TIPPING POINT THEATRE.
TIPPING POINT THEATRE.
OUR STORY
Since the beginning, our small theatre has been making a big impact.
“a TALE OF TWO CHUCKS”
CHUCK GAIDICA
TPT Founder
CHUCK LAPHAM
TPT Founder
Actors performing a scene from Tipping Point’s debut production, “Don’t Dress for Dinner”
Before Tipping Point’s creation, our home at 361 E. Cady Street in Downtown Northville was an industrial space where car wash products were made. The original theatre troupe operated under the umbrella of Northville’s Parks and Recreation department and performed at any venue that was available. The group caught the attention of local weathercaster Chuck Gaidica who mentioned the idea to developer Chuck Lapham, who decided to support the creation of a new, professional theatre space in Downtown Northville.
It started with an idea, then a phone call, and then the two Chucks met at Joseph’s Coney Island on Main Street where the original concept for the theatre was written on a napkin. Within five months time, the Tipping Point Theatre opened its doors for the first time.
Tipping Point’s first two seasons were under the artistic leadership of founding artistic director Christina Johnson. In 2009, Christina passed the torch to James Kuhl who served as artistic director until July 2022.
After a two year closure caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, TPT took the leadership of Julia Glander and Jamie Warrow. Today, Julia Glander still serves as Artistic Director and Brian Sage serves as Company Manager.
OUR NAMESAKE
The Tipping Point Theatre derives its name from Malcom Gladwell’s book, “The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make A Big Difference”.
The idea behind the adoption of this name was that when the theatre was founded, the idea was to give back to the community in a time of economic hardship. The theatre gave opportunities to local and upcoming artists while attracting audiences to the Downtown businesses and stimulating the economy in the local area.
In its almost 20 year history, the Tipping Point Theatre continues to live up to its name. With a 143-seat capacity, there isn’t a bad seat in the house, and night after night, the small groups of people who enjoy our productions continue to make a big difference. In turn, we make a big difference on their lives as well.
We are a curated art space... our plays are chosen to give our audiences a wide range of viewpoints – comedies, dramas, farce, new plays, classic plays, and plays that break new ground and challenge tradition. Tipping Point Theatre doesn’t represent one voice. We bring something for everyone.