🎭 Center Stage Jackson | August 2025 Newsletter 🎭
Bringing theatre to life in Jackson, MI – one show at a time!
A Note from the Editor
Hey Center Stage Family,
I hope your summer has been filled with sunshine, laughter, and maybe a few unforgettable shows – whether on stage, in the audience, or at a music festival. I’m always amazed by the way live performances can bring us back to ourselves and each other.
If you’ve ever thought about getting more involved with Center Stage Jackson, now’s the time. Auditions, backstage work, tech, costumes, set building, musicians – we have space for your talents, your curiosity, and your creativity. You don’t need to be a seasoned performer to make theatre magic. Try something new and come create with us.
See you at the theatre,
Jaime Lawrence
Newsletter Editor
The Hunchback of Notre Dame Was a Hit!
Last month, audiences were transported to the bell towers of Paris as The Hunchback of Notre Dame took center stage – and what a show it was! Thank you to the cast, crew, orchestra, and every single person who brought this beautiful production to life.
Here’s what audience members had to say:
“The music was rich, full and beautiful. The main characters had very outstanding voices… Staging and sets added to the easy transitioning from one part of the story to the next.”
“Great show by the whole group. Seriously, it reminded me of ‘Off Broadway’ productions without the high cost. The orchestra was excellent too!”
And from Director Michael Cicirelli:
“To the incredible cast and crew of The Hunchback of Notre Dame,
It has been an absolute pleasure to work with all of you. Every moment on stage and behind the scenes was brought to life by your hard work, talent, and teamwork. I am honored to have had the chance to work with all of you, and I am so incredibly proud of what we accomplished!”
Sincerely,
Michael Cicirelli, Director
Member Spotlight: Charles Packard
Get to know Charles Packard, the seasoned director stepping in to lead The Full Monty – coming to auditions this August!
When Charles saw that Escanaba in da Moonlight was coming to CSJ, he “threw his toque in da ring” to direct – and we’re so glad he did. A seasoned theater artist, Charles has worked on stages across the country, including directing Black Elk Speaks with a cast of 24 First Nations performers.
Fun fact? His scenic design skills once landed him in a federal courtroom, building a full-scale prison cell replica for a death penalty trial.
Dream shows? Fahrenheit 451, and original adaptations of A Christmas Carol and Moby Dick.
Why does community theatre matter to him?
“It creates a closer, more empathetic community.”
Auditions for The Full Monty – August 6th and 8th!
Center Stage Jackson Presents… Auditions for The Full Monty!
Get ready to bare it all—your talent, that is!
Director: Charles Packard
Producers: Talon Baldwin & Jaime Lawrence
🗓 Show Dates: October 3–5 and October 10–12 at the Potter Center
📍 Audition Location: First Presbyterian Church, 743 W Michigan Ave, Jackson
🎭 Audition Dates & Times:
- Wed, Aug 6 | 4:30–7:00 PM
- Fri, Aug 8 | 4:30–7:00 PM
- Callbacks: Sat, Aug 9 | 4:30–7:00 PM (by invitation)
We’re seeking a diverse and talented cast to bring this hilarious, heartwarming musical to life. All roles are open—and we especially encourage performers of all experience levels, body types, and backgrounds to audition!
🎤 What to Prepare:
- 8–16 bars of an upbeat or rock-style song
- Sheet music or a track you can play
- Be ready to read from the script and move a little too!
Note: Some male roles will require brief, non-sexual nudity, handled with professionalism and care.
👉 To sign up or ask questions, contact Producer Talon Baldwin at talonazonavin@gmail.com
CSJ at Jackson Pride Fest – Sat, August 16
Come find us downtown for Jackson Pride Fest on Saturday, August 16 from 2–9 PM!
We’ll have a booth set up with show info, audition flyers, and a whole lot of theatre love to share. Want to help us staff the booth for an hour or two? We’d love your support!
📧 Just hit “reply” to this email to sign up!
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2026 Season Update — Coming Soon!
It’s no mystery… Something suspicious is afoot!
Breaking News from Backstage HQ!
Well folks… we thought we had Clue. It was approved, set, and ready to go – until the rights holders changed their minds and yanked it faster than a candlestick in the billiard room! But never fear, Center Stage Jackson doesn’t miss a beat. Instead of solving a murder mystery, we’re now diving headfirst into a theatrical disaster of epic proportions: The Play That Goes Wrong by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields!
Get Involved Behind the Scenes!
Not into singing or acting? No problem! We’re always looking for folks to join us behind the curtain – lighting, sound, costumes, set design, props, tech crew, house managers, and more. Whether you’re a total beginner or a lifelong backstage pro, you’re welcome here.
Reach out to get involved – you never know what part you’ll play in our next production!
Our next board meeting is: Wednesday, August 13th – 6:30pm at Jackson College
