Upcoming productions:
‘Art’ by Yasmin Reza
October 23-26, 2025
Mark your calendars for Artworks’ production of "Art." The upcoming Broadway revival might be a little out of your way, but you can enjoy this thoughtful comedy right here in Big Rapids!
In cooperation with Dramatists Play Service Inc. and directed by Reed Bretz, the story revolves around the interactions of three middle-aged men who have been close friends for years. This long-standing bond is challenged when one of the men purchases an expensive piece of art.
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Reed Bretz (Director) is honored to direct Art as part of Artworks’ 25th Anniversary celebration. Recently retired from Kenowa Hills Schools in Grand Rapids, MI, Reed devoted 34 years as a choral music director, theatre director, and instructional coach. Over the course of his career, he directed more than 50 theatre productions at Kenowa Hills High School.
An active performer in the West Michigan theatre community, Reed has appeared with Grand Rapids Circle Theatre, Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids, and the former Robeson Players.
Beyond theatre and education, Reed is the music director at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Wyoming, MI. He served six years on the Board of Directors for the National Education Association, thirteen years with the Michigan Education Association Board, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Circle Theatre in Grand Rapids.Description text goes here
Interested in auditioning? Audition packets are now available for pickup at Artworks. Auditions will be held August 12-14, 2025.
Past productions:
Summer 2024: The Savannah Sipping Society
Fall 2023; Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins
Fall 2022; The Fantasticks
Spring 2022; Three Tall Women
Artworks’ theater program provides performing arts experiences in the simple style of black box theater. The benefit of utilizing this style is that it permits us to produce smaller, cost-effective productions and make consistent use of our space. This flexible style also brings focus to the performances and allows audience members to use their imagination to become part of the story.
This engagement connects to Artworks commitment to hold inclusive, accessible programs that enable all individuals, including those with disabilities, to engage fully. Not only as spectators but also as participants. As an organization that strives to provide equitable and inclusive access to arts and humanities programming, we believe that any interested individual should be given the opportunity to audition and/or serve as stage crew for any theater production.
Artworks encourages submissions that encompasses a variety of themes. However, preference will be given to productions that support and align with our current exhibit theme and Artworks mission, vision, and values. Priority will be given to proposals that are in accordance with the Artworks calendar of events. Artworks reserves the right to adjust performance dates.
