Local Arts Facility Offers Wide Array of Programs

Photography Provided

Wild Rose MoonWild Rose Moon has shone as a beacon for the arts in Plymouth since opening in June of 2015. Executive Director George Schricker and Assistant Director Marcia Heintzberger long dreamt of opening a performing arts center in the area. George inherited the facility space from his great-grandfather.

“We saw a need for a center that was open to the development of the creative process in everyone,” George explains. “It’s this belief in the creative process that fuels our visitors.”

In keeping with the Wild Rose Moon motto, “Arts in Action in Service to Community,” the staff offers many ways for people to get involved in the arts. The facility includes two sound stages that serve as individual listening rooms and workshop spaces. The venue brings in original artists from all over the country, ranging from gospel musicians to classical French guitarists to Celtic bands. In addition to live performances, the facility also offers various opportunities for locals to engage in creative endeavors.

Open mic nights are held every first and third Wednesday of the month from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Playwrights, writers, storytellers, musicians and singer-songwriters are encouraged to participate. Wild Rose Moon records every open mic night, and when possible the staff posts the videos on YouTube, which artists can then use for their own benefit. Admission is free, and there is no age restriction.

“This is just one way we are trying to develop a creative arts industry in our area,” George says. “We have story after story about how people who have come to our open mic have been helped both professionally and personally through the experience.”

Wild Rose MoonWild Rose Moon also offers jam nights and a comedy improvisation class. Jam nights are meant to encourage people to bring instruments and join in with area musicians. Jam nights are hosted on the second Wednesday of each month from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Comedy improvisation classes are held on the first and third Monday of every month from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and these classes were launched to help develop public speaking and interpersonal communication skills for participants. Both of these events are free and open to the public.

George’s favorite program currently offered by the facility is the Wild Rose Moon Radio Hour, for which performers from across the world come and record a radio show in the venue. The event includes a studio audience that can sing and clap along with the performers. Audience members can also sign up to participate in a quiz show that is part of the event. Admission is $5, and the event takes place on Saturday mornings at 11 a.m.

“Of course, the important thing to remember is that all these events are opportunities for training our production staff in the arts of audio engineering, videography and video editing,” George says. “These skills actively work to support the creative performers who engage with us.”

The response from the community has been fantastic. As a nonprofit, the facility relies on grants, ticket sales and the kindness of patrons. Wild Rose Moon’s largest fundraiser will occur this October, but people are invited to join and become members throughout the year. The staff typically sets out receptacles for donations at events as well, and also welcomes volunteers.

“We make it easy for people to be able to be a part of the programs if they don’t have a lot of financial resources,” George says. “All they have to do is help out in some way and they can see shows for free as they become part of the hospitality or production crew. We are always looking for new interns. From the beginning of Wild Rose Moon becoming a not-for-profit, our dear friend Dan Shuppert has been instrumental in his support through fundraising, volunteering as a videographer and photographer, and his ongoing encouragement for our mission.”

Wild Rose Moon is located at 115 North Michigan Street in Plymouth. For more info on programs and membership details, call 574-276-1185 or visit wildrosemoon.com.

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