We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Weiss and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Whatabout Theatre was started to create a home for improvisational theatre in Ypsilanti, MI. A group of improvisers came together to discuss our dreams and ideals for a new improv theatre. We were reacting to the changes in the world and in the theatre industry that came to light during the pandemic. The group knew that this new organization would have a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion and ensuring that the community would have a voice in the trajectory of the theatre. That’s why we went with a nonprofit structure, so that community participants could become members of the theatre, join the board, and vote on important decisions.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Whatabout Theatre is a volunteer-run membership organization that incorporated as a nonprofit in 2021.

Whatabout Theatre is a 501c3 nonprofit organization. Our mission is to lay the physical and digital foundation for a performing arts community that provides quality entertainment, excellent education, and a creative environment for all. We work to lift up the voices and experiences of underrepresented communities, including but not limited to BIPOC, Women, Genderqueer people, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, and/or economically disadvantaged individuals of all ages.

Currently, our focus is on improvisational theatre, but we hope to branch out to other forms of theatre, sketch writing, and stand-up comedy in the future. We offer a unique mainstage opportunity called “Revolving Stage.” We reach out to the improv community about three times a year seeking pitches for new and unique shows. We select the show from the submissions and then provide the director of that show with what they need to make it come to life. Rehesarsals are currently taking place for our third Revolving Stage production “Homeslice.” It is directed by Jason Robbins and Jamie Artman. Each show will follow the lives of a group of people who live in the same home, it may go from a crowded city apartment one performance to a rural farmhouse the next, and anywhere in between. The improvisers will create the world of the home and show a slice of life for its inhabitants and their neighbors with live accompaniment/underscoring from Music Director, Jamie Artman. We are super excited about it!

Whatabout Theatre was created by a number of improvisors in the Detroit/Ann Arbor area after COVID shuttered a local theater. We’re super proud to establish our roots in Ypsilanti, which is home to a very dedicated close-knit and supportive arts community.

Whatabout Theatre is run by a dedicated group of volunteers. Our volunteers work very hard to make Whatabout Theatre thrive. We also have a dedicated group of instructors that teach our improv classes. Whatabout Theatre has created its own unique curriculum for its classes to ensure that what is taught coincides with its mission and gives even those improvisors that have completed programs at other theatres a fresh experience.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ypsilanti is home to some great unique places. You can take a stroll in Riverside Park, hit up some of the unique shops (This, That & the ODDer things, Black Stone Bookstore, Wyrd Byrd, just to name a few), grab a beer at 734 Brewing, catch a drag show by Boylesque, hear live music at Dreamland or Ziggy’s, catch a play by a local theater company or a gallery show at the Riverside Arts Center or enjoy any of the yummy restaurants.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Corene Ford

Website: https://whatabouttheatre.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/WhataboutTheatre/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whatabout-theatre/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077003783390

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