14 YEARS OF ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE
2019 COMMUNITY SUPER STAR Awarded by The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Great Lakes Region for exemplary service to the community in the arts.
CASOE THEATER COMPANY… WHAT’S NEW
Actors, singers, dancers and musicians are hard at work preparing for the debut of the hit stage play, The Boy from Hutchinson Street. The story of a child prodigy born in the ‘hood’ whose genius propels him to great heights. At 17 years old, Mason Robinson is within weeks of receiving his PhD when a troubled professor, along with an opioid addiction, derail his plans. Mason’s journey from the alleys of the inner city, to Oslo, Norway, reveals an incontrovertible truth: that anyone who has ever failed in life can come back and achieve success.
AUDIENCES WILL STAND UP AND CHEER!
The performers have begun the rigorous rehearsal schedule that is required to give a brilliant performance. Yes, we’ve been here many times before over the course of 14 years! However, the desire to produce thought-provoking, visually spectacular entertainment never loses its appeal.
You can feel the excitement as the cast and crew hurriedly climb three flights of stairs; script in tow, passion in their eyes and holding fast to their enthusiasm that seems contagious. These young people are the heart of the organization.
SUSTAINING A CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE
We’ve evolved. CASOE started in a basement of a church on the westside of the city of Detroit with young people coming for social and recreational opportunities. Gradually, a diverse group of highly talented young people were engaging in the Arts and the caliber of the work changed. We were producing professional work and the audiences were responding. Hard work was the minimal expectation. From this mosaic of talent, a ‘spirit’ was developing that contained the power of creative expression, a commitment to high quality performances and a broader understanding of what the Arts could do in the life of a young person.
These ideas were transformative. They became the impetus for the CASOE culture. New artists quickly realized that this work was ‘serious business’ and they made necessary adjustments to embrace the culture. Many artists remained with the organization for years which helped preserve the culture. This idea of artistic excellence is the standard by which CASOE operates.
THE VISION KEEPERS
Sustaining a 501 (C)3 nonprofit performing arts organization has not been easy. The difficulties are only balanced by the many victories. Each performance strengthens our resolve to continue to deliver quality work. Every CASOE stakeholder knows that our best days are ahead of us.
The Boy From Hutchinson Street
The Boy From Hutchinson Street
CASOE’s New Visiting Choreographer
With the guidance of Ms. Freed a door opened for Spencer to attend Marygrove College and made it into their dance company as a scholarship recipient. He has captivated many with his spirit moving choreography and dance. Spencer graduated, May 2015 with a Bachelors of Arts in Social Science with a concentration in Sociology and Minor in Dance. He also has an Associates of Arts in Liberal Studies. Mr. Spencer now has been building his company, Lighthouse Dance Center where he does after-school dance programs, private lessons, workshops and much more. He also currently is a company member for LM (Lisa McCall- Aretha Franklin choreographer for 30 years) Productions.