2019 Community Super Star Award

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.

Casting Call May 4

The Boy From Hutchinson Street

Talented young people wanted
Ages 13-24

Actors, Singers, Dancers, Musicians

Saturday, May 4, 2019
2:00pm – 3:00pm

CASOE Theater House
8801 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48202

Contact: Janice Smith or
Ryan Pearson, 313.656.4600

No appointment necessary, just show up between the times indicated above.


Download flyer

Casting Call April 27

The Boy From Hutchinson Street

Talented young people wanted
Ages 13-24

Actors, Singers, Dancers, Musicians

Saturday, April 27, 2019
2:00pm – 3:30pm

CASOE Theater House
8801 Woodward Ave
Detroit, MI 48202

Contact: Janice Smith or
Ryan Pearson, 313.656.4600

No appointment necessary, just show up between the times indicated above.


Download flyer

Casting Call – April 20

The Boy From Hutchinson Street

Talented Young People Wanted, Ages 13-24
Actors • Singers • Dancers • Musicians

Saturday, April 20, 2019
12:00pm – 2:00pm
Casoe Theater House

8801 Woodward Ave • Detroit, MI 48202

Contact: Janice Smith or Ryan Pearson, 313.656.4600
No appointment necessary, just show up between the times indicated above.

Download flyer

Spencer Richardson-Moore

CASOE’s New Visiting Choreographer
Spencer Richardson-Moore was born and raised in the city of Detroit. His passion for dance began when he started praise dancing in church. This God given gift moved Spencer to explore the dance world at large. He began to learn African Dance in the sixth grade. But after that, there were no more openings for him to grow except in the spirit of Praise and Worship; until the day walked into the 3D Dance Academy of Detroit, MI. Spencer began his career with 3D Dance Academy as an intern and quickly moved his way up to Administration and trained under Sharon Freed-Moreland. Spencer moved on to become captain of Pershing High School Dance Company. After graduation, Spencer returned to Pershing High School as a guest choreographer with a dance that sent the dance company to the DPS All-City Dance Concert for the first time in 4 years. He continued working with Ms. Freed performing for artist such as Martha Reeves and Elijah Conner.

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.

Dance is like water and we are the boats. We must ride the waves and make it through the storms. I am here to be the lighthouse and guide dancers to shore (their purpose). Step Out, Let’s Head to Shore!