"While much is too strange to
be believed, nothing is
too
strange to have happened" -T. Hardy
My name
is Lesley Phillips and I am the development director for Stagecrafters at the
Baldwin Theatre in Royal Oak, MI. Stagecrafters is a non-profit, community
theatre that puts on an astounding ten live theatre shows a year for the general
public. We have a reputation for producing amazing theatrical performances
and have been voted best community theatre by Hour Detroit magazine since
2002.
Stagecrafters is located at the beautiful Baldwin Theatre (c. 1922)
in downtown Royal Oak. This former vaudeville house was completely
restored and renovated in 1985 by Stagecrafters through the volunteer efforts of
its members.
It should come as no surprise that over the years we
have been approached by local paranormal investigators and authors interested in
investigating the Baldwin Theatre. It's fair to say that we have a large number
of members that allege to have experienced the unexplained and many who believe we're just an old creaky
theatre. With this in mind, we have recently allowed a few investigations
and plan to share the findings with the public through an event we are
calling Phantoms of the Baldwin.
Phantoms of the
Baldwin is an opportunity to experience the Baldwin Theatre in a way
never before offered to the public - behind the scenes. Guests will take a
guided, historical tour of the theatre that (like so many other theatres)
highlights the legend and lore that surround the Baldwin Theatre. We invite you
to spend your "Halloween" with Stagecrafters and learn about the Baldwin
Theatre, its beginnings and question the beyond.
Why create an
event like this?
It has come to our attention that a number of
websites post the Baldwin Theatre as a building with alleged paranormal
activity. Over the years, we have had local paranormal investigators and
authors contact us for information regarding unexplained occurrences at the
Baldwin Theatre. While we find this interesting, we also relish the rich
history that lends itself to the legend and lore. In fact, you'd be hard
pressed to find a theatre that doesn't have a reputation for unexplained
experiences and occupants. The evening also lends itself to truth seeking,
mystery and stories about the unseen. The interpretation of the
unexplained is left up to the individual.
What will an
attendee experience at the event?
Challenge your beliefs and
experience photographic, electronic voice phenomenon (EVP) and digital film
evidence of the Baldwin Theatre's
unexplainable as collected by
paranormal investigation experts
(P.R.I.S.M. in Livingston County and
D&R Paranormal Investigations in Oakland
County). In addition to the two paranormal investigation teams on site, we proudly offer the talents and knowledge of
a local psychic (TBA), shaman (TBA) and author (Sandy Lyons) who recently
completed a book on some of Michigan's most "haunted" buildings.
These experts and Stagecrafters' tour guides will be available to answer
questions for those interested in the art and science of unexplained occurrences
as well as local history. After seeing the "evidence," guests will walk, escorted by guides,
into the realms of the theatre typically unseen by the
public.
After the tour, guests may enjoy snacks
and non-alcoholic beverages as they make their way through viewing
stations with historical records, news articles, photographs and testimonials
about the Baldwin.We will conclude the evening with the classic horror
film "Poltergeist" shown in the Baldwin Theatre's main
auditorium.
In the "spirit" of the season, we encourage guests to dress
in Halloween costumes. Celebrity judges will vote for the best costume and
prizes will be awarded to the winners.
Admission is $19.22 per person and all proceeds
benefit Stagecrafters. -The theatre was built in 1922.
The event is
for anyone ages 18+. Tickets are limited to 350. Don't hesitate, call now!
Guided
tours start at 7:00 pm. Tours will only accommodate 15 people at a time, so set up your tour time in
advance.
For tickets, please call Stagecrafters' ticket office:
(248) 541-6430
For more information,
please call Lesley Phillips at (248) 541-8027 or email at:
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TO ALL PARANORMAL
INVESTIGATORS: We have had many requests to investigate the
theatre recently. At this time we respectfully ask that you do not call to
ask to investigate the Baldwin Theatre. We do hope to hold this event each
year and will want to involve more paranormal investigators in the future,
but at this time we are unable to accommodate any new investigations.
Stay tuned for opportunities.
Lesley Phillips
Development director
Stagecrafters
(248) 541-8027 Office
(248) 561-0600 Cell
Stagecrafters 2007-08 Season
"See What's Inside"
Disclaimer:
Stagecrafters makes no claims about the possible existence of paranormal
activity in the Baldwin Theatre. This event is intended for entertainment
purposes only. Any stories, claims, experiences, reports are the views of
the individual and not necessarily the views held by Stagecrafters, who neither
supports nor refutes claims made by members, the public or website
postings. We just think it's
interesting.
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