Fuse Theater Company Awards Scholarship, Charges into Fall!

FUSE kicks off the summer with a bang and ready to charge into fall! Fuse Theater Company is proud to announce the establishment of the Ignition Award. The award, which comes with a $500 scholarship, will be annually awarded to a graduating senior with outstanding contribution to FUSE and a love for the performing arts. This year’s inaugural recipient is Lydia Patten. As a founding member of the company, she was a cast member for All Shook Up! and has gone to participate in every FUSE event except two (only surpassed by Executive Director, Karen Nave) as a performer, choreographer, or consultant, often times pulling double duty.

“We are thrilled to kick off this award with Lydia!” Karen Nave said. “A scholarship is something we’ve always wanted to do and this year finally got our ducks in a row. And the timing couldn’t have been better. While I think there are a lot of students who have contributed to our growth as a company and are definitely deserving, I can’t think of anyone who has spent more time working on shows and performances than Lydia. And not only that, but she’s done it with an amazing attitude, work ethic, and positivity that is unmatched.”

Patten is a Lakeland High School graduate (Class of 2017) and will be attending Central Michigan University in the fall to study communication disorders and American Sign Language. While at LHS, she finished in the top 10 of her class, was a member of Varsity Pom, and participated in theater, while also studying dance at various studios.

Going forward, FUSE plans on awarding this scholarship annually. It will be open to graduating seniors who have completed at least two FUSE shows (and at least one in the most immediate two seasons). Students will be asked to submit an essay and then a panel selected by the board will determine the recipient. It will be open to all students who meet the requirements, regardless if they plan to pursue an education in the arts.

Additionally, following the success of Once Upon a Mattress, Fuse Theater Company is proud to present: Broadway Goes Pop! Forget the classic showtunes you’re used to and join us for a night exploring pop culture on Broadway. From shows that have made their way to the big screen or vice-a-versa to pop music icons taking on the Great White Way – we’re trading in our tux and tails for jeans and leather jackets. Our amazingly talented cast comprised of top notch local singers, will be backed by a LIVE band, singing hits from Billy Joel, Elton John, Carole King, Elvis, Duncan Sheik, Sara Bareilles, and more! This is a one-time concert you won’t want you won’t want to miss! And perfect for a summer family outing of all ages! Doors open at 6:30pm, concert begins at 7:00pm at the Lakeland High School Center for the Performing Arts. There will be refreshments provided at intermission. Tickets are $12 (all ages) online and $15 (all ages) at the door. No reserved seating.

FUSE will also be producing their first straight play, Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire. It will be directed by David Musselwhite, who is coming off directing the Michigan premier of Trevor at Stagecrafters at the Baldwin Theater in Royal Oak. Auditions will be held August 7th and 8th, 7-9pm at Lakeland High School and are open to actors 16 and up. All experience levels are welcome! Performances will be October 5-8, 2017 at the Milford High School Little Theatre.

For more information on Streetcar auditions or tickets for Broadway Goes Pop! Please visit the Fuse Theater Company website: www.FuseTheaterCompany.com.