Founded on Oakland University’s campus in 1967, Meadow Brook Theatre has grown into Michigan’s largest non-profit producing professional theatre.

Due to massive state arts funding cuts and necessary tuition increases, the University’s Board of Trustees was faced with the decision of closing the doors to this prestigious cultural institution or leasing it to a commercial producer in the spring of 2003.

Through the tireless grass roots efforts of Michigan artists and art supporters, Meadow Brook was saved from either of these undesirable fates.

Literally hundreds of Metro Detroit theatergoers volunteered their time and services and mailed in donations from day one of our drive to save the  theatre.

Through this undeniable support and encouragement it became evident that Michigan wanted Meadow Brook Theatre to remain strong and the new Meadow Brook Theatre Ensemble was born.

The University’s Board of Trustees approved the formation of this new non-profit organization to take over the management of the theatre in June of 2003. Its inaugural season began in October 2003.