Setting the Stage, the kickoff event for the Summer Circle Courtyard Project, sponsored by MSU Friends of Theatre, will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. May 7 at MSU’s Fairchild Theatre.
WLNS news anchor and local theater actor Evan Pinsonnault will be the emcee.
Summer Circle provides free productions throughout the month of June, allowing community theatre fans an outdoor venue for performance.
The $40 tickets for Setting the Stage include dinner with wine, a preview of the upcoming Summer Circle season and a silent auction. All proceeds fund the construction of the Summer Circle Courtyard, the new home of the MSU Department of Theatre’s free summer festival.
The courtyard will be located between Fairchild Theatre and the Kresge Art Center on the campus of MSU and will seat over 400 people. This year’s festival includes five shows including a children’s production, a musical and more.
Pinsonnault also is the host of the Evan Michael Show, which appears periodically on local television channels. The program highlights the region’s art scene.
Event chair Chris Knapp said Pinsonnault served as last year’s emcee. “We appreciate his support as we begin this venture (as it) is a tremendous boost and we appreciate his sharing his time with us in this way,” Knapp said.
Reservations are being taken for the event at (517)-355-6691 and online at theatre.msu.edu. Those wishing to support the event through sponsorship or a silent auction donation may also contact this number.