​The Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation recently awarded Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) with a second grant award of $20,000; for a total of $40,000 for the creation and installation of the TCA Music Park in 2023.    
 
During the summer of 2022, the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation (ERWF) awarded Tecumseh Center for the Arts $20,000 for the new TCA Music Park, after the theater received a $10,000 grant award from the Maurice and Dorothy Stubnitz Foundation. The ERWF recommended that Tecumseh Center for the Arts contact their Foundation again in January 2023, about a possible second award.  
 
In January Director Kelly Jo Gilmore submitted a second grant request to the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation with updated financials, timelines, and project status; and requesting an additional $20,000 bringing the Foundation’s total contribution to $40,000. On February 5, Tecumseh Center for the Arts was notified that the Foundation’s board had unanimously approved the second grant award.  

"The City of Tecumseh and Tecumseh Center for the Arts are incredibly grateful to have local foundations that are committed to supporting quality-of-life programming for its residents and musical opportunities for our youth,” stated Gilmore. “The TCA Music Park is a dream come true for many people and organizations, including the theater and the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation.” 
 
To date, the TCA Music Park has raised over $70,000 from local foundations, individual donors, and funding through the City of Tecumseh’s Park and Recreation Department. The project officially started last fall with excavation. Over the next couple of months, the community will see more progress as landscaping begins, concrete is poured, and the first sound sculptures arrive. A ribbon cutting is planned for the beginning of June.  
 
“The Elizabeth Wilson Foundation is proud to grant a second round of funding to the TCA to implement a unique music project, the TCA Music Park,” stated Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation Board Member Sheri Powers. “Making this collaboration even more special is the fact that Elizabeth herself was on the original board for the TCA and remained an active member until her death. Knowing that this project is accessible to community members of all ages to gather and play music together, the board of the Wilson Foundation is confident that supporting this musical installation to the TCA park aligns with our mission to perpetuate a lifelong love of music.” 

Confident that music and the performing arts positively enhance people’s lives, the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation seeks to enrich the Lenawee County region’s cultural life through its support of, education in, performance of and appreciation for the performing arts. The foundation’s primary focus is on music and performing arts programs that benefit the Lenawee County community and/or students in the County’s primary and secondary education programs (including post-secondary scholarships in music and performing arts). ​

​Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) is bringing an international performer that specializes in variety entertainment to Tecumseh, Michigan, on February 18. Fantastick Patrick brings his daring feats and jaw-dropping stunts to Tecumseh Center for the Arts, with a show full of comedy and incredible tricks.
 
Patrick Connor, aka Fantastick Patrick, is a global performer that specializes in variety entertainment. He combines situational improvised comedy with a backdrop of absurd tricks and daring stunts that give life to a truly unparalleled experience. The show will wow guests with something truly incomparable to anything they’ve witnessed before.
 
Each show is entirely unique, because he uses audience interaction to guide the direction of the performance. From a ten-foot unicycle, to improvised songs on the ukulele, balancing step ladders, and swallowing balloons; we never know what’s going to happen at a Fantastick Patrick show, but you can trust that it’s going to be amazing!
 
Come ready to expect a little bit of everything from juggling fire, balls, and swords, to an awesome yo-yo act, plate-spinning, and free-balancing massive objects on his face! Patrick is an experienced entertainer with a ton of hilarity and crowd interaction. It really is a show unlike any other. Patrick keeps the audience fully engaged throughout the entire show, even the smallest of children are enraptured.
 
Patrick has been performing since 2005 to audiences around the globe from Europe to Asia, Canada to South America, across the United States and even on a ship in Antarctica! His diverse travels play into each of Patrick’s shows creating a truly unparalleled experienced. Fantastick Patrick has performed at major corporate events, with performances for: Facebook, Old Navy, Walmart, Ritz Carlton, Port of Los Angeles, Kaiser Permanente, Blue Shield, Pasadena Rose Bowl, and Dodger Stadium.

This show is going to be simply fantastic on Saturday, February 18 at Tecumseh Center for the Arts. Doors open at 3:00 pm, with the show starting at 4:00 pm. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased at 517-423-6617, at the box office located at 400 N. Maumee Street, or on-line at www.thetca.org.
 
This year’s season is thanks in part to the TCA’s 41st Season sponsors Michigan Arts and Culture Council, (MACC), the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation, and Vision Performance Group, National Touring Season Sponsors Robert Fox of Howard Hanna Realty, Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh, and Carpet on Wheels, and Show Sponsor Tuckey’s Big Boy! 

Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) is thrilled to jump start the New Year with the TCA Comedy Show on Saturday, January 21, 2023. This year's comedy show is emceed by Steve Smargon and features headline comedians Khurum Sheikh, Bob Phillips, and Mike Green.

Emcee Steve Smargon: The winner of the National Clean Comedy Challenge, Steve Smargon is known as "The Bipolar Marine."  Through his stand-up, Steve has become a mental health advocate whose goal is to show others that they are not alone in their struggles. He has performed multiple times at the TCA and was instrumental in booking this year’s comedians. As emcee, he will keep the show rolling all night long. 

Khurum Sheikh: Khurum Sheikh is a 25-year veteran of the Ann Arbor Police Department who now does comedy all over the country. Originally from Pakistan, his comedy touches on current events from the hilariously unique perspective of a Pakistan Police Officer in the USA. He has opened for Dave Attell and is currently in a movie starring Mason Pryor--Richard Pryor's son--called Next Generation about up-and-coming comedians.

Bob Phillips: Bob Phillips has been performing standup comedy at the country's best theaters and clubs for over 20 years. He talks about everyday subjects, from his Catholic upbringing to growing up in the seventies and the absurdities of modern life.  He does so with wicked timing, intelligence, and sarcasm. There are no sacred cows in Bob’s act, and there are no safe havens.  Bob has been seen on the Fox stand-up comedy series “Laughs” and is heard daily on SiriusXM satellite radio’s Rawdog, Laugh USA, and Jeff & Larry’s Comedy Roundup.  He is one half of the popular podcast, “The Sal & Bob Show. He performs at all the top clubs, theaters, and casinos around the country.  From Detroit to Las Vegas, from Fargo to Miami, and all points in between, Bob keeps a busy schedule.

Mike Green: Mike Green’s natural likeability has quickly made him one of the top and most requested headliners across the country. Mike has the original jokes and the knowledge to make it all look made up every time. Clever, clean comedy is what he brings to the table. With a strong improv background, he takes you on a “Comedy Vacation”. While developing his own show he was lucky enough to work with such luminaries as Tim Allen, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Titus, & Ellen DeGeneres. Now Mike has a polished act that he has performed in 48 states. He headlines the Comedy Stop at the Tropicana in both Las Vegas and Atlantic city, The Comedy Castle in Detroit, Funny Bone in South Bend, and countless other clubs from New York to L.A.

The TCA Comedy Show will shake the winter chill off you on Saturday, January 21 at Tecumseh Center for the Arts. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for seniors and military members.

The TCA Comedy show is rated mature/adult content. Tickets can be purchased at 517-423-6617, at the box office located at 400 N. Maumee Street, or on-line at www.thetca.org.

This year’s season is thanks in part to the TCA’s 41st Season sponsors Michigan Arts and Culture Council (MACC), the Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation, and Vision Performance Group, National Touring Season Sponsors Robert Fox of Howard Hanna Realty, Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh, and Carpet on Wheels, and the TCA Comedy Show Sponsor H & H Signs.

To complete the Mary Jo Mensing Sculpture Garden, we are looking for individuals, families, and businesses to sponsor unique, permanent seating, in the sculpture garden. These pieces will be created by local artist Jerod Schmidt.

With just six benches being created, each bench will be unique in design and offer visitors a relaxing place to enjoy both nature and art outdoors! Community members can enjoy visiting the TCA outdoors with murals and sculptures surrounded by specifically designed landscaping that cohesively combines art, music, and nature.

Just TWO benches remain to be purchased. Special thank you to the following families who have purchased an outdoor bench. 

1. The Tuckey Family 
2. Meyer Family
3. Irelan Family 
4. Ruhl Family

The theater’s outdoor Art - Music - Sculpture Park aims to enrich people’s live through art and music. If you're interested in purchasing a bench, please contact TCA Director Kelly Jo Gilmore or click the link below. 

Season’s Greetings from Tecumseh Center for the Arts!
 
We are halfway through our 42nd season at Tecumseh Center for the Arts; with just a few weeks remaining of 2022. It's been an incredible year for us as the theater – 2022 saw a return to a more normal calendar of events. We completed our HVAC project, made progress on our new coat room, and began raising funds for the new outdoor music park. In addition, we have a full schedule with a six show National Touring Season, an exciting lineup of Special Events, and most of our renters returning this season. The theater staff is also back at full capacity including four staff members, six high school student technicians, and a growing volunteer usher corp. It fills our hearts with joy to see the TCA family back together again.
 
The Tecumseh community and our loyal patrons from around Lenawee County and beyond, continue to inspire us. Your commitment to this theater, your support of the performing arts, and your passion for its future is incredible. It’s this spirit of community and collaboration that propels us forward and allows us to be creative in our programming. For that, we thank you! As the holidays approach, we are excited to share the stage with Tecumseh Youth Theatre, Tecumseh Pops Orchestra & Community Chorus, the TCA Big Band & VocalAires, Tecumseh Players, Tecumseh Public Schools, and MST Dance Center.
 
If you are unable to attend an upcoming event but would like to support the TCA; we have options available to you.

• Gift Certificates make a wonderful stocking stuffer.
• Discounted tickets to the last four remaining National Touring Shows can still be purchased as a Season Ticket holder. Individual tickets can also be purchased!
• During December, you can purchase an engraved nameplate on an auditorium seat as part of our Take A Seat Campaign. Normally $250, you can purchase this gift for just $100 during the holiday season.
• We are also kicking off our new Take A Seat – Outdoor Bench Campaign. Individuals can have their family’s name engraved on an outdoor bench in our Art – Sculpture – Music Park; to be unveiled in 2023. Each of the six benches will be a unique, custom designed wooden bench by a local woodworker.
• Last, you can support us as an annual donor. We have a goal of raising $10,000 this holiday season from individual donors to help support the theater’s season. To date, we’ve raised just over $5,000. This money allows us to employ six high school students on a part-time basis, and offsets our overhead costs from snow removal to advertising and building maintenance.

 
Information on our upcoming events and these fundraising campaigns can be found on our website. If you’d like to support the TCA this season, simply visit our website at www.TheTCA.org/donate to make an online donation.
 
We hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and we look forward to seeing you soon at the TCA!
 
Cheers,
 
 
Kelly Jo Gilmore
Director | Tecumseh Center for the Arts | [email protected]

Tecumseh Center for the Arts, in collaboration with Tecumseh Players and the TCA Big Band & VocalAires, presents the WTCA Radio Show, A Christmas Carol.  Back by popular demand, the show harkens back to the days of the Golden Age of Radio, with great swing-era music, drama, comedy, sound effects, local commercials - both current and past, and “news of the day.”  With a nod to "Sister Station" and WTCA Radio Show sponsor, WLEN - 103.9FM, it all adds up to a truly unique experience for audience members and performers alike!

Based on radio shows of the 1940’s, the WTCA Radio Show, A Christmas Carol tells Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Under the Artistic Direction of Joyce Lancaster, and Musical Direction of Mark Felder, 40 cast members, 25 TCA Big Band members, and 4 live sound effects artists will bring Scrooge and friends to life on the TCA stage.

In addition to the radio drama, A Christmas Carol, the TCA Big Band & VocalAires will perform such classics as White Christmas, The Christmas Song, Home for the Holidays, Winter Wonderland, Jingle Bells, and many more.  The group, which features a full big band compliments of 5 saxes, 4 trombones, 5 trumpets, 4 rhythm, and 6 vocalists, will pay special tribute during the performance to Big Band great, Glenn Miller, lost over the English Channel in 1944 with the song, American Patrol.

There are three opportunities to see and hear this holiday classic performed live on the TCA stage – Saturday, December 10 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., and Sunday, December 11 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets for the WTCA Radio Show, A Christmas Carol, are priced at $15 each and are available through the TCA Box Office.  Call 517-423-6617 or stop by the Box Office in person at 400 N. Maumee, Tecumseh from 12 (Noon) – 5 p.m. to pick up your tickets.  You can also go online at www.TheTCA.org 24-hours a day and make your purchase. 
​
Doors open 1 hour prior to each performance, with concessions available for purchase in the lobby. Special thank you to this year’s sponsors including Vision Performance Group and WLEN 103.9 fm. With a multi-generational cast, backed by the TCA Big Band & VocalAires, and members of the First Presbyterian Church Bell Choir, the WTCA Radio Show, A Christmas Carol promises to bring all your senses to life.  See you at the theater!

Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) has partnered with Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation to provide a free Veterans Day concert for the community in honor of local veterans and their families on Friday, November 11 at 7:00 PM. The free event includes guest speakers City of Tecumseh Mayor Jack Baker and City Council Member & United States Marine Corp Veteran Austin See, prior to a musical performance by the Dodworth Saxhorn Band (DSB).
 
Today’s Dodworth Saxhorn Band is modeled after the Dodworth Band of New York City, which was the premier brass band in the United States from the 1840s to the 1880s. The original Dodworth Band was directed by brothers Allen and Harvey Dodworth who were among the most highly respected musicians and bandmasters of the 19th Century. In 1985 musical instrument collector Alexander Pollock created the modern DSB as a living history project.
 
In keeping with its living history origins, the DSB uses only brass and percussion instruments that were built in the 1800s. The antique horns are conical-bore instruments commonly called “saxhorns.” These handmade saxhorns are pitched higher than modern 21st Century brass instruments and produce a uniquely mellow tone. This class of brass instruments was invented in the early 1800s by Belgian instrument maker, Adolph Sax.
 
The DSB has a year-round performance and touring schedule. Past performances include Ken Burns’ ten-part PBS documentary “Baseball” and a subsequent performance for “An Afternoon of Baseball” at the White House at the invitation of President and Mrs. Clinton. The DSB was also heard in Ken Burns’ series “Jazz” and “the Roosevelts.” The band has performed at the Great American Brass Band Festival, Danville, KY; The Tall Stacks Festival, Cincinnati, OH; the Victorian Ball for the centennial of the Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, MI; Greenfield Village/Henry Ford Museum, Dearborn, MI; Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library, Fremont, OH; plus, many more.
 
The band performs 19th century music including compositions and arrangements from the Smithsonian Institute, the Library of Congress, private collections, and university libraries as well as a few new arrangements by musicologists who are experts in 19th Century brass band style and instrumentation. Their library contains over 420 arrangements.
 
This is event is FREE, with general admission seating available until capacity (572 seats). Doors open 1 hour prior to performance on Friday, November 11 at 7:00 PM. Special thank you to this year’s sponsors including Vision Performance Group and Radant’s Electric LLC. Special thank you to Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation for making this annual event possible.

​For more information, visit www.TheTCA.org or call 517-423-6617, Tuesdays-Fridays between noon and 5 pm.

Tecumseh Center for the Arts (TCA) welcomes pianist Barron Ryan to its stage on Saturday, November 5 at 7:30 PM.

Barron Ryan’s love for music has always been divided. The son of two musicians, he grew up in a house filled with the sounds of artists ranging from Mozart to Michael Jackson. So, when it comes to his own work, he’s not content drawing on just one influence. He combines them all into a musical adventure that’s vintage yet fresh, historical yet hip, classic yet cool.

After beginning piano lessons at age four with his father, Barron seemed destined for a career in music. He excelled in performing throughout his middle and high school years in Tulsa, OK, then continued to impress his peers and instructors as a piano performance major at The University of Oklahoma. After winning a piano competition that sent its winner to perform internationally, Barron found his artistic voice while on tour. He discovered the joy of jazz- and ragtime-inspired concert music (found on his debut album, Classical with Attitude), and learned from great jazz pianists by transcribing and replaying their solos (found on his second album, The Masters’ Apprentice).

In 2019, Barron noticed a shocking lack of funk-, pop-, and country-inspired classical music. Realizing he could fill that void, he composed the “Magic City” Sonata and a dance suite called Suite Thing. Those works are now published and recorded on his third solo record, First of Its Kind.
In 2021, Barron added ‘commissioned composer’ to his growing list of accolades. Commissioned by Chamber Music Tulsa to produce a work commemorating the 1921 massacre in Tulsa, OK, he wrote a piece for piano trio entitled My Soul Is Full of Troubles. Smithsonian Magazine took notice and named Barron One of Ten Innovators to Watch in 2021. Barron is following in his favorite composers’ footsteps by publishing his original works in the public domain. He offers his work as a gift to the world, and as a chance to collaborate with artists from around the globe.

Tickets for Barron Ryan: Classic Meets Cool at Tecumseh Center for the Arts can be purchased online at www.TheTCA.org or at the TCA Box Office. Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for seniors, youth, and military members.

Special thank you to this year’s sponsors including Vision Performance Group, Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh, Robert Fox from Howard Hanna, Carpet on Wheels, and Core Mechanical. Special thank you to Elizabeth Ruthruff Wilson Foundation and the Michigan  Arts and Culture Council for supporting the theater’s season. For more information, or to purchase your tickets, visit www.TheTCA.org or call 517-423-6617, Tuesdays-Fridays between noon and 5 pm.

Show Dates:
Saturday, December 10 at 2 PM
Saturday, December 10 at 7 PM
Sunday, December 11 at 2 PM

Tickets: $15 each | On Sale Now at www.TheTCA.org 

2022 A CHRISTMAS CAROL CAST LIST
Ebenezer Scrooge: Alan Hall
The Narrator: Jimmy Lancaster
Radio Announcer: Jon Livengood
Marley’s Ghost Spirit: Daniel Cook
First Spirit Ghost Of Christmas Past: William Fowle
Second Spirit Ghost Of Christmas Present: George Reasoner
Third Spirit Ghost Of Christmas Future: Rick Miller
Nephew Fred: Joshua Smith
Belle: MaryAnn Stock
Bob Cratchit: John Valenti
Mrs. Cratchit: Karen Miller
Old Joe: Kim Greenfield
Poole: Jeff DiCenzo
Lamb: Joe Bennett
Mr. Fezziwig: Mike Walters
Martha Cratchit: Kristin Miller
Fan Scrooge: Piper Holtz
Helen: Sarah Stanley
Tiny Tim: Madelyn Stanley
Peter Cratchit: Alexander Olney
Belinda Cratchit: Destiny Rodriguez
Harriet Cratchit: Kellie Hill
Charwoman: Lori Monagin
Mrs. Dilber: Chris Blair
Buck Cockney and Frederick Cratchit: Chance Adkins
Merchants #1, #2, #3: Aiden Hernandez; Bob Miller; Marc Hernandez
Guests #1, #2, #3: Debbie Keyser; Pat Bogusz; Betty Cummings
Young Caroler: Tracylee Odgers
Carolers: Spencer Family (Kenny, Anna, Abbey, and Penelope); Kellie Hill; Tracylee Odgers
Sound Effect Performers: Chelsea Miller; Paul Chouinard; Brad Hill; Mike Walters; Kim Greenfield
News of the Day Announcer: Larry Hall 
On-Air Booth Attendant: Jason Smith
Commercial Performers: Spencer Family (Kenny, Anna, Abbey, and Penelope); Alex Carone;
​Sue Ives; Rick Miller; Debbie Keyser; Connie Hutchison

PRODUCTION TEAM:
Producer: Karen Bunch
Artistic Director: Joyce Lancaster
Musical Director: Mark Felder
Technical Director: Ross Travis
Assistant Technical Director: Julie Donovan
Student Technicians: Cheyenne Bruner; Tehya Clement; Gavin Fisher, Zara Garrison; Gray Rakebrand, Hailey Scott 
Box Office Manager and Graphic Designer: Joanna Gall
Costumers: Judi Schultz & Dianne Marsh
Costume & Backstage Assistants: Betty Cummings; Debbie Keyser; Kellie Hill; Sue Ives
Theater Director: Kelly Jo Gilmore
​

The leaves are falling from the trees, the morning air has a certain crispness to it. This can only mean one thing in Lenawee County; it's time for Tecumseh's Appleumpkin Festival.

Tecumseh Center for the Arts will have two information booths set up during the festival this weekend (Located on North Ottawa Street in front of Tecumseh Library). Make sure to swing by to pick up information on our upcoming shows including Three Men and A Tenor, Barron Ryan, and the free Veterans Day concert. You can also sign up to win two free tickets to one of our National Touring Shows. 

In addition to our season, we'll be sharing information on the TCA Outdoors with information on the TCA Street Art Trail, Mary Jo Mensing Sculpture Garden, and future TCA Music Park. Local Artist Pat Deere will be joining us throughout the weekend to discuss her project Artists and the Alzheimer's, "I'm Still Here project. Pat has painted several murals for Tecumseh Center for the Arts since 2020 and this past summer submitted one of her collaborative sculptures "God's Gift" to the Mary Jo Mensing Sculpture Garden.