Detroit-based Theater Company A Host of People Brings Community to the Table with New Venue Acquisition
In a significant move for Detroit's theater scene, A Host of People (AHOP), a critically acclaimed ensemble theater company, has secured a historic church in the city's west side as its new home. The acquisition, announced earlier this month, marks a major milestone for the organization, founded by co-directors Sherrine Azab and Jake Hooker in 2014.
The former church at 6000 30th St., boasting an impressive 14,000 square feet of space, promises to become a hub for artistic expression, community engagement, and social change. AHOP plans to transform the building into not just a performance space but a vibrant arts center with a rehearsal studio, shared workspace, and retail shop.
The project, valued at over $1 million, is expected to be completed by late 2026 or early 2027, depending on weather conditions. With local firm 1+1+ Architects on board, the team will work to bring the building up to code while incorporating unique design flourishes.
"We've spent a lot of time turning spaces that aren't theaters into theaters for a show," says Dorothy Melander-Dayton, who partnered with AHOP to acquire and develop the venue. "I think it's going to be really transformative for the art of the company."
The new space will enable AHOP to produce more extensive runs of its productions, including the La Carpa Teen Ensemble, as well as host workshops, lectures, and other community events.
"We are a small organization," says Azab. "We have the knowledge and expertise to do this, but we haven't had the means."
For board member Brooke Harris, the acquisition represents an exciting opportunity for AHOP to further its mission of promoting inclusivity, diversity, and social justice through theater.
"I love the stories they tell, and the fact that they're unique and center folks who may not see themselves in theater," she says. "It's a testament to their dedication to creating a platform for underrepresented voices."
With its new home taking shape, AHOP is poised to usher in a new era of artistic innovation and community engagement in Detroit.
In a significant move for Detroit's theater scene, A Host of People (AHOP), a critically acclaimed ensemble theater company, has secured a historic church in the city's west side as its new home. The acquisition, announced earlier this month, marks a major milestone for the organization, founded by co-directors Sherrine Azab and Jake Hooker in 2014.
The former church at 6000 30th St., boasting an impressive 14,000 square feet of space, promises to become a hub for artistic expression, community engagement, and social change. AHOP plans to transform the building into not just a performance space but a vibrant arts center with a rehearsal studio, shared workspace, and retail shop.
The project, valued at over $1 million, is expected to be completed by late 2026 or early 2027, depending on weather conditions. With local firm 1+1+ Architects on board, the team will work to bring the building up to code while incorporating unique design flourishes.
"We've spent a lot of time turning spaces that aren't theaters into theaters for a show," says Dorothy Melander-Dayton, who partnered with AHOP to acquire and develop the venue. "I think it's going to be really transformative for the art of the company."
The new space will enable AHOP to produce more extensive runs of its productions, including the La Carpa Teen Ensemble, as well as host workshops, lectures, and other community events.
"We are a small organization," says Azab. "We have the knowledge and expertise to do this, but we haven't had the means."
For board member Brooke Harris, the acquisition represents an exciting opportunity for AHOP to further its mission of promoting inclusivity, diversity, and social justice through theater.
"I love the stories they tell, and the fact that they're unique and center folks who may not see themselves in theater," she says. "It's a testament to their dedication to creating a platform for underrepresented voices."
With its new home taking shape, AHOP is poised to usher in a new era of artistic innovation and community engagement in Detroit.
Just heard about A Host of People getting a sick new venue 
! I'm all about supporting arts organizations like this one 
. It's awesome that they're turning an old church into a hub for creativity & social change 
. Can't wait to see what kind of awesome productions they come up with next 
. Detroit needs more of this kind of energy and community-driven initiatives 
! #ArtsForAll #DetroitVibes #SupportLocalTheater 
A Host of People bringing art and community together is just what our city needs right now. I mean, who doesn't love the idea of a vibrant arts center with rehearsal studios, shared workspaces, and retail shops all under one roof? 
They're gonna take that old church & turn it into an arts hub 
! I mean, they've already brought the community together w/ their ensemble productions & now they're gonna make it even more inclusive w/ workshops, lectures, & events 
. Can't wait 2 see what they have in store 4 us!!! 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to go to a place where art, music, and social change come together? 
The fact that it's gonna be a hub for underrepresented voices is like, super important to me 
. We need more platforms for people to express themselves and get heard 
. Can't wait to see what they do with the space! 
... like 2 years ago? And I was already thinking it's gonna be huge for the city's arts scene 
. I'm so stoked to see how they're gonna bring in more community events and workshops... it's like the whole city is gonna come together 
.
it's not just about putting on shows, but also about workshops, lectures, and community events. this is exactly what the city needs - more inclusive spaces where everyone can come together & express themselves 
. With local architects working their thing, I'm sure it's going to be beautiful in more ways than one 
Can't wait to see what they have in store for us 
. I mean, who needs a theatre company when you got the Fox Theatre right? 
Anyway, I guess it's cool that AHOP is tryin' to turn an old church into an arts center or whatever. It's not like Detroit don't have enough abandoned buildings already 
. But hey, if it brings in some new talent and makes the community feel all warm fuzzy inside, then I'm down 
.
. It's about time Detroit got some new life in its theater scene