Ramsdell Theatre & Regional Center for the Arts

Closed
2025-12-23 - 2026-01-06 | MI
The RRCA will be closed for the holidays.

"The Winner Within"
2026-01-09 18:00 - 20:30 (America/Detroit) | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
THE WINNER WITHIN, motivational speaker Kevin Dupree
Join us for “The Winner Within” with motivational speaker Kevin Dupree on January 9th at the Ramsdell Theatre! Hosted by the Armory Youth Project, this uplifting community event will spark hope and motivation for everyone. Hear the same empowering message we share with our youth and see the difference you make in their lives. “Kevin’s presentation is infectious and inspiring. You won’t want to miss it!” — Janice Davidson, Executive Director, Armory Youth Project

Join The Armory Youth Project for an evening to Ignite and Inspire!
The Winner Within Community Event, hosted by the Armory Youth Project, is a celebration of community, connection, and the power within us all to make a difference.
✨ When: Doors open at 6 PM — enjoy snacks and a cash bar
✨ Cost: Free admission (donations appreciated)
✨ Who’s Invited: Everyone! Parents, businesses, community members, and anyone who believes in supporting youth to their true potential.
Come for an evening of inspiration, entertainment, and positive energy. Discover how you can help inspire goodness and make a lasting impact right here in our community.

This program is made possible in part by The Ramsdell Regional Center for arts and a grant from the Manistee County Community Foundation – Manistee County Youth Endowment Fund, and the Manistee County Community Foundation – Manistee Rotary Education Fund.

Meet Kevin Here
https://youtu.be/gT9KErdnfgU

MET Opera-I PURITANI (Bellini)
2026-01-10 13:00 - 16:00 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
For gorgeous melody, spellbinding coloratura, and virtuoso vocal fireworks, I Puritani has few equals. On New Year’s Eve, the curtain goes up on the first new Met production of Bellini’s final masterpiece in nearly 50 years—a striking staging by Charles Edwards, who makes his company directorial debut after many successes as a set designer. The Met has assembled a world-beating quartet of stars, conducted by Marco Armiliato, for the demanding principal roles. Soprano Lisette Oropesa and tenor Lawrence Brownlee are Elvira and Arturo, brought together by love and torn apart by the political rifts of the English Civil War, with baritone Artur Ruciński as Riccardo, betrothed to Elvira against her will, and bass-baritone Christian Van Horn as Elvira’s sympathetic uncle, Giorgio.

MET Opera-ANDREA CHENIER (Giordano)
2026-01-17 13:00 - 16:00 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
Giordano’s passionate tragedy stars tenor Piotr Beczała as the virtuous poet who falls victim to the intrigue and violence of the French Revolution. Following their celebrated recent partnership in Giordano’s Fedora, Beczała reunites with soprano Sonya Yoncheva as Chénier’s aristocratic lover, Maddalena di Coigny, with baritone Igor Golovatenko as Carlo Gérard, the agent of the Reign of Terror who seals their fates. Daniele Rustioni takes the podium to lead Nicolas Joël’s gripping staging.

"Gather Round"
2026-01-17 18:00 - 20:00 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
“Gather Round” is a FREE community concert. All are welcomed to join us and musicians Brandon Heaton, Will Shinn, & Josh Meisenheimer for an evening of Folk music. This event will be held in Hardy Hall. Charcuterie board (finger foods) is sponsored by Randy Z Group & Z’s Cart Rentals. There will be a cash bar and plenty of space to sit, relax and enjoy the evening.
This is a free concert but donation are gladly accepted!

January Series-Rev. Naomi Tutu
2026-01-19 12:30 - 13:30 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
“Our shared humanity: Creating understanding through the principle of MLK”
Rev. Naomi Tutu will share how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s principles can guide reconciliation, justice, and cross-cultural understanding. Drawing on her lifelong activism and experience leading Truth and Reconciliation workshops, Naomi offers practical insights for building bridges across race, gender, and culture.

Rev. Naomi Tutu is a renowned race and gender justice activist whose life experiences growing up Black and female in apartheid South Africa shaped her lifelong commitment to human rights. She has worked as an economist, development consultant, educator, and program coordinator for initiatives on race, gender, and education across Africa and the United States. An Episcopal priest and sought-after speaker, Naomi also founded Nozizwe Consulting to lead reconciliation and conflict-resolution workshops worldwide.
Learn more about her at www.naomitutu.com.

January Series-Kaitlin Curtice
2026-01-20 12:30 - 13:30 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
“Journeying with Story”

Kaitlin Curtice will reveal how powerful stories function like living seeds, growing into trees that define who we are. An award-winning author and poet-storyteller, Kaitlin will incorporate readings from her newest book, Everything Is a Story, to discover ways we can interact with stories and reclaim them for love and kinship.

Kaitlin Curtice is an award-winning author, poet-storyteller, and public speaker who engages in topics such as colonialism in faith communities and the importance of interfaith relationships. Her work appears in major publications, and she speaks at conferences, universities, and faith communities nationwide. An enrolled citizen of the Potawatomi Nation, she writes and teaches at the intersections of spirituality and identity for audiences committed to truth-telling and healing.

Private Event
2026-01-21 08:00 - 17:00 | MI

January Series-Majora Carter
2026-01-21 12:30 - 13:30 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
“Developing healthy, equitable cities for all”
Majora Carter will share how economic diversity is a cornerstone of healthy, vibrant communities. Guided by her experience in urban revitalization, Majora illustrates how low-status communities need to use the same talent-retention strategies that successful business implement, reducing the brain-drain that cripples local economic progress.
Majora Carter is a real estate developer and urban revitalization strategy consultant who teaches at Princeton University. Born and raised in the South Bronx, she has led the creation of economic development, green infrastructure, and technology inclusion projects nationwide. Majora founded Sustainable South Bronx and Green For All and launched innovative ventures like Boogie Down Grind and StartUp Box. Her work has earned her eight honorary PhDs and numerous national awards.
Learn more about her at ww.majoracartergroup.com.

January Series-Dr. Vivek Murthy
2026-01-22 12:30 - 13:30 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
“Human connection is sometimes a lonely world”
Dr. Vivek Murthy will discuss the growing epidemic of loneliness and its profound impact on health and well-being. Drawing from his book Together and his experience as U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek will explore how human connection and strong communities are essential for personal and public health.
Dr. Vivek Murthy served as the 19th and 21st U.S. Surgeon General, leading national efforts to address addiction, youth e-cigarette use, and the opioid crisis. He has been recognized as one of TIME magazine’s most influential people in health and has received numerous public health service awards. A physician and public health leader, Vivek is the author of Together, which explores the health impacts of loneliness and the power of human connection.
Learn more about him at www.vivekmurthy.com.

January Series-Harry Smith
2026-01-23 12:30 - 13:30 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
“Less is more. More is less.”
Harry Smith will share insights on how simplifying life can create more meaning, satisfaction, and peace. Drawing on decades of storytelling as an Emmy- and Peabody-winning journalist, Harry offers reflections on balance, fulfillment, and what truly matters.

Harry Smith is a professor at Central College in Pella, Iowa, where he teaches on curiosity and adaptability. He is the recipient of four Emmys, a Peabody Award, and the Edward R. Murrow Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism. A former NBC and CBS News reporter and anchor, Harry has spent nearly four decades covering stories from all 50 states and every continent.

"An Evening of Music & Celebration
2026-01-24 19:00 - 23:00 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
Join us in Hardy Hall as we celebrate Jeremy’s 54th birthday. Featuring bands Roger That & Rusted Revenant along with a few guest performers.
This a free event however a suggested $10 donation would be appreciated to support the musicians. Don’t have $10, no problem, come anyway we will be happy to have you here!
Please contact the Ramsdell at 231-398-9770 to let them know you will be attending.

January Series-David Brooks
2026-01-26 12:30 - 13:30 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
“The path to cultural repair.”
David Brooks will help us become more understanding toward others and find the joy that comes from being seen. His latest book, How to Know a Person, draws on neuroscience, theater, philosophy, history, and education. He will share how this integrated approach can enhance human connection.

David Brooks is a columnist for The New York Times, a contributor to The Atlantic, and a commentator on The PBS Newshour. He currently serves as Senior Advisor at the University of Chicago Leadership & Society Initiative and is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. An author of several #1 New York Times bestsellers, David’s latest book, How to Know a Person, explores the art of deep connection and empathy.

January Series-Dr. Samantha Nutt
2026-01-27 12:30 - 13:30 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
“Conflicted? The world of war.”
Dr. Samantha Nutt will explore the devastating impact of war on civilians and the global implications of conflict. Drawing from over 20 years of frontline humanitarian work and her bestselling book Damned Nations, she offers a powerful, firsthand perspective on war, aid, and public health.
Dr. Samantha Nutt is a physician, global affairs expert, and the founder and president of War Child Canada and War Child USA. With over two decades of experience working in war zones around the world, she is a recognized voice in humanitarian advocacy and a leading authority on conflict, foreign policy, and public health. A bestselling author and TED Talk speaker, Samantha is also a practicing physician and assistant professor at the University of Toronto.
Follow Samantha on Instagram and X, or learn more about her at www.warchild.ca.

January Series-Wu Man
2026-01-28 12:30 - 13:30 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
“The Pipa-A Musical Bridge Between Cultures.”
Wu Man will share how the pipa, a pear-shaped, four-stringed Chinese lute, serves as a bridge between cultures. Through music and storytelling, she explores how this ancient instrument has helped her connect with her heritage and engage audiences across the globe. Drawing on decades of performance, composition, and cross-cultural collaboration, Wu Man offers a compelling vision of music as a tool for understanding and unity.

Wu Man is recognized as the world’s premier pipa virtuoso and a leading ambassador of Chinese music. Wu is a Grammy Award winner and the first artist from China to perform at the White House. A soloist, composer, and educator, she has premiered hundreds of new works for the pipa while preserving and promoting China’s ancient musical traditions.

January Series-Tom Medema
2026-01-29 12:30 - 13:30 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
“America at 250: How our national parks inspire a more perfect union”
Tom Medema will explore how America’s National Parks serve as living classrooms. Drawing on decades of experience as a ranger and senior leader in the National Park Service, Tom shares powerful stories that illuminate how these treasured landscapes contribute to America’s story over the past 250 years.

Tom Medema served 35 years with the National Park Service, retiring as Associate Director and “Chief Storytelling Officer” for over 430 national park sites. Recipient of numerous awards for his contributions to education and interpretation and co-founder of Rally for Rangers, Tom currently consults with America250 to shape the nation’s ongoing 250th anniversary.

January Series-Sabrina Little
2026-01-30 12:30 - 13:30 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
“Sports as a laboratory for virtue.”
Sabrina Little will explore how sports can act as a laboratory for developing our character. Drawing on her experience as a philosopher and ultramarathon runner, Sabrina shares practical insights into how sports can develop virtue, foster moral development, and avoid the possibility of forming a vice instead.
Sabrina Little is a philosopher at the Chase Center at Ohio State University, specializing in virtue theory, character education, and moral psychology. Her book, The Examined Run, blends philosophical insight with athletic experience to illuminate how sport can shape character. A five-time U.S. National Champion and World Silver Medalist in trail and ultramarathon running, Sabrina brings a unique perspective to the intersection of ethics and athletics.
Follow Sabrina on X, or learn more about her at www.sabrinalittle.com.

Art is Love, Actually-Exhibit
2026-02-01 12:00 - 2026-02-27 15:00 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
Calling All Artists
What is Art?
An expression of emotion? A touch of charcoal on paper? A blob of clay that transforms into an object of purpose or just desire? A splash of paint, a woven string, a clutch of cloth that provides a means to tell a story? Something we create simply because we need to create-to connect, to show what we see or feel in our heart?
The very act of creating can be so personal that it feels like a love letter.
Art is Love, Actually
Join us in our community art event showing your love of art. All mediums will be accepted. Any one dimension cannot exceed 36”. The art committee reserves the right to deny offensive or inappropriate material. You can enter up to 3 pieces. 30% of the value will be retained by the RRCA to further exhibits and programming at The Ramsdell Theater and Hardy Hall. Art submissions due 1/26-27.
So tell us-who (or what) do you love?

Romance & Rhapsody
2026-02-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
Join four extraordinary voices for an enchanting celebration of beloved love songs and timeless standards. Experience an evening of passion, humor and breathtaking harmonies.
A night with Kat, Katie, Ben & Elliot. With accompanist Blade Gates on piano.

A wonderful evening of ROMANCE for you. Ticket includes desserts & a drink.
Concert and cocktail hour will take place in Hardy Hall.

Price: $25 for single & $40 for a couple.

Life of Pi-National Theatre Live
2026-02-14 13:00 - 15:30 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
Life of Pi, the play by Lolita Chakrabarti, is a stage adaptation of Yann Martel’s bestselling novel, renowned for its stunning puppetry and visual effects that bring the story of a boy stranded at sea with a tiger to life. The play premiered in Sheffield in 2019, moved to London’s West End, and then to Broadway, winning numerous Awards for the Best New Play. It tells the story of Pi Patel’s survival, blending a tale of faith and endurance with a parallel story of human predators, all while using innovative stagecraft to create a visually spectacular and emotionally powerful theatrical experience.
Life of Pi is a play to be shown on screen.

The Language of Women-Exhibit
2026-03-06 12:00 - 2026-04-10 15:00 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
In conjunction with Women’s month this is an opportunity for women or anyone that identifies as a woman, to submit their work for this show. Artist may submit 2 pieces of art and one must be available for sale.
Exhibit is open Wednesday-Sunday, Noon to 3pm
Opening reception is Sunday March 8 Noon-3
Public is invited to join us.
Free event.

INTERNATIONAL FLY FISHING FILM FESTIVAL
2026-03-07 19:00 - 22:00 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
The International Fly Fishing Film Festival is the ultimate celebration of Fly-Fishing culture, featuring a curated collection of world-class films and cinematic storytelling from independent filmmakers around the globe. Rooted in the soul of fly fishing, it brings together powerful stories that capture the heart and adventure of fly fishing. IF4 is a gathering place for the fly fishing community and a celebration of friendship, stories and stoke.

Dr. Strangelove-National Theatre Live
2026-03-14 13:00 - 15:30 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
Seven-time BAFTA Award-winner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr. Strangelove.
This explosively funny satire, about a rogue U.S General who triggers a nuclear attack, is led by a world-renowned creative team including Emmy Award-winner Armando Iannucci and Olivier Award-winner Sean Foley.
Dr. Strangelove is a play shown on screen.

Hardy Hall Series
2026-03-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
This is a continuing event that is free and open to the public.
More information coming soon.

Hardy Hall Series
2026-04-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
This is a continuing event that is free and open to the public.
Featuring Musician-Nick Veine
More information coming soon.

Crowns & Capes
2026-04-25 13:00 - 15:00 | Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee, MI, 49660, United States
Crowns & Capes: Where Princess Magic meets Superhero Power

Meet Moana, Tiana, Elsa, Ariel, Captain America, and Spiderman
Dress as your favorite Prince, Princess, or superhero
Each Princess, Prince and Superhero must be accompanied by and Adult Princess, Prince or Superhero
Enjoy an activity with our characters.
Say the Superhero oath.
Have your picture taken
Finger foods and drinks will be included.

Tickets on sale soon.
