{about MgT}
History
In 2006, Frannie Shepherd-Bates, Kevin Beltz and LoriGoe Nowak began discussing a troubling issue – many of their theatre colleagues were leaving Detroit for greener pastures, namely Chicago and NYC. Dedicated to seeing their city thrive, they set out on a mission to create their own theatre company. One dark and stormy night (okay, it was neither dark, nor stormy) they formed a pact – each would set out and finish school, gain experience, expand networks, and then the three would regroup to form the company…
On November 7, 2008, with the help of DEXDesign Associates, Inc., Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company incorporated as a nonprofit organization. Why nonprofit? When forming the mission of the theatre, the co-founders realized that the focus had to shift from the art itself to the impact that art could have on the community. Defining theatre as a catalyst for social and economic change, Magenta Giraffe’s mission and vision statements were established:
Mission Statement
The Magenta Giraffe Theatre Company acts to eliminate apathy, violence, prejudice and barriers to education through theatre productions, projects and programs; and further acts to reestablish and expand Detroit’s theatre district.
Vision Statement
Our vision is one of a thriving theatrical district that reaches new audiences to make the community at large one of unity and peace; that fosters empathy and enlightenment; and that provides accessibility to education.
These statements guide the decisions and direction of the company and it is the founders’ hope that Magenta Giraffe will evolve into a positive force of change in Detroit and impact lives for many generations to come.
"We live in what is, but we find a thousand ways not to face it. Great theatre strengthens our faculty to face it." ~Thornton Wilder
A rose by any other name…
Our name is a pretty simple story - LoriGoe chose 'Giraffe' because of a giraffe's ability to see over all obstacles; its presence as a gentle yet majestic giant; and because by natural design, the giraffe is so completely unique. Kevin jokingly, but enthusiastically tagged 'Magenta' on to the front of that and the three founders had a good laugh about the image. However, they later discovered that a magenta aura is characteristic of someone who is an artist, actor, author, costume or set designer - and that sold them on the combo ‘Magenta Giraffe!’