In this deeply reflective and wide-ranging episode of Tricity Arts Exchange, I sit down with Lorraine Carman, a driving force behind the Gladwin Area Friends of the Theatre (GAFT), to explore the heart, history, and resilience of one of Mid-Michigan’s most enduring community arts organizations. From its humble beginnings in 1979 with Barefoot in the Park at the fairgrounds to its evolution into a year-round cultural staple, Lorraine shares the stories, traditions, and defining moments that shaped GAFT into what it is today.

We dive into her personal journey with the organization—how she got involved, what keeps her committed, and the often unseen challenges of sustaining an all-volunteer theatre company. Lorraine offers an honest look at the highs and lows, including the devastating flood that threatened GAFT’s future, and the inspiring community effort to rebuild through the “Building Our Future” campaign.

This conversation also highlights the vital role GAFT plays in developing young talent, fostering creativity, and building confidence in the next generation through its youth programs. We explore what it truly means to create and sustain art in a small town—the unique advantages, the real limitations, and the powerful sense of community that keeps the curtain rising year after year.

Candid, thoughtful, and deeply human, this episode captures the good, the bad, and the beautiful reality of grassroots theatre—and the people who dedicate their lives to keeping it alive.