A shiny new gem and community entertainment center, The Amarok Theatre, has taken up residence in downtown Cassopolis. Founded in 2019 by local thespian David Ferrell, he and Executive Director Alicia Savage both have an extensive theatre background, and have dreamed from a young age to pursue their passions in the arts.
“This professional, non-equity theatre company will provide musical, cultural, and informational programming that celebrates and expresses the diversity of the community,” Alicia and David tell us.
The company name, Amarok, means wolf, and is derived from the language of the Inuit people of northern Canada and Greenland.
“It is said that the Amarok, a gender-fluid, mythological creature is known to hunt honorably, lead with strength and wisdom, and is a great protector of its people. An old legend recounts a boy shunned by his people, aided by a great wolf who provides strength for him to defeat three bears. This gains him respect and reverence by his people. Similarly, the theatre is a safe place for artists and audience members to escape the trials of their everyday lives. It is our hope that The Amarok Theatre will be a space that unites passion, creativity, and inspiration, despite our differences,” they state. The theatre company strives to use their story-telling to learn, accept, love, and seek truth in others.
David Ferrell is the Artistic Director as well as the Founder of The Amarok, and has performed and directed over fifty productions over the twenty year career he holds in the arts. He holds a BA in Business Management, and is a self-published author. He has graced many stages in our community, including the Tin Shop Theatre in Buchanan, and held a seat on the Board of Directors at Twin City Players in St. Joseph.
Alicia Savage is the Executive Director, and has a background of singing, songwriting, acting, dance, public speaking, and more. She has an Associate of Arts degree in Music Performance, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Services. She is no stranger to the stage, and has performed in numerous productions over the years, such as at The Palms Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
The Amarok was founded in 2019, but like many new businesses, the pandemic suspended the search for a venue, and plans to move forward were put on hold. Their momentum could not be stopped, however, and the cancellation of live performances only increased their passion to produce art, and solidified the need for it in the world.
Finding the perfect location for their theatre company was the next step in their business venture. David and Alicia note that Southwest Michigan is home to many performance venues and entertainment opportunities, and the Village of Cassopolis, situated in a rural intersection of multiple communities, can provide more opportunities for up-and-coming businesses to grow and develop in the arts.
The space that will house The Amarok is a 4,000 square foot building located at 144 S. Broadway street, with Stone Lake glistening in the background, in the heart of downtown Cassopolis. They will share the space with two other small businesses, the Savage Bean Coffee Co., a local, fierce coffee company, and Sweet Tweets By Jennie, a bakery specializing in cakes and cupcakes.
Opening season at The Amarok is still being finalized, though there are a number of events that already sit on the Summer 2022 schedule: a summer concert series, a variety show, and two plays. Their goal is to produce four major productions per season, and include multiple community-based events such as poetry readings, workshops, and other various classes.
Their mission statement is one of passion, energy, and inclusion. David and Alicia proudly exclaim, “We will be a place for artists and creators to represent the voices of groups that may otherwise go unheard, and sustain a forum for alternative points of view. We will continually strive to promote understanding between cultures, and serve as a catalyst for positive social change within the community. Our facilities will provide a space for all to feel welcome and served.”
You can follow The Amarok Theatre on Facebook for updates and added events.
Welcome and Congrats!
By Jocelyne Tuszynski, MOTM contibutor
