Board Member Spotlight: Rose Busque
If you've been following our board spotlight posts so far, you might notice a theme: We thrive as a team, but each individual shines in their own special way, adding a crucial piece to the collective whole. There are myriad reasons why Rose Busque is an invaluable slice of our...
Who Loves the Theatre???
The three pillars of theatre ~ singing, dancing & acting ~ are wonderful skills to develop as they build self-confidence, empowerment, and effective communication. Through a variety of drama improvisation techniques, theatrical productions, and games, our Drama Troupe supports personal growth and cooperation while learning self-expression with vocal and physical...
Board Member Spotlight: Kathleen Tynes
For most of our followers, this member of our board needs no introduction. If you've participated in any activity at our Playhouse within the last 3 years, you've probably interacted with her. If you didn't receive direct support from her, it's pretty much guaranteed she was heavily involved behind the...
Board Member Spotlight: Betsy Larson
It’s a New Year and each month will come with its own special theme. Our theme for January is GRATITUDE. With tremendous gratitude to those who work faithfully behind the scenes, and in honor of our 4th anniversary, we'd like to (re)introduce our fabulous Board of Managers, starting with Betsy Larson! Betsy...
Volunteer Spotlight: Shae Pettinga
Shae Pettinga (Shaelyn) is a junior at Troy High School, and unlike many of her sixteen-year-old peers, she is actively committed to supporting individuals with Down syndrome both inside and outside of school. Shae began volunteering as a Literacy Tutor last fall, working with TWO participants. When one of her...
Amina Grace Speech and Language Program: The Clinicians’ Perspective II
The GiGi's Playhouse Amina Grace Speech and Language program provides children, youth, and adults with greatly expanded opportunities to evolve and refine their clarity of speech, word order, enunciation, and message meaning. These skills are paramount to fostering greater self-confidence, comprehension, problem-solving, school readiness, social skills, independence, and overall quality...
Volunteer Spotlight: Jim Decker
This month we’re sending a heartfelt shout out to a wonderful man who works faithfully behind the scenes at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit. Jim and his grandson, Noah Jim Decker is the grandfather of one of our young participants, Noah, and the last few months he has...
Volunteer Spotlight: Demetris Stewart!
Demetris is a phenomenal woman with many talents and interests! In the summer of 2021, she began volunteering at GiGi’s Playhouse Detroit, and has been the inspiring and enthusiastic leader of our Art Explosion program ever since! She identifies as an Artist through & through, and is dedicated to sharing...
Program Spotlight: Art Explosion
Art is all around us, ...even if we're not always aware of it. From observing a painting in a museum or street art in the community, to funky clothing, creative hairstyles, or the sky’s colors unfolding at sunset, art is a beautiful and critical part of life. The...
A Sibling’s Reflection: “Never Knew a World without Down Syndrome”
Guest post by Tamara Fobare Tamara and Winston on the Detroit Riverwalk I am #7 of 10 kids. My oldest sister lived one day. The next child, Winston, was born with Down syndrome. When he was very young, he had heart surgery to save his life....
What’s in a Name? A Mother’s Story of Hope
Guest post by Shannon Blaeske Twelve years ago, the only thing keeping me from succumbing to fear was hope. Enter: Fiona Hope. Her first name was decided before we knew anything about our baby other than a biological gender. A few weeks later we learned she had Down syndrome along...
Volunteer Spotlight: Rachel Eckert
Interview by Aria Kim Allow us to introduce you to our fabulous volunteer, Rachel Eckert! Rachel has been a blessing to the GiGi’s Playhouse community as the leader of our adult class called Friends, Fun & Fitness. Rachel embodies the welcoming energy, positivity, and enthusiasm we strive to have here,...