GAFT: Gladwin Area Friends of the Theatre

06/21/2026

From Dave Minor

If an parent had a child in this summer’s recent theatre camp and was willing, could you ask him/her what they liked about it so I can add it to the press release for next week? (I’d appreciate it, and could use it by tonight/early tomorrow for The Gladwin County Record.)

06/19/2026

Lin Manuel Miranda sang “To Life” to his wife on their wedding, with some help.

My surprise for my wife Vanessa on our wedding day. All of Vanessa'...

06/18/2026

Hi Everyone!! The Theatre is in need of a new or good used vacuum. We have had a couple of used ones that have been, shall we say, needing the dumpster. Does anyone have one that they could donate to GAFFT? We can pick up or we are at the theatre from 6-8:30pm Monday - Thursday.

Thanks You!

06/16/2026

Congratulations GAFT Alumni Tiffany Crawford on you Novice Director Award for Chorus!

06/09/2026

Hi Everyone! We are in semi-desperate need of MEN for the chorus, especially for the Russian Soldiers parts, which doesn't include a lot of singing, only in a group. We will also take Women who are willing to play the part of a man.

If interested and willing to help, come to rehearsal tonight, 6-8:30pm at the GAFT Theater. 524 E. Cedar Ave Suite B

Or, reach out to Liz

06/08/2026

Tony Awards LIVE on tv. They are always a great lift to theatre people!

Watching the new musicals & plays and the revival of old musicals and plays.

Ragtime!
Deaths of a Salesman
Giant

Ah the crazy creative theatre folks on THE TONY AWARDS!

🎭🎭🎭🎭🎭🎭🎭🎭🎭🎭
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

06/05/2026

Where Are They Now?

Lance Crawford. Lance grew up with GAFT. He is one of 2 families that has had 4 generations involved in GAFT. The other will have all 4 generations on stage at the same time this year.

Lance’s family has been with GAFT since the very beginning. And it’s been a rare musical that someone from the Crawford family isn’t in the show.

“Believe it or not, I was pretty shy was I was younger. GAFT helped me get out of my shell and open up. It helped me learn self confidence and to always be authenticly yourself. I have met people that I may not have had the opportunity to meet in my everyday life. I have made many lifelong friends that are like family now.

I have been working for Family Farm and Home for 14 years working my way up from a stocker to a Store Manager and even being awarded Store Manager of the Year for 2025 for my performance and leadership in and out of my store. Penny and I have been married for 9 years. She is the Family Service Coordinator for NEMSCA in Crawford and Oscoda counties. We have 2 kids. Alana and Keith. Our daughter Alana (named after my dad Alan an original GAFT member) is 5 and just finishing up preschool. Our son Keith (named after my Grandpa Crawford also an original GAFT member) is 3. They keep us on our toes. We now reside in Grayling Michigan with our 2 Australian Sheppards, Whiskey and Oakley. We enjoy camping with friends and spending time as a family.”

Your GAFT family misses you Lance!

06/02/2026

Attention students! For the 2nd year in a row GAFT is hosting a theater camp in conjunction with the Gladwin County District Library.

Ages 7-12. A lot of fun activities and a chance to try out theater and a completely stress free environment.

But, there are LIMITED spots available. So reach out to the Library today to reserve a spot for your kid(s).

GAFT - Building Our Future Campaign Gladwin County District Library and Beaverton Branch Library