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Boosters Celebrate 10 Years

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In 2006 Tibbits Board of Directors and staff sought a way to recognize its many volunteers and better elevate them to the importance they play in everything that happens at the theatre. They created the Tibbits Boosters organization which celebrates 10 years this summer.

Tibbits volunteers have helped in the costume shop for both the professional and community productions. Kay Reigel assisted with a Popcorn Theatre show in 2015.
Kay Reigel assists with Popcorn Theatre.

In August of 2006, the very first membership luncheon meeting was held at the former Martell’s Tavern, known now as Bill’s Grill House. Tibbits volunteers were invited and encouraged to learn more about becoming charter members and the opportunities to be offered.

The Tibbits Boosters were created with the goal of helping organize the Tibbits volunteers more efficiently, as well as help coordinate fund-raising efforts. There are nearly 300 Tibbits volunteers, many of which devote countless hours of personal time to support the theatre.

The Boosters will celebrate the tenth anniversary during an Ice Cream Social on Aug. 2, 2016. The event, scheduled at 5:30 pm, will take place at the Coach Eby Center in Coldwater. All Tibbits volunteers will have a chance to reminisce over scrapbooks from the last decade while socializing and enjoying ice cream sundaes.

Tibbits volunteers do far more than just usher for shows. Tibbits is always looking for people who would enjoy helping the theatre through its many events and activities. In addition to ushering, volunteers act as tour guides and hospitality hosts, house summer company members, chauffeur performers, assist in the gift shop, work in the costume shop, the scene shop or backstage, help plan events like the auction, golf and the music festival. They also represent Tibbits at the downtown events and the fair. They do everything from cleaning and gardening to helping in the office. There are also those who lend their specialized computer and design skills.

Those interested in becoming a volunteer with Tibbits, should contact Pam, Tibbits Volunteer Liaison at 517-278-6029.

Tibbits Boosters Present…“Who’s Got Talent!” Performance Competition

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Contact: Pam Kasprzyk 517-278-6029

Coldwater, Michigan – Tibbits Boosters announce a search for a variety of performers to compete in the very first “Who’s Got Talent!” elimination program coming to Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, Michigan.

This fundraiser will be similar to the television show “America’s Got Talent” All proceeds will go to Tibbits, a nonprofit organization.

Registration is open to any person or persons 19 years of age or older and interested in performing in front of judges and a live audience. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners, First prize and runner-up, both in the judge’s choice and the audience choice. A limited number of acts will be selected to compete in an elimination-style competition consisting of an elimination performance and the finale.

Application forms and an informational sheet are available now at the Tibbits administrative office, 93 W. Chicago Street, Coldwater, MI or on their web site, Tibbits.org/talent. A $5 nonrefundable registration fee per person along with a non-returnable photo is required for each act interested in competing. Completed applications will be time stamped and dated in the order they are received to determine eligibility. All completed applications must be received no later than November 5, 2015 by 4:30pm at the administrative office. Further information can be obtained by contacting Pam at 517-278-6029.

Both shows will take place at 7pm; the elimination show on January 9, 2016 and the final show on January 23, 2016. This is a family-friendly show and all contestants are subject to the competition rules and regulations as determined by the Tibbits Boosters and “Who’s Got Talent!” organizing committee.

Tibbits Boosters is sponsoring this event with the help of WTVB AM1590/FM95.5 Radio as a Media sponsor.

Who's Got Talent

Tibbits Honors Volunteers

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For Immediate Release
Contact: Pam Kasprzyk 517-278-6029

COLDWATER – Tibbits Boosters honored its volunteers and named Linda Ives its volunteer of the year at its annual volunteer reception April 28 at the Tibbits Opera House.

Nearly 100 volunteers, staff and board members attended the event which included dinner catered by the Branch Area Career Center Culinary Arts students and entertainment by cast members of Branch County Community Theatre’s upcoming musical “Curtains.”

Tibbits Artistic Director Charles Burr and Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney gave a preview of the upcoming Tibbits Summer Theatre season. Burr highlighted the shows while Delaney recognized the sponsors. Long time Tibbits volunteer Linda Ives was invited up to talk about the wonderful experiences she has had and all she has learned while housing actors and technicians over the past 28 years.

Delaney discussed the many other ways beyond housing in which Ives has been involved including seven years organizing the ushers for Summer Theatre, helping with the gardens near the elevator entrance and helping with food for special events and for the performing artist in the Entertainment Series. Delaney said, “Linda is an example of everything we’re looking for in a volunteer, willing to do what’s need and truly passionate about our theatre.” Booster board president Angela Washburn presented Ives with a bouquet of flowers and a $100 Downtown Business Association gift certificate.

Also during the event Washburn recognized the volunteers who have reached certain milestones for their hours. “Act I” volunteers worked 100-199 hours and included Jean Blakely, Judy Bushouse, Suzanne Fillmore, Kerry Hamrick, Sylvia Johns, and T-Tab member Connor Michael,
Candace Newkirk, Lauri Rowe  and Paul Winbigler. “Act II” volunteers worked 200-299 hours and included Darene Sargent, Stan Bushouse, and T-Tab member Mary Tate. Diana Conant was recognized as a “Curtain Call” volunteer for working 300 – 399 hours as were Tirsha Odisher and Sandy Tistle who were also recognized for reaching 400 – 499 hours, the “Ovation” level along with Shirley Easterday, Marianne Hodson and Ken Washburn. All levels receive pins denoting the number of hours. The “Encore” level, those over 500 hours, received an engraved name badge. This year Cindy Curtis, Laura Odom and Ruth Scheidler received thier badges.

The event was organized by the Booster reception committee led by Darene Sargeant and included Diana Conant, Jan Borer, Shirley Easterday, Marianne Hodson, Angela Washburn and Pam Kasprzyk.

For information and becoming a volunteer for Tibbits call Pam at 517-278-6029 or visit www.Tibbits.org.

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Linda Ives, Tibbits Volunteer of the Year is honored by Executive Director Christine Delaney
Linda Ives, Tibbits Volunteer of the Year is honored by Executive Director Christine Delaney
Tibbits Volunteer of the Year, Linda Ives
Tibbits Volunteer of the Year, Linda Ives

Volunteers Needed to Ready Theatre for Performances

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Volunteers polish crystals on the theatre’s chandelier during a cleanup event in 2003.
Volunteers polish crystals on the theatre’s chandelier during a cleanup event in 2003.

With the recent work on the interior of the Tibbits Opera House and the accompanying dirt and plaster dust it created, Tibbits has scheduled a volunteer work day on Friday, January 23 to both clean the theatre and decorate for the Parrots of the Caribbean concert the following day.

The volunteer workday will begin at 1 pm and continue until completed. It will include light cleaning of the seats, dusting, polishing the wood, and vacuuming. The decorating will include hanging posters and decorations to transform the theatre into a Caribbean-themed party place.

Taking advantage of a rare break in the performance schedule, Tibbits has undergone repairs, mainly to the ceiling and dome. Massive scaffolding to reach the 40-foot high ceiling was installed. Plaster in the ceiling was repaired, as was the metal grate in the dome. As long as the scaffolding was in place, Evergreene Architectural Arts recreated a paint sample of what the theatre would have looked like in 1882.

While all of the seats were covered with plastic to minimize the dirt, the dust raised is difficult to control. With the limited time available in the theatre’s schedule and the length of time required to complete the work, there is only a small window of time to prepare the building for reopening.

According to Pam Kasprzyk, Volunteer Coordinator for Tibbits, “We’re going with the motto, many hands make light work and we’ll do what we can to make sure everyone has fun.” The volunteers who help out will be treated to pizza and beverages and according to Kasprzyk, “They’ll be among the first to see the decorative paint sample.”

Volunteers are asked to call ahead to assure there are enough cleaning supplies and refreshments. They can do so by calling Tibbits at 517-278-6029 or send an email to volunteer@Tibbits.org. The clean up readies the theatre before an intensive schedule of 10 straight weeks of performances.

Tibbits PR: The dolls are taking over the Tibbits stage for one day only!

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The 3rd bi-annual Doll-A- Rama is scheduled from 10am to 2pm, Saturday , Nov. 8, 2014 at the Tibbits Opera House. Presented by the Tibbits Boosters, admission is $5 per person with all dolls getting in absolutely free! This event is for everyone: girls, their moms, grandmas, and anyone who loves dolls.

One of the highlights of the event is the fashion show. Girls are the stars of the show as they walk the runway with their dolls. Mrs. America 2007, Laura Loveberry will mesmerize the audience as emcee for the fashion show as she presents each girl and their doll.

The high tea is also a very popular event. Tasty treats are planned for both of the teas which are set for 10:45 and 12 Noon. Preregistration for the tea is a good idea as seating is limited, the cost of the tea is an additional $5 per attendee. You can register on line @ www.tibbits.org, click on the link or call the office at 278-6029. Registration forms may also be mailed or brought in to the Tibbits office located at 93 W. Chicago St prior to the event.

Other Doll-a-Rama events include designing doll clothes, making a crown and jewelry, creating a scrapbook page, and listening to a storyteller. Girls will have their pictures taken along with their dolls with a park bench and butterfly theme. There will be an opportunity to learn about doll care, including hair styles. Take advantage of the vendors and shop at their booths specializing in doll accessories for that special holiday gift. Raffle prizes will also be available to win.

The Boosters want to thank their sponsors for supporting the Doll-A-Rama, Tomi Hough of Silver Shears Day Spa, Larry Ostrander of Marble Lake Resort and Marina, and Marilyn Ostrander of Diehl Realty.

Tibbits is located at 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater. For more information, call the Tibbits at 517-278-6029 or visit at www.tibbits.org.

Tibbits PR: September 2014 Volunteer of Month Lauri Rowe

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Lauri RoweThe Tibbits Boosters are proud to announce the Volunteer of the month for September is Lauri Rowe.

Lauri has been an active volunteer since 2002. Over the years, she has ushered both for the Summer Theatre and the Entertainment series, distributed brochures and posters, worked on the committee and directed two of the Boosters Dancing with Celebrities events, housed cast members of our summer theatre, provided food and served as a backstage hostess in our entertainment series. Lauri has also donated her professional services of Intergrated Somatics to the Summer company in the last few years.

Lauri lives with her son Graham in Coldwater , and has been active in several community programs.

When asked why she is involved as a volunteer at Tibbits, Lauri stated “I believe the arts are essential for the continued growth of any community and Tibbits in all its incarnations is living proof of the path our community can take to make a better future.”

Tibbits PR: Panoramic Photograph

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Tibbits Stage
Photographer Dennis James has tested the process he’ll be using for a panoramic photo of the interior of the historic Tibbits Opera House. The photo shoot will utilize volunteers, some dressed in character, to occupy the seats.

Contact: Christine or Pam at 517-278-6029

COLDWATER – A unique photography event will capture the beauty of Tibbits Opera House’s interior while allowing participants to join in highlighting some of Tibbits theatrical history on Tuesday, September 16 when Dennis James, a local photographer, will create a high quality 180 degree panoramic from the stage.

In a twist of roles, many of the seats will be randomly filled with some of the characters in costumes and makeup from many of Tibbits past theatrical performances. “I see the shot as kind of a graphical timeline combined with a ‘Where’s Waldo’ concept,” says James. “I wanted to offer my experience of panoramic images and light painting to capture the beauty of the Coldwater landmark and came up with the idea of adding the past performers to add something fun and different.”

Many volunteers will be needed to be in the photo. Some will also help with the costumes and makeup and others will be the characters in the seats. Those interested in being a part of the photo should contact Tibbits volunteer coordinator, Pam at 517-278-6029. Costuming and set up for the photo shoot will begin at 5 pm though the actual photo will take place when everyone is ready.

James did a test shoot in August to practice the light painting technique and get an image without anyone in the seats. Because the house lights are much brighter than the walls and seats, James will photograph the images with the house light as dim as possible and create the challenging effect of the lights by painting the walls and seats with a flashlight.

In 1993-94 James offered his photographic expertise to Apple Computers to help in the development of Quicktime VR, a graphic environment that allows the creation and viewing of photographically-captured panoramas through images taken at multiple viewing angles. To photograph Tibbits, Dennis will use a specialized tripod camera mount that revolves around a fixed point with precision stops. Seven photographs will be taken and stitched together using computer software to create the 180 degree image.

Dennis James graduated from Coldwater High School in 1973 and served in the U. S. Navy as a photographer for nine years before being hired by Standard Oil Co., as a Senior Photographer in Chicago. He lived and worked as a photographer in the Chicago area until he moved home in 2013.

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