A Personal Note from the Executive Director

Throughout the year, you receive many messages from me in my official capacity as Executive Director. Since it's the season for sharing, I thought I'd take a few minutes and share a personal story with you, about what Performance Network means to me.

I came to Ann Arbor for a short stay in 1996, from New York, where I worked for Miramax films. Having never been to the city, I was terrified of what I might find here in the mid-west and (even worse, I thought) mid-Michigan. Convinced that I would never find a decent Chinese meal, or art-house film, much less a great theatre scene, I vowed to leave as soon as possible.

What I found couldn't have surprised me more - what a diversity of downtown restaurants, what wonderful films at the Michigan Theatre, and what theatrical invention and artistic excellence at Performance Network! It was just the blend of cosmopolitan and close to home I'd been looking for. At the age of 27, I decided to settle down.

Now, 13 years later, I am a proud Ann Arborite and an accomplished actress, having tackled many roles that my colleagues who stayed in New York will never perform. Ann Arbor has given me my family's home, and also my artistic home at Performance Network. On its stages I've brought laughter and tears to share with all of you, and I've seen the transformational effect that theatre can have on audiences and artists.

I've seen performances here that rival New York and London in quality, right here in our own Ann Arbor. I became the Executive Director because I believe that Performance Network can one day gain national recognition, and provide an artistic home for hundreds of artists.

Every one of us has a story of what brought us here, and what keeps us here. For many, Performance Network is a part of that story. Whether it's a place to work, a place to play, or a place to be inspired - it touches our lives and is an important part of what makes Ann Arbor special.

There is nowhere in the world I would rather be. I hope you will support this very special place this holiday season.

Carla Milarch

Actress, Mom, Executive Director

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