Our Story

Sometimes you want to run away with the circus. Sometimes, you build the circus yourself. Gather ‘round the campfire and we’ll tell you a tale of how the Roustabout Theatre Troupe came to be.

Roustabout was founded by a group of artists, passionate about the impact arts and culture can have on communities, students, and the economy. Our founding members brought a variety of experience, talents, and perspectives to the table. All together..

• We had worked in almost every professional theatre in the state, and had witnessed first-hand the benefits an artistic presence can bring to a city.
• As professional artists, we were well-aware of the over-abundance of talent in this state…with limited job opportunities. We yearned to create another artistic home for these artists.

• We are passionate about honing the skills and resumes of students and young artists, and we all agreed to prioritize opportunities for young artists to learn and create.

And so, the first steps began. A team was gathered round the fire, and an idea became reality. Taken under the wing of Bienta Productions Group, Roustabout launched with 501(c)3 status in June 2016.

Why the name Roustabout? Named after the circus worker who “assembles and dismantles tents, cares for the grounds, and handles animals and equipment,” the Roustabout team is committed to rolling up our sleeves and doing the hard work to bring art to you. Also, in theme with our circus-inspired name, we do not yet have a permanent home. Rather, we move across Southeast Michigan, presenting vibrant and diverse productions in as many cities as we can reach, with the goal to find our best fit when the time is right.

So we’ve loaded up the wagons, tied down the tents, and fired up the engines. The calliope is secured, the performers have buckled their belts, and we’re ready to take to the road. We’re the Roustabout Theatre Troupe, and we’ll meet you where you are!

Meet the Rousties

Joey Albright (Artistic Director) is a professional actor and director, who has made countless appearances both on stage and screen over the years. A member of the Actors’ Equity Association, Joey is passionate about professionalism and job creation for artists. When not in the spotlight, he shares his talents as the Theatre Director at Ypsilanti’s Corner Health Center, and his passion for fostering young artists is evident in all he does.

Anna Simmons (Managing Director) has over a decade’s experience in arts administration and stage management. A graduate of Kalamazoo College with a dual degree in Theatre and Physics, Anna’s background in math and science made her a natural fit for the role of Managing Director for Roustabout, ensuring fiscal responsibility and growing the company from the ground up.

Rochelle Clark (Community Development Manager) has been working in development and fundraising with area non-profit arts organizations for the last several years and currently works as the Assistant Ticket Manager for the Michigan Union Ticket Office at the University of Michigan. She is also a member of Actors’ Equity Association as a stage manager, and has had the pleasure of working with Michigan and regional-Midwest professional theaters.

Josie Lapczynski (Media Designer) has worked as a professional photographer, graphic designer, actor, and painter ever since graduating from Eastern Michigan University’s theatre program. She has experience in graphic work, photo editing and restoration. Her photography has been published in Dark Beauty Magazine, as well as, the Photographer’s Forum Magazine.

Maria Tejada (Company Manager) is a stage manager and member of Actor’s Equity Association. The newest member of the Roustabout team, Maria certainly is not new to the Michigan theatre community, having worked at many companies such as Performance Network, Planet Ant and Magenta Giraffe. After several years working at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington DC, Maria returned to Michigan in 2016 and is currently an apprentice facilitator with Detroit Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in Prison program. 

Joseph Zettelmaier (Founding Member) is an award-winning playwright, with a shelf full of published scripts that have been produced across the globe. When he isn’t writing or working on a production, you can find him teaching his craft at Eastern Michigan University, where he’s worked for over a decade. He is an Artistic Associate at First Folio Theatre, an Artistic Ambassador to the National New Play Network, and now serves as the Artistic Director of the Penny Seats Theatre Company.

Our Mission

Roustabout Theatre Troupe is dedicated to bridging the gap between artists, audiences, students, and the local economy. By producing works that resonate with Michigan audiences, giving artists of all disciplines the opportunity to share their work, and creating learning experiences for students and young artists, the Rousties will engage and enrich the communities we touch across Southeast Michigan. 

Making great theatre — responsibly, collaboratively, and passionately…