"I've watched the Performance Network mature from a shoestring operation run by enthusiastic amateurs out of a warehouse to a first-rate theater that draws Michigan's best actors, directors, and designers to Ann Arbor. A pole that once interrupted sight lines now stands in the newly renovated lobby of this fully professional house, a symbol of the theater's growth and potential to be among the nation's top regional theaters." -Davi Napoleon, freelance journalist

"Although I have many, many wonderful memories and stories about the Network, this one springs to mind. It was my 33rd birthday. I was meeting some friends at a local restaurant, one of whom was David Wolber. He walks in with a big smile, and hands me my gift. It's a letter from the American Theatre Critics' Association, telling my that my play Language Lessons has been nominated for their New Play awards. I was thrilled and honored, and truly believe a lot of that was because of the Network's wonderful production. Thanks to all the great folks who work there." -Joseph Zettelmaier, playwright

"As an audience member, actor and former staff person, each role I played at PN gave me a unique connection to our community. An even greater gift I have been given is a sense of "heightened" humanity, if there is such a thing. PN audiences, artists and donors have a way of propelling thought, spirit, imagination, controversy and love. I don't know how you put a price on something that does so much for so many (sure, it cannot provide all of this without monetary support...that's the practical magic)...but I know the value to my own life experiences, the gritty and the wonderful, is immeasurable. If you are in need of thought, spirit, imagination, controversy or love, consider PN your very own constellation. I do." -Kathy Kauffmann

"I began working with Performance Network when I was 19, and it has been a joy and a triumph watching them grow into powerful community leaders with high artistic standards. Performance Network is a cornerstone of the Artistic Community in Michigan." -Barton Bund

"I was in the first apprentice class at Performance Network. After finishing my apprenticeship, I held many professional roles at the Network including Resident Stage Manager, Resident Sound Designer, and Assistant Technical Director. Filling all those position gave me a vast amount of experience that helped me launch my professional career. At that time the staff members were asked to work extremely long hours for very little pay. I continue to have a professional relationship with Performance Network as a freelance Sound Designer and witness the on going dedication that the staff members put into each production.

Ann Arbor has the potential of being a major player in the Nation's Art Community. There are many great art organizations in this community like Performance Network that continue to produce great art with very little funding. If Ann Arbor could truly start financially supporting these great art institutions it could step away from the label of being a "college town" and become a major city." -Ken Faulk

"For the past 22 years it has been clear to me that the Performance Network is an integral part of the cultural and social fabric of Ann Arbor. Whatever the individual theatre-goer thinks of the work from season to season and production to production one thing is always abundantly clear: the city would be a much poorer place without it." -Malcolm Tulip

"Live performance is a transcendent experience, joining actor and audience into a moment of shared humanity. We are truly fortunate for the exceptional artistry that Performance Network gives so generously to our community. The depth of expression and creativity the Network gives to us elevates our lives." -Lynn Yates

"Performance Network Theater is a special treasure in Ann Arbor, and we have appreciated all their productions for many years. This theater company continues to present a wide range and variety of plays each year to the great satisfaction of its patrons. We highly respect the talent, hard work, exceptional directing, strong performance diversity of the actors and the magnificent set designs of each production. PNT is a theater of integrity, compassion, diversity and creativity. It consistently honors traditional theater, promotes progressive and innovative theater and new playwrights, and consistently reflects the wide range of human behavior and emotions with respect and humility." -Sandra and Ted Cole, Ann Arbor, Michigan

"The commitment to "artistic leadership" as announced in the Performance Network's mission statement is brought to an outstanding culmination in their year after year of award-winning theatre. This organization has a deep understanding of the art and business of the theatre and has positioned itself to change and improve the theatre landscape of our community and beyond. An example of this forward-thinking spirit at work is the Network's Fireside Festival of New Works. This event encourages Michigan playwrights to be innovative in creation of new plays and gives them access to the Network's expertise, actors, facilities, and audience. This collaborative encounter is a vital learning experience for both the playwright and the organization." - Joseph Walters, Ann Arbor, Michigan

"As a local playwright, the Performance Network has been invaluable to me. I have been lucky enough to call the Network my theatrical home for the past decade, and have had four world-premiere productions there, with a fifth due next January. Carla Milarch and David Wolber are exceptional at, and committed to, nurturing new plays. From cold table reads to staged readings with audiences and talkbacks to full productions, they provide everything a dramatist could need to develop their play - especially a warm, creative atmosphere in which to work." - Kim Carney, playwright

"The arts present a different way of seeing life, of experiencing and shaping reality. For young people the arts can open the door to another way of being - both for their future and present. In a short class, I have seen the shy blossom into creativity: it is truly wonderful. In an ideal world, all children would be valued and safe. But that's not always so. The arts can provide a refuge, a safe place, a door to the imagination, and sometimes that's the best place to weather a rough time. Everyone, at some time, has accessed that inner place that helps us get through tough times. We may not be able to shape our circumstances, but we can control our perception of them. That gives us power over our lives and a sense of self, even if life is difficult." - Anne Rhoades, youth acting instructor

"The first time I went to the Performance Theatre was in November 1984 when my late mother and I attended a Young People's Theatre production of "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe." This was of course in the old quarters on Washington Street. A few years later I started ushering at shows, and over the years have probably ushered at dozens of productions. I feel privileged to have played a small supporting role in PNT's evolution into a first-class professional theatre venue. Ann Arbor and SE Michigan are home to an impressive group of actors and writers, and PNT gives them the chance to practice their crafts." - Vickie Smith, volunteer