OpenSpot Theatre may have a new name, but we are the same great theatre company you have come to know and love. Want to know more about what we do? Take a gander at these short clips below to help learn what our classes, performances, and day-to-day routine looks like.
Hint: We emphasize empowerment, independence, & fun!

WILX News 10 – 10th Anniversary Celebration

Open Spot Theatre celebrates 10 years of providing theatre for all

“As we wrap up Autism Acceptance Month, there is one theater program that is going above an beyond to make sure that there is a spot on stage for people of all ability levels.” – April 2022

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Kingsley Middle School Program Promo

Promo video for our first ever OpenSpot Theatre program in Northern Michigan, at Kingsley Middle School in Traverse City. – April 2022

Lansing State Journal – 10th Anniversary Celebration

2 educators saw a lack of sensory-friendly theaters in Michigan. So they started their own.

“A theater company and school focused on creating space for performers with disabilities returned to in-person sessions this week, celebrating its 10th year.” – Krystal Nurse, March 2022

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Larry Wallace – Fox 47 News Story

“WATCH: Back in 2012, friends Annie Klark and Katie Mann said they had one goal when they first opened the OpenSpot Theatre in Detroit. That goal was to teach people the art of theater in an inclusive environment.” – September 2021

OpenSpot Theatre / MSU Dance OFF!

Showcase from our Winter 2021 partnership with Michigan State University. – March 2021

Mitch Albom & Live in the D Interviews

OpenSpot Theatre owners Katie & Annie discuss name change, virtual classes, and branching out to bring theatre for all to other states! – January 2021

https://www.clickondetroit.com/live-in-the-d/2021/01/15/an-open-spot-for-all-to-express-themselves-in-the-heart-of-the-d/

MSU Virtual Showcase

Our Michigan State University Program students performing the play “Lonely” via Zoom! – June 2020

DSG Virtual Showcase

We may be stuck at home but the show must go on! Our DSG students show off all their skills in this wonderfully beautiful and heartwarming virtual showcase. – May 2020

MSU Talent Show 2020 – We’ve Got Talent, Baby!

Our Michigan State University talent show was cancelled. But only in the traditional sense! Our wonderfully talented students showcased their skills from home! Don’t miss this chance to see some true talent shine! – March 2020

The Princess & the Dance Crew – A 4th Wall Theatre Film

We spent another wonderful semester partnered with MSU theatre students who in turn are partnered with our actors. In 8 weeks we made a hilarious, wonderful and applause-worthy film. Beyond the screen it is the friendships formed and memories made that mean so much to all involved. – November 2019

Hi Rock! Theatre Students Love the Legend

Our student, Emma, loves Dwayne Johnson. We’re on a mission to get these two together! – November 2019 

The Springtime Express – A 4th Wall Theatre Film

Be prepared to say “Awww” as you watch our wonderful actors of all abilities perform. – May 2019

Flash Mob at the Detroit Beer Company

In August, our annual summer camp for the Detroit Opera House surprised patrons at the Detroit Beer Company. We danced in the streets! – August 2018

TheFourthWall – A Student’s Perspective

One of our student’s created this great piece on 4th Wall Theatre Company. Check it out! – February 2018

4th Wall Presenting on PBS’s Detroit Performs

4th Wall Theatre Company provides an outlet for an exceptional group of performing arts students. Episode 606/Segment 1. – July 2017

Detroit Free Press Article

“These kid actors with [developmental disabilities] are getting standing ovations.” Full article can be found here. – March 2017

images collage of students and instructors with Detroit Free Press mast head

NPR Michigan Radio Talk

“Michigan theater company gives kids with disabilities a chance to shine on stage.” Co-Founders Katie & Annie discuss 4th Wall. Full article and audio can be found here. – February 2017

screenshot of michigan radio webpage with article

4th Wall Presenting at TEDxDetroit 2016

Co-founders Katie & Annie spoke at TEDxDetroit followed with a performance by the talented troupe from the Down Syndrome Guild. – October 2016

Lenawee Local News

Lenawee Intermediate School District gives a great two minute inside look to the average 4th Wall rehearsal. – May 2016

Mitch Albom Interview

Award winning reporter and writer, Mitch Albom, discovers how co-founders, Annie and Katie, started their company back in 2012. – October 2015

“Live in the D” Channel 4 Interview

This interview aired after the Mitch Albom piece allowing Chuck Gaidica and Tati Amare to explore the details of the company. – October 2015

Unlimited Potential: Believe It!

This video was made specifically for an event with the Down Syndrome Guild. It catalogs how the DSG and 4th Wall have each helped their group of students reach new heights. It’s a tear-jerker! – October 2015

Fox 2 Detroit News Piece

Reporter Lee Thomas takes us behind the 4th wall to learn what happens during a 4th Wall Theatre rehearsal. – August 2014

What Does a 4th Wall Class Look Like?

In four minutes, learn what happens at every 4th Wall class and the positive impact it has on our students. – February 2014

Celebrate Michigan

We were honored to be interviewed on Celebrate Michigan, a local television show in Wayne County. Our students even got to perform! – March 2013