[1] Performance Network Theatre is Ann Arbor, Michigan's only professional theatre, formed in 1981. It produces a wide variety of dramas, classics and comedies, many of which are World or Michigan Premieres. Its professional season runs year-round. It is also home to the Fireside Festival of New Plays, a multi-night series of staged readings which occurs twice a year.[1]
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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 included Lyn Coffin, Davi Napoleon, Judith Ottmar, and Al Sjoerdsma. 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 90's saw departures from the artistic staff leave the artistic direction in the hands of Johanna Broughton, who (along with her husband Dan Walker) lead 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 2003, direction of the theatre was turned over to Carla Milarch and David Wolber.
Performance Network Theatre is a member of the National New Play Network (NNPN),[2] Americans for the Arts,[3], the Cultural Alliance of Southeast Michigan (CASM),[4], the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau (AACVB),[5], and the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce,[6]. The Theatre’s activities are supported by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs,[7] and the National Endowment for the Arts.
The 2009-2010 season:
The 2008-2009 season:
The 2007-2008 season:
The 2006-2007 season:
Performance Network also houses the Children's Theatre Network, which produces shows that travel to area schools and are presented on the Network stage.
![[1]](http://performancenetwork.org/home.jpg){kind=link}