FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2025

CTAC Completes Major Theater Lighting Upgrade with Support from Local and State Grants

PETOSKEY, Mich. — Crooked Tree Arts Center (CTAC) is proud to announce the successful completion of a major theater lighting upgrade, made possible by a generous $15,000 grant from Michigan Arts and Culture Council, $10,000 grant from Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, and $3,000 grant from Great Lakes Energy’s People Fund. This funding supported the transition to energy-efficient LED lighting in their 220-seat theater, significantly enhancing performance quality, sustainability, and long-term operational savings.

The lighting system, which includes fixtures from the 1970s and 1980s as well as renovations from 2002, 2003 and 2014, had become outdated and increasingly difficult to maintain. With these generous grants, CTAC collaborated with Full Compass Systems and a local technician to install new LED power distribution control and lighting infrastructure, which includes a new relay panel and four new LED lights. The new lighting will consume 80% less energy, emit less heat, and last substantially longer than traditional incandescent fixtures.

This upgrade not only improves lighting precision and adds additional color features to enhance the overall audience experience, but has also expanded the center’s capacity to add more energy-efficient LED lighting in the future, supporting CTAC’s broader goals of long-term environmental responsibility, operational efficiency, and responsible facilities stewardship.

“Our theater is home to so many incredible performances throughout the year, and this upgrade allows us to better support the artists and organizations who bring those productions to life,” said CTAC President, Angela Morris. “We’re excited to continue providing a high-quality, welcoming space that reflects the creativity and energy of our region.”

CTAC’s theater continues to serve as a vital cultural hub for northern Michigan, welcoming thousands of patrons each year for performances by groups such as Little Traverse Civic Theater, Blissfest Music Organization, Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, and others. CTAC is deeply grateful to Michigan Arts and Culture Council, Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation, and Great Lakes Energy’s People Fund for helping to preserve and enhance this historic and much-loved community space.

Members of the Great Lakes Energy support the People Fund by voluntarily rounding up their bills to the next highest dollar. The rounded up amount is distributed to non-profit organizations and charitable activities that benefit people in communities served by the cooperative. Please contact Great Lakes Energy, 1-888-485-2537, or visit gtlakes.com for details.

Image 1: CTAC's newly installed LED power distribution control center, courtesy of Suzy Parker.

Image 2: CTAC's newly installed LED power distribution control center with stage in background, courtesy of Suzy Parker.

Image 3: Rev. Dr. Hilary J. Barrett moderates a discussion with Potawatomi botanist and author Robin Wall Kimmerer on CTAC’s Theater stage during a Coffee @ Ten event, courtesy of Suzy Parker.

About Crooked Tree Arts Center
Crooked Tree Arts Center’s mission is to create ways for people to connect, learn, and grow through the arts. With campuses in Petoskey and Traverse City, CTAC offers exhibitions, concerts, classes, lectures, and special events for all ages.

Media Contact:
Keely Bomee Platte, Marketing & Communications Manager
Crooked Tree Arts Center
231-550-6868 | keely@crookedtree.org

Crooked Tree Arts Center
461 E. Mitchell St.
Petoskey, MI 49770
231-347-4337
www.crookedtree.org