyrics by Jerry Herman, Concepts by Larry Alford, Wayne Cilento, and Jerry Herman * ''County Line'' by David Wells (World Premiere)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20140129/ENT05/301290025/1035/ENT/Female-characters-Michigan-writer-s-County-Line-study-contrasts |title=Archived copy |website=www.freep.com |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409210800/http://www.freep.com/article/20140129/ENT05/301290025/1035/ENT/Female-characters-Michigan-writer-s-County-Line-study-contrasts |archive-date=9 April 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> * ''Venus In Fur'' by David Ives (Michigan Premiere)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20140312/ENT05/303120022/venus-in-fur-performance-network |title=Funny and sometimes dark, 'Venus in Fur' cleverly explores sexual taboos | Detroit Free Press | freep.com |website=www.freep.com |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314122838/http://www.freep.com/article/20140312/ENT05/303120022/venus-in-fur-performance-network |archive-date=14 March 2014 |url-status=dead}}</ref> * ''Richard III'' by William Shakespeare<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.encoremichigan.com/2014/05/shakespeare-play-breaks-our-winter-of-discontent/ |title=Shakespeare play breaks 'our winter of discontent' - Encore Michigan |access-date=2016-07-14 |archive-date=2016-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819152230/http://www.encoremichigan.com/2014/05/shakespeare-play-breaks-our-winter-of-discontent/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2014/05/performance_networks_richard_i.html|title = Performance Network makes a very different (And darker) 'Richard III'|date = 3 May 2014}}</ref>
'''The 2012–2013 Season:''' (David Wolber, artistic director) * ''The Glass Menagerie'' by Tennessee Williams<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/review-glass-menagerie-at-performance-network/|title = Performance Network's 'Glass Menagerie' will break your heart - in a good way}}</ref> * ''A Little Night Music'' with Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by Hugh Wheeler<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20121129/ENT05/311290021/Performance-Network-puts-a-shine-on-Little-Night-Music- |title = Performance Network puts a shine on 'Little Night Music' | ENT05 | De… |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121205192624/http://www.freep.com/article/20121129/ENT05/311290021/Performance-Network-puts-a-shine-on-Little-Night-Music- |archive-date=5 December 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> * ''Brill'' by David Wells, Music by Frank Allison (World Premiere) * ''Good People'' by David Lindsay-Abaire (Michigan Premiere)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/review-good-people-at-performance-network/|title = Performance Network's 'Good People' is better than good}}</ref> * ''The Mountaintop'' by Katori Hall (Michigan Premiere) * ''Becky Shaw'' by Gina Gionfriddo (Michigan Premiere) * ''My Name is Asher Lev'' by Aaron Posner, Adapted from the novel by Chaim Potok (Michigan Premiere), a co-production with the [http://www.jettheatre.org Jewish Ensemble Theatre]
'''The 2011–2012 season:''' (David Wolber, artistic director) * ''Time Stands Still'' by Donald Margulies (Michigan Premiere) * ''Ain't Misbehavin''': The Fats Waller Musical Show, conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horwitz * ''God of Carnage'' by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton (Michigan Premiere) * ''Dead Man's Shoes'' by [http://www.jzettelmaier.com Joseph Zettelmaier] (World Premiere) * ''Red'' by John Logan (Michigan Premiere)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/review-red-at-performance-network/|title = Performance Network's outstanding production should make you want to see 'Red'}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.roguecritic.com/home/red.html|title=The Rogue Critic - Home - Red}}</ref> * ''In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play)'' by Sarah Ruhl (Michigan Premiere)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.freep.com/article/20120628/ENT05/206280317/Comic-play-In-the-Next-Room-deftly-handles-its-provocative-subject |title=Comic play 'In the Next Room' deftly handles its provocative subject … |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717214752/http://www.freep.com/article/20120628/ENT05/206280317/Comic-play-In-the-Next-Room-deftly-handles-its-provocative-subject |archive-date=17 July 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref> * ''Burn This'' by Lanford Wilson
'''The 2010–2011 season:''' (David Wolber, artistic director) * ''Sonia Flew'' by Melinda Lopez (Michigan Premiere), a co-production with the [http://www.jettheatre.org Jewish Ensemble Theatre] * ''The Drowsy Chaperone'', Book by Bob Martin and Don McKellar, Music and Lyrics by Lisa Lambert and Greg Morrison (Michigan Premiere) * ''The War Since Eve'' by Kim Carney (World Premiere)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.playscripts.com/playwrights/bios/1544|title=Playwright Details | Playscripts, Inc}}</ref> * ''The Piano Lesson'' by August Wilson * ''Circle Mirror Transformation'' by Annie Baker (Michigan Premiere) * ''Next Fall'' by Geoffrey Nauffts (Michigan Premiere) * ''Marie Antoinette: The Color of Flesh'' by Joel Gross (Michigan Premiere)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.theoaklandpress.com/article/OP/20110813/NEWS/308139992|title = News @9 rebroadcast|date = 16 February 2012}}</ref>
'''The 2009–2010 season:''' (David Wolber, artistic director) *''The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead''<ref>[http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/performance-networks-the-blonde/ The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead Review - AnnArbor.com]</ref> by Robert Hewett (Michigan Premiere) *''Christmas Carol'd''<ref>[http://de.theoaklandpress.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=T0xQLzIwMDkvMTIvMTMjQXIwNDYwMQ==&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom Christmas Carol'd Review - AnnArbor.com]{{Dead link|date=November 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot }}</ref> by [http://www.jzettelmaier.com Joseph Zettelmaier] (World Premiere) *''K2''<ref>[http://detnews.com/article/20100128/ENT01/1280304/1033/Performance-Network-s--K2--rises-to-a-spiritual-summit K2 Review - Detroit News]</ref> by Patrick Meyers *''It Came From Mars'' by [http://www.jzettelmaier.com Joseph Zettelmaier] (World Premiere), a co-production with Williamston Theatre<ref>[http://www.williamstontheatre.org/0910camefrommars.htm Williamston Theatre's Mars page] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110113131801/http://www.williamstontheatre.org/0910camefrommars.htm |date=2011-01-13 }}</ref> *''Little Shop of Horrors'' Book/Lyrics by Howard Ashman, Music by Alan Menken *''The Seafarer'' by Conor McPherson (Michigan Premiere) *''Woman Before a Glass'' by Lanie Robertson (Michigan Premiere)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/woman-before-a-glass-preview/|title=Performance Network Theatre offers 'Woman Before a Glass'}}</ref>
'''The 2008–2009 season:''' (David Wolber, artistic director) *''Nine Parts of Desire (play)'' by Heather Raffo *''Geoffrey and Jeffrey'' by Kim Carney (World Premiere)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bykennethjones.com/detroit-area-dramatist-kim-carney-hear-fresh-take-geoffrey-jeffrey-nycs-queens-theatre/|title = Detroit-Area Dramatist Kim Carney to Hear Fresh Take on Her "Geoffrey & Jeffrey" at NYC's Queens Theatre|date = 7 May 2015}}</ref> *''Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead'' by Tom Stoppard *''A Feminine Ending'' by Sarah Treem (Michigan Premiere)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/ann-arbor-theater-highlights/|title=Ann Arbor area's theater highlights for the year}}</ref> *''Fences''<ref>[http://www.detnews.com/article/20090702/ENT01/907020364/1033/A-genuine--Picasso--on-Network-stage Fences Review - Detroit News]</ref> by August Wilson *''A Picasso'' by Jeffrey Hatcher (Michigan Premiere)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.annarbor.com/entertainment/ann-arbor-theater-highlights/|title=Ann Arbor area's theater highlights for the year}}</ref>
'''The 2007–2008 season:''' (Carla Milarch/David Wolber, artistic director) *''The Clean House'' by Sarah Ruhl (Michigan Premiere) *''The Baker's Wife'' by Joseph Stein and Stephen Schwartz *''Souvenir (play)'' by Stephen Temperley (Michigan Premiere), a co-production with Boarshead Theatre *''Doubt'' by John Patrick Shanley *''Exits and Entrances'' by Athol Fugard (Michigan premiere)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.pridesource.com/article-mobile.html?article=30243|title = Fugard celebrates life in the theater|date = 8 May 2008}}</ref> *''The Little Dog Laughed'' by Douglas Carter Beane (Michigan Premiere) *''The Day Everything Went Wrong'' by Malcolm Tulip (World Premiere)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://annarborobserver.com/articles/the_day_everything_went_wrong_full_article.html|title = The Day Everything Went Wrong - Malcolm Tulip channels Brecht and Weill}}</ref>
'''The 2006–2007 season:''' (Carla Milarch, artistic director) *''The Retreat From Moscow'' by William Nicholson (Michigan Premiere) *''The Fantasticks'' by Harvey Schmidt, book and lyrics by Tom Jones *''Language Lessons'' by [http://www.jzettelmaier.com Joseph Zettelmaier] (World Premiere) *''Candida'' by George Bernard Shaw *''Amadeus'' by Peter Shaffer *''Dirty Blonde'' by Claudia Shear (Michigan Premiere)
'''The 2005–2006 season:''' (Carla Milarch, artistic director) *''Ice Glen'' by Joan Ackermann (NNPN rolling world premiere) *''Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol'' by Tom Mula (Michigan premiere) *''Moonglow'' by Kim Carney (world premiere), a co-production with Boarshead Theatre *''A Doll's House'' by Henrik Ibsen *''A Life In The Theatre'' by David Mamet *''I Am My Own Wife'' by Doug Wright (Michigan premiere)
'''The 2004–2005 Season:''' (Carla Milarch, artistic director) *''Humble Boy'' by Charlotte Jones (September–October 2004) *''She Loves Me'' by Joe Masteroff, lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, music by Jerry Bock (November–December 2004) *''Boston Marriage'' by David Mamet (January–February 2005) (Michigan premiere) *''The Stillness Between Breaths'' by [http://www.jzettelmaier.com Joseph Zettelmaier] (March–April 2005) (world premiere) *''Summer and Smoke'' by Tennessee Williams (April–May 2005) *''Take Me Out'' by Richard Greenberg (July–August 2005) (Michigan premiere) '''The 2003–2004 Season:''' (Carla Milarch, artistic director) *''The Sins of Sor Juana'' by Karen Zacarias (September–October 2003) (Michigan premiere) *''Tongue of a Bird'' by Ellen McLaughlin (October–November 2003) (Michigan premiere) *''The Home Team'' by Kim Carney (November–December 2003) (world premiere) *''Spike Heels'' by Theresa Rebeck (January–February 2004) (Michigan premiere) *''Kimberly Akimbo'' by David Lindsay-Abaire (March–April 2004) (Michigan premiere) *''The Threepenny Opera'' by Bertolt Brecht, music by Kurt Weill, translated by Robert David MacDonald (April–May 2004) '''The 2002–2003 Season:''' (Daniel C. Walker, artistic director) *''Defying Gravity'' by Jane Anderson (Michigan premiere) *''The Spirit House'' by Adam Kraar (world premiere) *''Man of La Mancha'' *''Necessary Targets'' by Eve Ensler (Michigan premiere)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.michigandaily.com/content/targets-hits-bulls-eye|title = 'Targets' hits bulls-eye|date = 14 February 2003}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.freep.com/entertainment/newsandreviews/target11_20030211.htm |title=Women tell universal stories of war |website=www.freep.com |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041030051248/http://www.freep.com/entertainment/newsandreviews/target11_20030211.htm |archive-date=30 October 2004 |url-status=dead}}</ref> *''Copenhagen'' by Michael Frayn *''Sin'' by Wendy MacLeod (Michigan premiere) '''2003 TreeTown Performance Festival (June-Aug 2003)''' *Peter Sparling Dance Company *''Brilliant traces'' *Mosaic Youth Theatre - ''Reality'' *Brass Tacks - ''A Work in Progress'' *Terpsichore's Kitchen - ''Dancing in Summer'' *LIMF Nodes - ''The Blue Hour'' by David Mamet *Pangea - ''The Search for Intelligent Improv in the Universe'' *Rowen Education Network - ''Candy Corn, Christ, and the Convoluted Creation of Golf''
'''The 2001–2002 Season:''' (Daniel C. Walker, artistic director) *''Taking Leave'' by Nagle Jackson (Michigan premiere) *''It's All True'' by Jason Sherman (Michigan premiere) *''Stop Kiss'' by Diana Son (Michigan premiere) *''Elizabeth Rex'' by Timothy Findley (American premiere)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://freep.com/entertainment/newsandreviews/rex5_20020205.htm |title='Elizabeth Rex' rules the stage |website=freep.com |access-date=13 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020616120018/http://freep.com/entertainment/newsandreviews/rex5_20020205.htm |archive-date=16 June 2002 |url-status=dead}}</ref> *''The White Rose'' by Lillian Garrett-Groag (Michigan premiere) *''Special Relativity'' by Richard Strand (world premiere) '''2002 TreeTown Performance Festival (June-Aug 2002):''' *Peter Sparling Dance Company *''Dada Boy Paints on Canvas'' *Mosaic Youth Theatre - ''Heartbeat'' *Chimera Theatre's ''A Streetcar Named Desire'' by Tennessee Williams *''James McNeill Whistler'' *Terpsichore's Kitchen - ''Dancing in Summer'' *''Ground Zen and Skinny Arms'' *''Collection'' *''Anton in Show Business''
'''The 2000–2001 Season:''' (Daniel C. Walker, artistic director) *''The Maiden's Prayer'' by Nicky Silver (Michigan premiere) *''Wit'' by Margaret Edson (Michigan premiere) *''Fuddy Meers'' by David Lindsay-Abaire (Michigan premiere) *''Maggie Rose'' by Kim Carney (world premiere) *''Struggling Truths'' by Peter Mellencamp (world premiere)<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.petermellencamp.com/amtheatremag.html |title=Peter Mellencamp - Playwright |access-date=2016-07-09 |archive-date=2016-08-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809025201/http://www.petermellencamp.com/amtheatremag.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> *''Art'' by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton (Michigan premiere)
'''The 1999–2000 Season:''' (Daniel C. Walker, artistic director) *''As Bees in Honey Drown'' (Michigan premiere) *''Not Waving'' by Gen LeRoy (Michigan premiere) *''Three Days of Rain'' by Richard Greenberg (Michigan premiere) *''Picasso at the Lapin Agile'' by Steve Martin (Michigan premiere) *''The Ride Down Mt. Morgan'' by Arthur Miller (Michigan premiere) *''...and Associates'' by Jerry Lax and Ed Stein (world premiere)
'''The 1998–99 Season:''' (Johanna Broughton, executive director) *''Avenue X: An A Cappella Musical'' book & lyrics by John Jiler, music by Ray Leslee *''The Talking Cure'' by Rachel Urist (world premiere) *''Innocent Thoughts'' by William Missouri Downs (Michigan premiere) *''Private Eyes'' by Steven Dietz (Michigan premiere) *''How I Learned To Drive'' by Paula Vogel (Michigan premiere) '''The 1998 Guest presentations:''' *Ellipsis Theatre Ensemble's ''The Moon Wolf'' *Jesse Richards & Hundredth Monkey's ''Animal Lovers Project '' *MorrisCo Art Theatre's'' The Importance Of Being Earnest'' *MOSAIC Youth Theatre's ''heartBEAT '' *Open Theatre's ''Quartet '' *Drake Enterprises' ''Moby Dick Rehearsed'' *''Shivaree'' by William Mastrosimone *Shadow Theatre Company's ''Closet Land'' *Autumn Dances Annual Choreographers Showcase '''1999 TreeTown Performance Festival Guest presentations June - August 1999:''' *Mosaic Youth Theatre's ''Everybody's Talkin''' *Brass Tacks Ensemble's ''King Lear'' *Heartlande Theatre Company's ''Mainstream'' *Shadow Theatre Company's ''Echoes'' *Terpsicore's Kitchen's ''Summer Dances'' *RAH Productions ''Strange Love & Unusual Sex '' *Mercury Theatre Company's ''Office Hours''
'''The 1997–98 Season (PNT's first Equity season):''' (Johanna Broughton, executive director) *''Molly Sweeney'' by Brian Friel (Michigan premiere) *''The Waiting Room'' by Lisa Loomer (Michigan premiere) *''Inverted Pyramid'' by Larry Dean Harris (world premiere) *''Life In Refusal'' by Ari Roth (Michigan premiere) *''White Picket Fence'' by Michael Grady (Michigan premiere) *''Psychopathia Sexualis (play)'' by John Patrick Shanley (Michigan premiere) '''The 1997-98 Guest Presentations:''' *Autumn Dances Annual Choreographers Showcase *Ellipsis Theatre Ensemble's ''Ave Maria Played Softly'' *Spontaneous Me Productions's ''The Borstal Boy'' *MorrisCo Art Theatre's ''Agnes of God'' *Peridot Productions' ''No Exit'' *''Dutchman'' by LeRoi Jones (Amiri Baraka) *The 12th Annual Raise The Roof *Autumn Dances Annual Choreographers Showcase *Ellipsis Theatre Ensemble's ''Why We Have A Body'' *Walk and Squawk's ''Inhlanzi Ishelwe Amanzi '' *The Shadow Theatre Company's ''The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) '' *Sensible Footwear - Comedic Feminist Terrorists *Walk and Squawk's ''How Could You Stoop SoLo? '' *''Brilliant Traces'' by Cindy Lou Johnson *Basement Arts presents ''A Midsummer Night's Dream'' *''Drop Dead'' by Billy Van Zandt & Jane Milmore
'''The 1997 Productions:''' *''Mary Goldstein & the Author'' by OyamO *''River Dreams'' by Elise Bryant *''The Tiger Bounds'' by Malcolm Tulip *''Viva, La Click-ka!'' by Rudolfo Valier Alvarado *''Some of My Best Friends Are...'' by Joan Lipkin, music & lyrics by Tom Clear '''The 1997 Guest Presentations:''' *''In the Heart of the Wood'' by Todd Jefferson Moore *MorrisCo Art Theatre's ''Summer and Smoke'' *''Come Good Rain'' written and performed by Toronto actor/playwright George Bwanika Seremba *Spring Dances Annual Choreographers Showcase *Sensible Footwear - Comedic Feminist Terrorists *Walk and Squawk presents Shameless Rainbow Youth Theater *MorrisCo Art Theatre presents ''Uncle Vanya'' *''Dance / Partners'' by Terri Sarris and Patricia Plasko *''The Birthday Party'' by Harold Pinter *Mosaic Youth theatre of Detroit presents ''What Fools These Mortals Be! '' *Ellipsis Theatre Ensemble presents ''A Woman's Lot'' and ''Under a Rhyming Planet'' *Walk & Squawk Performance Project's ''Who It Is''
==Affiliations==
Performance Network Theatre was a member of the Theatre Communications Group (TCG),<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tcg.org/ |title=Home |website=tcg.org}}</ref> the National New Play Network (NNPN),<ref>[http://www.nnpn.org/memberlist.php National New Play Network website]</ref> Americans for the Arts,<ref>[http://www.artsusa.org/ Americans for the Arts website]</ref> the Cultural Alliance of Southeast Michigan (CASM),<ref>[http://www.culturalalliancesemi.org/index.php?option=com_directory&page=byletter&alpha=p&Itemid=28 CASM website]</ref> the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau (AACVB),<ref>[http://www.visitannarbor.org/index.php/plan_a_visit/search/performance_network/ AACVB website]</ref> and the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce.<ref>[http://annarborchamber.com/ Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce website]</ref> The Theatre's activities were supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs,<ref>[http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-17445_19272---,00.html MCACA website]</ref> and the National Endowment for the Arts.
==Awards==
<big>'''National Awards'''</big>:
*2013 Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award: ''County Line'' by David Wells<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tcg.org/tools/newplays/details2013.cfm?ShowID=257 |title=New Plays |website=www.tcg.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215073351/http://www.tcg.org/tools/newplays/details2013.cfm?ShowID=257 |archive-date=2015-02-15}}</ref> *2011 Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award: ''Dead Man's Shoes'' by Joseph Zettelmaier<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tcg.org/tools/newplays/details2011.cfm?ShowID=138 |title=Theatre Communications Group - New Plays |website=www.tcg.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417185609/http://www.tcg.org/tools/newplays/details2011.cfm?ShowID=138 |archive-date=2012-04-17}}</ref> *2009 Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award: ''It Came From Mars'' by Joseph Zettelmaier<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tcg.org/tools/newplays/details2009.cfm?ShowID=54 |title=Theatre Communications Group - New Plays |website=www.tcg.org |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101231093347/http://www.tcg.org/tools/newplays/details2009.cfm?ShowID=54 |archive-date=2010-12-31}}</ref>
<big>'''Organizational Awards:'''</big>: *Voted "Best Local Theatre" by Metro Times readers, 2009 *2006 Critics Choice and Angel Award for Outstanding Service to the LGBT *CommunityVoted "Best Theatre" by Current Magazine readers 1996–2008. *Best Overall Season by the Oakland Press 2005 *The DeVine Award for Outstanding Contributions by the Detroit Free Press 2001 & 2005 *Non-Profit Excellence Award nomination - Non-profit Enterprise at Work, 1997 & 2000 *Governor's Arts Award nomination, 1998 & 2000
<big>'''Wilde Awards'''</big>:<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://crankycritic2.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2015-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&updated-max=2016-01-01T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=20|title = The Cranky Critic}}</ref>
'''2014''' *Best Performance, Actor - Drama: John Manfredi - ''An Iliad'' *Best Performance, Actress - Comedy: Maggie Meyer - ''Venus in Fur'' '''2013''' *Best Music Direction: R. MacKenzie Lewis - ''Little Night Music'' *Best Musical: Phil Simmons, director - ''A Little Night Music'' *Best Performance, Actor - Comedy: John Seibert - ''In the Next Room or The Vibrator Play'' *Best Performance, Actor – Musical: John Seibert - ''A Little Night Music'' *Best Performance, Actress – Musical: Naz Edwards - ''A Little Night Music'' '''2012''' *Best Design - Sets: Monika Essen - ''Red'' *Best New Script: Joseph Zettelmaier - ''Dead Man's Shoes'' '''2011''' *Best Comedy: John Seibert, director - ''Circle Mirror Transformation'' *Best New Script: Kim Carney - ''The War Since Eve'' *Best Performance, Actor - Musical: Phil Powers - ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' '''2010''' *Best Actor - Comedy: Jacob Hodgson - ''It Came From Mars'' *Best Actress - Comedy: Suzi Regan - ''The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead'' *Best Design - Lights: Andrew Hungerford - ''K2'' *Best Design - Props: Charles Sutherland - ''It Came From Mars'' *Best Drama: Tim Edward Rhoze, director - ''K2'' *Best Musical: Carla Milarch, director - ''Little Shop of Horrors'' *Best Production of a New Script: Tony Caselli, director - ''It Came From Mars'' *Best Support - Musical: Aaron T. Moore - ''Little Shop of Horrors'' *Best Teamwork: James Bowen & John Michael Manfredi - ''K2'' '''2009''' *Best Actress – Drama: Inga Wilson - ''A Feminine Ending'' *Best Improv, Cabaret or Original Production: Malcolm Tulip, director - ''The Day Everything Went Wrong'' *Best Performer – Play with LGBT Themes or Characters: Roxanne Wellington - ''The Little Dog Laughed'' *Best Production with LGBT Themes or Characters: Ray Schultz - ''The Little Dog Laughed'' '''2008''' *Best Actor – DRAMA: Jon Bennett - ''Doubt'' *Best Actress – DRAMA: Jan Radcliff - ''Doubt'' *Best Actress – ORIGINAL / IMPROV / LGBT THEMES: Carla Milarch - ''Dirty Blonde'' *Best Local Professional DRAMA: John Seibert, director - ''Doubt'' *Best Local Professional Production with LGBT Themes or Characters: Jim Posante, director - ''Dirty Blonde'' *Best Technical Design - Set: Monika Essen - ''The Baker's Wife'' '''2007''' *Best Actor – DRAMA: Malcolm Tulip - ''Amadeus'' *Best Local Professional DRAMA: Malcolm Tulip, director - ''Amadeus'' *Best Local Professional Production with LGBT Themes or Characters: Gillian Eaton, director - ''I Am My Own Wife'' '''2006''' *Best Lead Actor – DRAMA: Ray Schultz - ''Take Me Out'' *Best Lead Actress – DRAMA: Carmen Decker - ''Moonglow'' *Best Supporting Actor – DRAMA: Darrell Glasgow - ''Take Me Out'' *Favorite Local Professional Production – COMEDY: Tony Caselli, director - ''Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol'' *Favorite Local Professional Production with LGBT Themes or Characters: Jim Posante & Tony Caselli, directors - ''Take Me Out'' '''2005''' *Best Female Performer in a Local Professional Production – COMEDY: Gillian Eaton - ''Humble Boy'' *Best Supporting Female Performer in a Local Professional Production – COMEDY: Laurel Hufano - ''Boston Marriage'' '''2004''' *Favorite Local Professional Production with LGBT Themes or Characters: James Posante, director - ''The Home Team'' *Favorite Male Performer in a Local Professional Production – COMEDY: David Wolber - ''The Home Team'' *Favorite Performer in a Local Professional Production – MUSICAL: Rochelle Rosenthal - ''The Threepenny Opera'' '''2003''' *Favorite Local Professional Production – MUSICAL / MUSICAL REVUE: Malcolm Tulip, director - ''Man of La Mancha'' *Favorite Performer in a Local Professional Production – MUSICAL: Robert Grossman - ''Man of La Mancha'' '''2002''' *Best Local Professional Production – COMEDY: Carla Milarch, director - ''Special Relativity'' *Best Performer in a Local Professional Production – DRAMA: Michelle Murphy - ''Stop Kiss''
<big>'''Rogue's Gallery Award Winners'''</big>
'''2013 Winners'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.roguecritic.com/2013-rogues-gallery/|title = The Rogue Critic - 2013 Rogue's Gallery}}</ref> *Scenic Design (Proscenium Seating): Daniel C. Walker, ''Brill'' *Lead Actress (Drama): Carla Milarch, ''The Glass Menagerie'' *Lead Actress (Musical): Naz Edwards, ''A Little Night Music'' *Lead Actor (Musical): John Seibert, ''A Little Night Music'' '''2012 Winners'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.roguecritic.com/2012-rogues-gallery/|title = The Rogue Critic - 2012 Rogue's Gallery}}</ref> *New Play or Adaptation: Joseph Zettelmaier, ''Dead Man's Shoes'' *Lighting Design (Proscenium Seating): Justin Lang, ''Red'' *Lead Actress (Drama): Suzi Regan, ''Time Stands Still'' *Properties Design: Monika Essen, ''Red'' *Best Rogue: Drew Parker, ''Dead Man's Shoes'' [TIE] '''2011 Winners'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.roguecritic.com/2011-rogues-gallery/|title = The Rogue Critic - 2011 Rogue's Gallery}}</ref> *Best Musical: ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' (director Carla Milarch) *Choreography (Dance): Phil Simmons, ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' *Lead Actor (Drama): Andrew Huff, ''Next Fall''
<big>'''Rogue's Gallery Award Nominees''':</big>
'''2013 Nominees'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.roguecritic.com/2012-rogues-gallery/|title = The Rogue Critic - 2012 Rogue's Gallery}}</ref> *Best Drama: ''The Glass Menagerie'' (director Tim Rhoze) *Best Musical: ''A Little Night Music'' (director Phil Simmons) *Sound Design: Carla Milarch, ''Good People'' *Duo or Trio: Sarab Kamoo and David Wolber, ''Becky Shaw'' *Best Rogue: Alex Leydenfrost, ''Good People'' *Lead Actress (Drama): Carollette Phillips, ''The Mountaintop'' *Lead Actor (Drama): Brian Marable, ''The Mountaintop'' *Lead Actor (Drama): Kevin Young, ''The Glass Menagerie'' *Supporting Actress (Drama): Naz Edwards, ''My Name is Asher Lev'' *Lead Actress (Comedy): Suzi Regan, ''Good People'' *Lead Actor (Comedy): Phil Powers, ''Brill'' *Supporting Actress (Comedy): MaryJo Cuppone, ''Good People'' *Supporting Actress (Comedy): Maggie Meyer, ''Becky Shaw'' *Supporting Actress (Musical): Leslie Hull, ''A Little Night Music'' '''2012 Nominees'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.roguecritic.com/2012-rogues-gallery/|title = The Rogue Critic - 2012 Rogue's Gallery}}</ref> *Best Drama: ''Time Stands Still'' (director Kate Peckham) *Best Comedy: ''God of Carnage'' (director David J. Magidson) *Best Musical: ''Ain't Misbehavin''' (director Tim Edward Rhoze) *Scenic Design (Proscenium Seating): Monika Essen, ''Red'' *Lighting Design (Proscenium Seating): Mary Cole, ''Burn This'' *Sound Design: Will Myers, ''Dead Man's Shoes'' *Properties Design: Monika Essen, ''God of Carnage'' *Choreography (Dance): Robin Wilson, ''Ain't Misbehavin''' *Choreography (Movement or Fight): Joseph Zettelmaier, ''Burn This'' *Ensemble (2–4): ''God of Carnage'' *Ensemble (5 or more): ''Ain't Misbehavin''' *Best Rogue: Darrell Glasgow, ''Burn This'' *Lead Actor (Drama): Mark Rademacher, ''Red'' *Supporting Actress (Drama): Heidi Bennett, ''Time Stands Still'' *Supporting Actress (Comedy): Leslie Hull, ''In the Next Room or the vibrator play'' '''2011 Nominees'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.roguecritic.com/2011-rogues-gallery/|title = The Rogue Critic - 2011 Rogue's Gallery}}</ref> *Best Drama: ''Sonia Flew'' (director David Wolber) *Best Comedy: ''The War Since Eve'' (director David Wolber) *New Play or Adaptation: Kim Carney, ''The War Since Eve'' *Lighting Design (Proscenium Seating): Daniel C. Walker, ''Marie Antoinette: The Color of Flesh'' *Properties Design: Charles Sutherland, ''The Piano Lesson'' *Ensemble (2–4): ''Marie Antoinette: The Color of Flesh'' *Ensemble (5 or more): ''The Piano Lesson'' *Ensemble (5 or more): ''Sonia Flew'' *Supporting Actor (Drama): John Seibert, ''Next Fall'' *Supporting Actress (Comedy): Sarah Ann Leahy, ''Circle Mirror Transformation'' *Lead Actress (Musical): Andrea Mellos, ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' *Supporting Actress (Musical): Naz Edwards, ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' *Supporting Actor (Musical): Matt Anderson, ''The Drowsy Chaperone'' *Supporting Actor (Musical): Scott Crownover, ''The Drowsy Chaperone''
<big>'''AnnArbor.com:'''</big>: *Best Local Play 2009: ''The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead,'' David Wolber, director *Best Acting Performances (male) 2009: John Manfredi, ''A Picasso,'' Will Myers, ''A Feminine Ending,'' James Bowen, ''Fences,'' Malcolm Tulip, ''Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead'' *Best Acting Performances (female) 2009: Inga Wilson, ''A Feminine Ending,'' Sheila Alyce Slaughter, ''Fences'', Suzi Regan, ''The Blonde, the Brunette and the Vengeful Redhead'' *Best Tech Achievements 2009: Monika Essen's set for ''Fences'', Daniel C. Walker's lighting design for ''Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead'' and ''Christmas Carol'd'' *Best Locally Produced Show (2008): ''Doubt'', John Seibert, director *Best Performance (female) 2008: Jan Radcliffe, ''Doubt''; Sarab Kamoo, ''9 Parts of Desire'' *Best Performance (male) 2008: Jon Bennett, ''Doubt'', Robert Grossman, ''Exits and Entrances'' *Favorite On-Stage Moments 2008: Roxanne Wellington and Barton Bund's power lunch in ''The Little Dog Laughed''; Tom Whalen & Jim Porterfield's reconciliation scene, ''Geoffrey and Jeffrey'' *Best Tech Achievements 2008: Daniel C. Walker's set for ''Doubt'', Monika Essen's set for ''9 Parts of Desire'' and ''Geoffrey and Jeffrey'', Vincent Mountain's set for ''The Day Everything Went Wrong''
<big>'''Ann Arbor News:'''</big> *Best New Play 2007: ''Language Lessons,'' Joseph Zettelmaier *Best Female Performance 2007 (tie): Carla Milarch, ''Dirty Blonde''; Aphrodite Nikolovski, ''Language Lessons'' and ''The Clean House''; Terry Heck, ''Language Lessons'' *Best Male Performance 2007 (tie): Malcolm Tulip, ''Amadeus''; Phil Powers, ''Dirty Blonde''; John Seibert, ''The Baker's Wife'' *Best Set Designer 2007: Monika Essen, designer *Best Performance by a New Face 2007: Jacob Hodgson, ''Candida'' *Best Production 2007: ''Amadeus'', Malcolm Tulip, director *Best Lead Actress 2006: Carmen Decker, ''Moonglow'' *Best Lead Actor 2006: Malcolm Tulip, ''I Am My Own Wife'' *Best Supporting Actor 2006: Loren Bass, ''Moonglow'' *Best New Play 2006: Kim Carney's ''Moonglow'' *Best Lead Actress 2005: Mindy Woodhead, ''Summer and Smoke'' *Best Director 2005: Tony Caselli, ''Summer and Smoke'' *Best Technical Achievement 2005: Monika Essen's set for ''Summer and Smoke'' *Best Production 2005: ''Summer and Smoke''
<big>Detroit Free Press Awards:</big> *Best Play 2006: ''Take Me Out'' *Best Director 2006: Jim Posante & Tony Caselli, ''Take Me Out'' *Best Featured Actor 2006: Darrell Glasgow, ''Take Me Out'' *Best Featured Actress 2005: Laurel Hufano, ''Boston Marriage'' *Award for Outstanding Contribution to Theater in a season 2005: Gillian Eaton, ''Humble Boy, Boston Marriage'' *Best Director 2003: Malcolm Tulip, ''Man of La Mancha'' *Best Featured Actress 2003: Terry Heck, ''Necessary Targets'' *Best Actress 2002: Gillian Eaton, ''Elizabeth Rex'' *Award for Outstanding Contributions to Theatre 2001: Johanna Broughton and Daniel C. Walker *Best Actress 2001: Jan Radcliff, ''Wit''
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *Performance Network website *[https://annarborobserver.com/articles/backstage_dramas.html#.XuVBjOd7l2A]/ Davi Napoleon's history of the Performance Network in the Ann Arbor Observer. {{Ann Arbor}}
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Category:Culture of Ann Arbor, Michigan Category:Theatre companies in Michigan Category:Tourist attractions in Ann Arbor, Michigan Category:Theatre in Michigan