Community Theatre is a special treasure that depends on the talent of cast and crew, the engagement of the audience and the support of individuals and businesses. Community theatre is special because everyone is needed to bring this magic to the stage. In Grand Rapids, we have the great fortune to enjoy Civic Theatre thanks to the support of many, including Warner, Norcross and Judd -- a law firm focused on diversity.
"Because of Warner, Norcross and Judd, we are able to provide the community with open dialogs on issues of diversity, stereotypes and events in our world's history that changed the way we think today," articulates Civic Theatre's Director of Development and Community Relations Nancy Brozek. "Warner, Norcross and Judd's diversity initiative provides the support needed to bring diverse populations of actors, crew and audience to the live theatre experience."
The law firm generously supported the production of "The Diary of Anne Frank" last season and will be doing so again for "12 Angry Men" later this year. At first blush, "12 Angry Men" appears to be based on a jury of Caucasian men. Where's the diversity in that? But as you dig deeper into the play and discover the intricacies of each man, you discover the diversity in each of them and why they are not just men judging a case. It becomes so much more and the differences among them create the plot line.
Diversity comes in many forms. And, with the efforts of Warner, Norcross and Judd as well as Civic Theatre, it does not escape the live theater stage in West Michigan.
Do you want to be a do-gooder as well? Well, of course. Here's how…
Source: Nancy Brozek, Civic Theater; Chuck Burpee, Warner, Norcross and Judd
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor
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