Voices of Youth: What A Do Theatre helping the performing arts thrive in Battle Creek

Editor’s Note:  This story is part of our Voices of Youth Battle Creek program, which is supported by the BINDA Foundation. This series features stories created by Calhoun County youth in partnership with professional mentors, as well as features by adult writers that examine issues of importance to local youth.

BATTLE CREEK, MI — Theatre may be declared a “dying art” in some circles, but in Battle Creek, it’s anything but. Local stages brim with activity, and at the heart of it here in town is What A Do Theatre, offering shows that engage and inspire audiences of all ages.

What A Do Theatre is an organization that works like a class for performers of all ages, focusing on youth theatre. All that’s required to secure a place in a show is to register. The program has been around since 2009, when it was started as a small professional theatre for adults. But after launching, organizers consider what purpose was What a Do intended to serve and transitioned towards primarily serving youth, though they still have a vital adult component.

“What A Do was created with the mission to provide theatre that is thought-provoking and life-affirming,” says Teri Noeaill, executive director.

When asked how she became the executive director of What a Do Theatre, Noeaill says, “ I started as an actor in 2014 and took over as executive director in 2018. I was the first executive director of the company. ” 

What does a theatre executive director do?

“The Executive Director oversees the entire organization. They are responsible for hiring, financial management, policies, and all aspects necessary for the organization. In addition, I choose all the programming and make sure our community has the resources available for a successful performance.”

Noeaill says she is exceedingly proud of What A Do Theatre, and has been a part of shows there, whether a performer or some form of staff, since 2014, which was the very summer she established the youth program. She holds the company to a standard that continues to improve every part of the theatre, big and small, year by year. Noeaill says the key goals of the program are “To get art out into the community. To make it accessible and to build skills while making performing arts a valuable investment for our community. It’s a very delicate balance, but important!” 

As for her personal favorite parts of the program, Noeaill says, “I love watching young actors grow on stage and the energy of performing. There is something so powerful about watching confidence grow throughout the process and sharing that with a good audience in the community. I also love hearing the community’s response to the quality and experience of our productions. I love my job overall; there’s so many great things about it.” 

Noeaill wholeheartedly recommends the program for all ages. She says, “Theatre builds confidence in performers of all ages. It’s an opportunity to learn new skills while getting to know people in the community. I find it helps with mental health and overall sense of accomplishment. There’s a heavy amount of teamwork involved, and theatre involves a lot of in-depth conversations and character development. 

“There’s so many benefits from being involved in live theatre. The other great thing is anyone can enjoy theatre. There’s lots of ways to get involved. Even if you just want to come as an audience member, theatre is for everyone.”

Not only is the organization educational and beneficial to the community, but it is also a meaningful experience for the students. 

 Students, both former and current, say they find the program enjoyable and a good social experience. 

Kendall Eberhard, 19, is a former What A Do youth who has aged out of the youth program. She says that she liked “getting to experience a new directing style with a different team, and performing with those who I have never had the chance to perform with before. I met a lot of friends, which was very nice!” 

Kellan Petronski, 15, 10th grade, says, “All the learning, opportunities, and people I’ve met have been the best part. What A Do has given me opportunities over the years in their programs that I’ll always be grateful for. They have pushed me to be the best actor I can and furthered my skill as an actor with the chances they’ve given me. I’ve also met so many great like-minded people through their program who help me grow.” Petronski has been involved in many productions at What a Do, performing there since 2019. His personal highlights from his time with the theatre include his first show with them: “Shrek, Jr.,” “SpongeBob,” where he played the titular character, Anastasia, “Newsies Jr.,” and most recently, “The Addams Family.” 

When asked what he has learned from his experiences, Kellan says, “I’ve learned everything I know about stagecraft and acting from What A Do. They have always had top-tier staff over the years who are engaged and have taught me so much.” 

Prompted with the same question, Eberhard says, “I learned a lot when it comes to picking up lines, blocking, and choreography quickly. This experience also reminded me of my love for theatre!” 

The two say they would recommend young performers get involved with What a Do.“I think What A Do is unlike any other space when it comes to how inviting it is,” says Kellan. “No matter what age you are, they treat you with extreme professionalism while always being a helpful guide. It’s an incredible space to work in, and I highly recommend their program.” 

Eberhard agrees. “This program is great for teaching responsibility, kindness, and generally making you a better human being. Teri and the What A Do staff do a great job at making sure everyone is involved and being treated kindly and fairly. Everyone, no matter what, has a place at What A Do.” 

Kellan stresses the wonderful staff at the organization, saying, “I think they have a truly incredible staff to work with. Everyone is at the absolute top of their game and the best at what they do. Anyone who gets the pleasure of working with them would agree.”

What a Do puts on a variety of shows throughout the year, including partnerships with schools like the upcoming “Matilda, Jr.” in collaboration with Harper Creek Middle School, as well as productions of their own. 

The next show that the theatre will put on a stage is “Dot and Kangaroo,” for ages 8 through 13. Most recently, they put on “The Addams Family Musical,” a production for ages 13-18. Their season usually includes a handful of shows with differing age ranges. Occasionally, they include shows for adults to perform in as well, such as their spring 2025 partnership with Kellogg Community College for “Into The Woods.” Here is a LINK to the current season.

To get more information on how to sign up for their productions, go to Facebook and search What A Do Theatre, or visit the website.

Lila McCarthy is a 16-year-old living in Battle Creek. She’s in her junior year, homeschooled, and dual-enrolled in Kellogg Community College. She really likes music and takes voice lessons as well as teaching herself guitar, banjo, mandolin, and ukulele. She’s been a theatre kid (even has performed in two shows with What A Do Theatre, Disney’s “Descendants,” and “The Addams Family”) since 2018, when she performed her first skit on stage.