ABOUT RIVERWALK THEATRE

MISSION STATEMENT (Article II of the Constitution)
The Community Circle Players is a Michigan non-profit corporation that provides the community with a total theatrical experience through the presentation of dramas, comedies, musicals, and children’s shows; to further develop and explore associated performing & creative arts.
Click here for a list of shows CCP has performed since moving to Riverwalk Theatre in 1989 to today.
Click here for The Constitution and Bylaws, Board of Directors and other information about how how Riverwalk Theatre is organized.  

History of Community Circle Players/Riverwalk Theatre

Once Upon A Time
When a small group of Lansing Theatre lovers, led by Adrian and Rose Marie Robinson, organized the Community Circle Players in 1958 in a little warehouse on Sheridan Street (now Oakland Avenue), they didn’t realize they were setting the stage for a respected community theatre that, over 50 years later, would play an important role in the revitalization of downtown Lansing. CCP was dedicated to quality in an all-volunteer theatrical organization and grew in community support and stature. In 1962 we established our bylaws, and in 1964 received our 501 © 3 tax-exempt status.

The Okemos Barn
In 1964, CCP moved into the facility that was part of our identity for 22 years – The Okemos Barn Theatre. The renovation
project was formidable, but the faith and hard work of Bee and Karl Vary, Ron Grow, Evelyn Machtel, Wes and Winifred Olds, Wayman Underwood, Bill Montgomery and others, along with community support, made that dream a reality.
Delta Dental owns the property where the Okemos Barn stood. Due to Delta’s development plans, the Barn’s lease was not renewed. In September, 1986, the Barn was torn down. Delta remains a good friend of CCP, however, and donated $25,000 in matching funds to help the relocation project.

Riverwalk Theatre Begins
With the same spirit that turned a cow barn into a theatre, we renovated an old warehouse downtown by the river. Through community and local business support, we raised over $500,000 to turn part of that warehouse into a beautiful, viable and productive theatre. Riverwalk Theatre opened its first show on October 22, 1989, and continues to produce outstanding live theatre productions. Our facility not only provides a forum for local actors and entertainment for Lansing residents, visitors and conventioneers, but also a performing space that is used by other groups for both artistic and educational presentations.
In August 1999, Riverwalk purchased its building from Impression Five Science Center. Thanks to donations by our members as well as local, state, and foundation grants, we raised $252,000 to purchase the entire 15,750 square-foot former warehouse.

Riverwalk Theatre Renovates
With the entire building now at our disposal, expansion plans were developed. In January, 2001, our capital development campaign reached its goal of $355,000. However, costs exceeded funds, so expansion was divided. In December, 2001, construction began on Phase I: new scene shop, props loft, green room and rehearsal hall — completed in February, 2002. 
Black box productions began at the Creole Gallery in Old Town (Dec. 2003) to explore the feasibility of a black box inside Riverwalk. Phase II, in September 2008, included construction of the “black box” performing space, expanded lobby, new concessions area, expanded rest-room facilities, a new rehearsal hall, and a second-floor area for light booths serving both stages, furniture storage, and light equipment storage and repair. The campaign achieved its goal of $330,000 in December, 2008, a year earlier than planned! Our Black Box Auditorium opened Saturday, October 17, 2009, when Tom Heideman and Mary Koenigschnecht hosted one of their “Riverwalk Saturday Night” benefit concerts.

Riverwalk Theatre Today
As you can see, CCP/Riverwalk Theatre has grown by leaps and bounds. Since 1989, we’ve invested nearly two million dollars in our facility, while enriching the quality of life in the Lansing area through a variety of arts and entertainment offerings, education programs and community involvement. The “Shout it to the Rooftop” capital campaign in 2013 raised $150,000 for a much-needed new furnace, new roof. and an upgraded electrical systems to better serve our current, two-stage theatre with increased stage-lighting capacity. We are continually striving to improve our artistic capabilities, and maintain the comfort and physical integrity of our theatre.

We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished over the years, and grateful for the generosity shown by our individual and business partners. Many thanks for your continued support of Riverwalk Theatre!