I went to the Village Theater in Canton just last night for a community event.  The team at the…read moretheater was professional, helpful, engaged and responsive.  It was a pleasure to work with the great staff and wonderful volunteers.  The parking was ample.  All the signage was readable, easy to understand and to follow. The theater itself and grounds are all kept up well.  The seating is spacious and the individual seats are comfortable.  We were fortunate to have the function catered and were very happy with the accommodations provided by the theater to the company bringing in the food and drink. The lighting and technical staff are all first rate.  We had a changeup at the last minute and their professionalism walked us right through it.  I will be looking forward to attending other events at this venue.  I recommend it highly.

Wow, I really loved this place. I wasn't expecting it to be this nice? It's not a huge theatre, and…read moreaccording to the usher it seats about 400, but the place is really top notch. Walking in, there's a beautiful lobby with 2 murals and its all done up. I walked to the actual theatre area where I was immediately greeted by a very professional usher. She asked if I had been here before, and I told her no. She pleasantly told me all the features of the theatre, where the bathrooms were, the FREE COAT CHECK, snack and wine area, and a whole bunch of other cool stuff about the theatre. This was extremely usful! What a great thing instead of getting "your seated to the left." While I waited in the main part of the theatre lobby, I noticed that they have a rotating monthly art exhibition with artists names and prices. Neat! Also, the bathrooms were clean, with lots of stalls and well stocked with all the essentials. The theatre itself was clean, and the seats were easy to find. While I was waiting for the show to start, I noticed that they have a lot of different shows here at different prices. Some are for adults, some are for kids, and they notate if it's "family friendly" or not. Also, the prices are very reasonable. Even though this place is a bit out of the way for me, I loved coming here! Parking is a bit tight, so I got there early to ensure a good spot close to the doors since it's super cold outside. Also, I would love to come back and see more performances since it does seem to have a nice variety of stuff going on here.

We went here today for my sons 6th birthday party. I really didn't know what to expect because it…read morewas our first time here. I have heard great things about the Circus Amongus parties so I wanted to try it with my 6 year old son. We have done the arcade, Chuck E Cheese, and Pump it Up. This was by far the best party ever. When you first arrive you might drive past or wonder what it will be like inside since it's a plain building with really nothing noticeable about the outside. Inside is a large gym like room where the kids will practice the acts, eat and perform. I thought there was going to be different rooms but it worked out nicely. The kids started with working on their circus acts. We choose the trapeze, tight wire, and balancing balls/barrels. Each activity was fun for the kids and they listened to all instructions intently. The kids in our party ranged from 2-7 years old. The instructor, Sem, was interesting for the kids, fun and kept them entertained. There was also a little boy named Nash who helped out. He was super cute and professional while he demonstrated all the skills. There was another woman, Chelsea, who assisted the kids. This was nice because then they could divide up the children to move through the events without the kids getting bored. There was another woman, Myrthia, who was assisting and also took pictures. That was a great addition because she knew which shots were the best and got several of each child. The best thing is the parents could sit down and relax instead of trying to get pics of their child. To make it even better they let parents download the pictures for free from their website. That says a lot since many places will tell you they take pics only to be surprised later by a $10 fee for one photo. Taking pics was super helpful to me because it made it easier for me to talk with the guests and watch my kids. After the kids practiced each act the tables were brought in and the kids ate. Food is not provided but they have a fridge and (lucky for me) salad tongs and matches to light the candles for the cake! In addition to food and drink you need to bring tablecloths, plates, napkins, and utensils. If you are a member of Costco you can just stop in there before on your way to grab these things (Costco is at Middlebelt and 96, Cirque Amongus is at 5 mile and Middlebelt). We ordered party tray pizzas from Jets Pizza which is just 2 blocks away. After eating the kids were allowed to pick costumes, get their faces painted and prepare for their circus performance. The birthday boy was given the mic and allowed to introduce the acts. The assistants quickly created an adorable circus program to hand out to the parents. It included my sons picture and all the children's names according to the act they were performing in. The program also has a coupon on the back for $25 off a future Circus Amongus party. The children were announced and performed the three acts. At the end of each act they had a final pose with a photo. When the acts were complete the children all took a group picture. My children 6, 4, & 2 had an amazing time. I know that their friends did as well. My son said it was his best birthday ever! Overall it was clean, you have a private event space where you can see all the children, the party was well organized, the employees were professional and helpful, the acts were interesting and fun, taking pictures was an added bonus, and the free downloads and cute program made our party extra special. Thank you very much Cirque Amongus we will be back for another birthday soon!

We had my son's 7th birthday party here. The staff were AMAZING. The way they went above and beyond…read more(from all the props, face painting, teaching the kids all the skills, PRINTING UP PERSONALIZED PROGRAMS). I can't say enough about them. Every single kid left with a huge smile on their face-and what was so awesome was that a lot were timid at first. Why and afraid to participate. They left with gained confidence and self-worth and their parents left feeling so proud of their kids. Such a unique party, unique place and extraordinary business!!!

Something about this place is one part magical old-timey performance space and the other half is…read moregrimy hole in the wall. Pretty great combination if you ask me. As others have mentioned, not the greatest sound for louder shows. But they do bring through lots of interesting little projects - mostly local - my favorite so far has been the burlesque show - or Forest's one-man-band "Skate Laws" - or "suicide by cop" (a punk band that perhaps takes itself a bit too seriously but is for the thrashing about and actually pretty good). Unfortunately, finding out that these shows exist is a whole 'nother issue. Their website calendar usually just shows the puppet shows which is a great source of frustration for me. You'll have to either know people involved in the productions or search for DIY posters around Ypsi (The Ugly Mug usually is a good source for those things). Pretty sure all the shows geared toward adults are BYOB (haven't seen a sign yet that says a certain show is requesting it not be). So grab a paper bag or a flask before you show up, if you want to imbibe. It's definitely 'flex space' in that depending on the event, it's divided into church pews and seats with a floor seating up in front and sometimes it's all open with some seats on the periphery. The basement is a place you can hang out if you want to get away from the crowd upstairs - but it's mostly a storage space. There's a couch near the bathroom which, despite the fact that... well, it's near the bathroom... seems to be a popular place for making-out and other transgressions. I guess people are turned on by different things. Like proximity to bathrooms. To each their own. If I could find out about the shows more, I would go more. Until then it's nice to know it exists and the shows I have attended there were mucho enjoyable.

The first thing I thought of when I entered the Dreamland Theater was the great scene from "All…read moreAbout Eve" when the Hollywood-bound director lectures Eve about "the theater" "Want to know what the Theater is? A flea circus. Also opera. Also rodeos, carnivals, ballets... Donald Duck, Ibsen, and The Lone Ranger, Sarah Bernhardt, Poodles ....It may not be your Theater, but it's Theater of somebody, somewhere" The Dreamland may not be your theater, but it's there, in a skinny, shabby little room in downtown Ypsi, providing puppet shows for kids and adults alike. They offer other shows, too, but I was there for the puppets. The first thing I saw was a haphazard crowd of kids and adults looking for seats. There are four church pews in the front and a two row riser in the back (no more than 30 seats total, I'd guess). Naturally, the stage is up front, but there is also a projection screen to the right. Eventually, the lights dimmed and ""A Puppet History of Ypsilanti" commenced. The show began with shadow puppets on the rear-lit screen. Then the narrative continued on stage. The beautiful and brightly colored hand-made curtain opened to reveal wooden puppets and painted backdrops. The curtain would close between scenes and the puppetmaster would drop a new bit of scenery or a different puppet in the mix, then reopen the curtain. I really enjoyed the creativity and technical prowess that went into the multimedia performance. They used a pre-recorded dialogue track and operated the puppets in sync. This backfired at times, like when the soundtrack skipped (repeatedly), but considering that there seemed to be just one guy running the show, and it only cost five bucks, I was pretty impressed. The writing was underwhelming. The story was informative (Phyllis Diller is from Ypsi - how did I not know that?!?!?), but it was obnoxiously self-referential at times, and probably went over many of the kids' heads. I wish the playwright had left out the stuff about himself and just stuck to talking about Ypsi. At the end of the show, my companion referred to the forty minute program as "janky"and okay, yeah, it was. But I'm so excited that someone bothered to build a stage and some seats, fashion a curtain and some puppets, add a broken CD player and sell tickets - just footsteps from my front door! It may not be everyone's theater, but it's theater for me.

The Down River Youth Performing Arts Center is a very nice venue. The lobby is well appointed and…read morepleasant to be in. The theater is a perfect size. It provides the theatrical experience as well as enabling a close connection between the audience and the performers. The equipment is in good condition and the theater itself is attractive and interesting. I enjoyed the masks that were contained in wall cabinets around the theater. When going to this theatre take some consideration for parking. It is in a mixed residential and commercial area. There is some parking in the commercial area but you may find it more convenient to park in the neighborhood. It is an easy walk to the theater from throughout the area. I enjoyed a performance of Willy Wonka. The sound system was very good. The lighting was a pleasure. All in all it was an enjoyable evening and I am looking forward to the next event at the Down River Youth Performing Arts Center.

Just signed up for our first run at youth performing theatre. So far, the instructors are very…read morepatient, the front desk is organized, and the classes are not overfilled. I was very happy to see that the bathrooms are very well kept, especially with so many children running around. This theatre offers children's performing arts classes starting at 8/9 am until 4pm with a lunch break. The price is a little bit more then I expected, but the course runs for 6 weeks. I paid $185 for two 45 minute classes. At the end, the children perform their play on stage. Check out their website for both children's and adult performances and audition dates. It is a really cool environment for kids.

I would like to make a shout out to this pile of a dance organization. I don't underatand how she…read moreis still open. Deborah is rude as hell! We inquired on dance classes and we brought up hip hop. At that point that is where she blew up on us saying who runs the family, us or the kid. They need to do ballet. Well frankly if they have already done 2 sessions of ballet and want to try hip hop. We would not be against that. Deborah has lost our business and all business in the future. Thangs for being a Dbag Deborah!

Deborah Chase, the original owner of this wonderful Dance School, has retired and sold the School…read moreto highly accomplished dancer Allison Armstrong. The School has been renamed Core Dance Academy. Since I took Private Intermediate Ballet Lessons from Deborah for eight months and had a VERY positive experience, I have complete confidence and trust that Core Dance Academy will be just as superb!!!

My daughter has been at Connie's Studio of Dance for about 7 years, and we absolutely love it!…read moreNatalie and Stephanie are wonderful instructors -- they're so patient, fun, and professional with the kids. My daughter has learned so much, gained real confidence on stage, and formed close bonds with the other dancers. The studio feels welcoming and supportive, and I especially look forward to competition season and the end-of-year recital. You can really see how much the dancers have grown. Highly recommend!

My daughter has danced at Connie's Studio of Dance for 13 years now, starting at age 2 1/2, and I…read morewouldn't send her anywhere else. I know that Natalie and Stephanie always have her best interest in mind. They are not only interested in improving their students' dance and tumbling skills, but they are also invested in teaching them to become responsible, respectful individuals. You couldn't ask for better role models who also know their dance instruction!

My daughter attended a different dance school previous to Jeannie Zimbalattis. Her attitude about…read moregoing to dance has completely changed since then, she used to dread going in fear of getting yelled at or embarrassed by her teachers. Now she loves to go and enjoys the positive learning environment. All of the teachers fantastic!

We still find this studio to be a wonderful place to train up dancers. My daughter is in the…read moreCecchetti Teacher Training program with Ms. Autumn and will be taking her first teaching exam this spring. My daughter eats, sleeps, breathes Ballet and absolutely has found her home with ADA. She loves all the performance opportunities that ADA offers as well that help build her professional dance resume.