Riverwalk Theatre is home to the Community Circle Players, though that term is seldom used. Its roots go back to 1958, when a group of Lansing Civic Players members broke off to start their own company. Beginning in 1964 and for the next 22 years, shows were performed at the Okemos Barn Theatre. When that location became unavailable, the group found a warehouse by the Grand River in downtown Lansing, and converted it into a theatre space. In 1989, the Riverwalk Theatre began performing in its present home at 228 Museum Drive, across from the Lansing Center, next to Impression Five Science Center. Smaller “Black Box” shows were performed at the Creole Gallery from 2003 until 2009, when a Black Box stage was added to the Riverwalk facility. Between Main Stage and Black Box shows, Riverwalk puts on more than a dozen full-scale productions a year, including comedies, dramas, musicals, and children’s shows. It also hosts special events, staged readings and its own Barney Awards ceremony each June. Unique among area community theatre groups, Riverwalk owns its performance space outright. “There is a Role for you at Riverwalk Theatre!” Auditions are open to all and many volunteer opportunities are available. Visit www.riverwalktheatre.com for more information.
