The Friends of the Dawn Theater
Historic Preservation, Events, and More
The Dawn Theater is a historic vaudeville stage located on Michigan 99. Our theater, built in 1919, features an exquisite concession-stand-turned-bar with a full-service wine, liquor, and beer bar. The marquee, adorned with gold glowing Edison-style bulbs, sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. With three seating platforms for viewing, dining, and dancing, Friends of the Dawn Theater offers a unique and immersive entertainment setting.
Board of Directors
Get to know the incredible individuals who make up Friends of the Dawn Theater. Our team is dedicated to promoting community support, fundraising and programing for the revitalized Dawn Theater in in downtown Hillsdale, Michigan.
Mary Wolfram
Chairman
Mary Wolfram brings a wealth of experience and creativity to her role as the artistic director at Friends of the Dawn Theater. With a background in theater production and a passion for the arts, Mary is committed to curating captivating performances that resonate with our audience.
Pamela Thomas
Vice Chair
Pamela Thomas is the Vice Chair of the Friends of the Dawn Theater. Her expertise in theater management and dedication to preserving the historic charm of the venue ensures that every event at the theater is executed flawlessly.
Peggy Youngs
Treasurer
Peggy Youngs, former chair of the Sauk Theatre Board, has served in various business roles supporting the arts in Hillsdale County for many years and is honored to be involved in the rehabilitation of the Dawn Theater. It's a New Dawn!
The Friends of the Dawn Theater continue fundraising efforts through their Facebook page, fundraising solicitations, e-mails, letters and direct conversations.
Friends of the Dawn Theater Board:
Mary Wolfram, Chairman
Pamela Thomas, Vice Chair
Peggy Young, Treasurer
Chelsea Lambright, Secretary
Nathan Lehman
Calvin Stockdale
Aidan Sullivan
Bryan Springer
Shane Spahr
Dawn Theater Governance Board:
Dr. James Brandon, Chair
Margaret Bramen, (TIFA)
Felicia Finch, (TIFA)
Tim Sullivan
Ron Scholl
Circle of Friends:
Programs Committee:
Jan Brodbeck
Jackie Linebrink
Gianna Green
Previous Members of the Board:
Mary Bertakis
Joyce Curby
Kathryn Melchi
Shelly Ott
John Ourensma
Ron Scholl
Greg Stuchell
Kathryn Wales
Our Story
Coming Together for the Community
In February 2020, a small group of talented and motivated individuals became organized under the name “The Friends of the Dawn Theater” to spearhead efforts to support the Dawn Theater. The mission of The Friends of the Dawn Theater is to:
Promote community support, fundraising and programing for the revitalized Dawn Theater in downtown Hillsdale, Michigan.
The Friends of the Dawn Theater was formed in close relationship with the owner of the Dawn Theater, the City of Hillsdale Tax Increment Finance Authority (TIFA) and its Dawn Theater Governance Board. While TIFA will continue to own the theater, the need for a support organization was acknowledged and encouraged to form among the many citizens who have a love of this theater and our community. Thus, the Friends of the Dawn Theater accepts its role as a support organization for the success of the Dawn Theater.
The Friends of the Dawn Theater incorporated as a 501(C) 3 non-profit in the State of Michigan with full tax exempt status from the IRS in July 2021, and the rehabilitated Dawn Theater reopened in February of 2022.
The Friends are actively involved with programming at the Dawn Theater. To date, some successful programs have included: an Opening Gala with the Hillsdale College Little Big Band, Scottish folk singers Jim and Susie Malcolm; a Candlelight Concert Evening of Jazz; Scenes from the Nutcracker with the Chelsea Ballet; a St. Patrick’s Day Bash featuring Irish folk band, The Founding; River Raisin Ragtime Revue; and a Masquerade Ball with the Paul Keller Orchestra.
View the story of the rehabilitation of The Dawn Theater in Hillsdale Michigan:
