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.

In this episode of Tricity Arts Exchange, I sit down with Michigan indie author Lauren Anderson for a deep and engaging conversation about storytelling, creativity, and the realities of the writing life. Lauren shares the inspiration behind her book The Unknown Tales, a unique collection that explores the untold origin stories of beloved and mysterious fairy tale characters—answering the question: where did they come from, and how did they become who they are?

We dive into her creative process, from building complex backstories for figures like the Fairy Godmother, the Three Fairies, and the witches woven throughout classic lore, to balancing tradition with bold reimaginings. Lauren opens up about the emotional and imaginative challenges of writing these stories, as well as the themes of identity, transformation, and moral complexity that run throughout her work.

Beyond the page, we explore the good, the bad, and the ugly of being an indie author—what it really takes to carve out a creative path, the obstacles she’s faced, and the victories that make it all worthwhile. Lauren also reflects on what it means to be an artist in Michigan, the importance of community, and her advice for aspiring writers finding their voice.

This episode is a thoughtful, honest, and inspiring look at the art of storytelling—and the courage it takes to tell the stories no one else has told before.

On this episode of Tricity Arts Exchange, I sit down with multi-disciplinary theatre artist Melanie Frasca—an actress, playwright, intimacy choreographer, and educator deeply rooted in Michigan’s Great Lakes Bay Region. From her early days as a student at Saginaw Valley State University to her current role as an adjunct professor and working artist, Melanie shares her journey of evolving from student to teacher while carving out a meaningful, multifaceted career in theatre.

We dive into her work as an intimacy choreographer with local staples like Bay City Players and Pit & Balcony Theatre, unpacking the importance of consent, communication, and safety in performance spaces. Melanie offers an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the emotional and professional realities of this often misunderstood role—the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable truths that don’t always get talked about.

The conversation also explores her creative process as an actress and playwright, including the vulnerability of performing her own one-woman show at a Fringe Festival. We talk about artistic identity, imposter syndrome, and what it really takes to sustain a career in theatre outside of major markets. As an educator, Melanie reflects on the challenges and rewards of teaching the next generation of performers, and how her students continue to shape her perspective.

This episode is a candid, thought-provoking look at what it means to be a working theatre artist in the Tri-Cities—balancing passion, purpose, and perseverance in a constantly evolving creative landscape.