Repping Detroit Theater for 50+ Years
At the Detroit Repertory Theatre (DRT), the curtain rises on more than just performances—it spotlights a legacy of fighting for equity, democratizing the arts and strengthening the community. This mission, that has been in place since the theater’s founding in 1957, resonates with many of our foundational ISMs that the Family of Companies takes pride in. Since 2017, DRT has participated in the Rocket Community Fund Community Challenge, enabling our Family of Companies and team members to demonstrate how we live out the belief that doing well by doing good is not just possible but essential.
The Detroit Repertory Theatre has long been a beacon of cultural and social progress, a place where race-transcendent casting and grassroots community engagement are as integral to the mission as the performances themselves. The Rocket Community Fund’s support through the Community Challenge underscores our shared values and commitment to initiatives that foster unity, creativity and opportunity. Hosted annually, the Rocket Community Fund Community Challenge empowers Rocket Companies’ 15,000+ team members across the United States to nominate, advocate and fundraise for nonprofits they personally care about.
Leah Smith, Executive Artistic Director of DRT, shared how the funds raised through the Community Challenge have become their most significant annual fundraiser for the theater. Over the years, the challenge has raised nearly $100,000 for DRT, allowing the theater to produce ambitious works like “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” and “Between Riverside and Crazy,” productions that would have been unimaginable to produce without this support.
“The Community Challenge allows us to bring in shows that are more expensive to produce,” Smith noted, emphasizing the importance of this financial support in maintaining the theater’s high standards of artistic excellence.
The impact of the Community Challenge funds was felt most acutely during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when theaters everywhere were shuttered, and the future of the performing arts seemed uncertain. “The funds we raised through the Community Challenge were a lifeline,” said Smith. “With our doors closed for nearly two years, we faced the very real possibility of not being able to reopen. But the support from the community and the Rocket Community Fund allowed us to keep the lights on, maintain our staff and prepare for our reopening.”
Smith explained that the funds helped the theater adapt to new realities and maintain its connection to the community, even when live performances were not possible due to social distancing and other pandemic-related restrictions. “We were able to invest in virtual programming, which kept our audience engaged and our mission alive. It also allowed us to continue paying our artists and staff, many of whom were hit hard by the pandemic,” she added.
The continued support from the Rocket Community Fund through the Community Challenge has not only sustained the Detroit Repertory Theatre but also empowered it to expand its reach and deepen its impact. By providing the resources needed to bring bold, relevant productions to the stage, these funds help the theater remain a vital force in the Detroit community. The DRT’s commitment to inclusive storytelling and community engagement reflects the very essence of what it means to work For More Than Profit—a shared mission that drives both the theater and the Rocket Community Fund.
“We want to keep everybody in Detroit – the actors, designers and audiences. We don’t want them to see Detroit as just a starting point so they can go to the coasts or somewhere else,” Smith said. The commitment to keeping talent in Detroit goes beyond simply retaining actors and artists. It’s about nurturing a creative ecosystem where individuals can build fulfilling careers, contribute to the cultural landscape and find a sense of belonging in their own city. By creating an environment where artists can grow, develop and showcase their work, the DRT ensures that Detroit remains a vibrant hub for creativity. This commitment is about more than just professional opportunities; it’s about fostering a community where people feel valued and connected. For many, the DRT serves as a cultural anchor—a place that not only welcomes diverse voices but also amplifies them, allowing Detroit’s unique stories to be told.
Keeping talent in Detroit also means contributing to the city’s continued growth. When artists and creative professionals stay in Detroit, they generate innovation, energy and economic growth that benefits the entire community. The arts are a powerful driver of economic development, attracting new businesses, residents and visitors. By supporting institutions like the DRT, the Rocket Community Fund helps to ensure that Detroit remains a city where creativity thrives and where people can build their futures.
One of our ISMs is, “You’ll see it when you believe it.” The belief in Detroit’s potential drives us to invest in its future. Through efforts like the Community Challenge, we’re not just supporting the arts—we’re helping to build a stronger, more vibrant community that reflects the best of what Detroit has to offer.
The Detroit Repertory Theatre will be hosting their Season 68 Launch Party on Saturday, September 28 beginning at 5 p.m. featuring live funk and jazz music, DJs, a special sneak peek of the season’s shows, and plenty of food and drinks.
Visit the Detroit Repertory Theatre’s website to learn more about the annual Season Launch and to discover the shows on the docket for DRT’s Season 68 and how to purchase tickets and subscriptions to the upcoming 2024/2025 season!
