In this ‘In the Spotlight’ series, we're highlighting community members of all interests and experiences, sharing their top reasons and tips for living in Ypsilanti.  

We’re shining a light on Kristin Danko, Neighborhood Theatre Group co-founder, and kind-hearted, and forward thinking community member. Kristin often brings joy to Ypsilanti through her creativity. Learn more about Kristin and why she chooses Ypsi!

What should we know about you and your organization, NTG? 

Neighborhood Theatre Group (NTG) was founded in 2015 by me and my partner, Aaron Dean. NTG's a non-profit theatre company that specializes in original works, what we call "Theatre from Scratch." We write everything from original plays and musicals. It's theatre you can only see in Ypsi. Our Ensemble of Artists consists of 40 local theatre artists with various backgrounds that call NTG their artistic home. We also hold local community events like our bi-monthly Artist Mixers and First Fridays Events. We currently have a residency at The Back Office Studio in downtown Ypsi. Come see a show with us!

Why Ypsi? 

Aaron and I were actors in Chicago's experimental storefront theatre scene for about 8 years. In 2013 we moved to Ypsilanti while I pursued my Masters in Arts Administration at Eastern Michigan University. We were not planning to stay but the city grew on us and we really felt at home here. My thesis project became NTG's inaugural show, a staged reading of our first original musical "Beaver's Long Strange Trip." 114 people saw the show that night in the not-yet renovated Back Office Studio. It was a magical night and we knew we were in the right place at the right time. That was June 5, 2015 and we've been going strong ever since!

What can you share about Ypsilanti that only a local would know?

Gotta love the Smeet Frog, Ypsi's very own cryptid! NTG uses the smeet a lot in our shows. We have a fictional universe we often base our shows in called Huron Valley and the mascot for the college, Huron Valley University, is the Fighting Smeets. 

What advice would you give someone looking to live in Ypsi?

Jump in. There are so many places and organizations to get involved in. 

What is something you are looking forward to here this year?

Definitely Ypsi in October! I don't know what it is about this city, but we love October! It starts with the Oddtober kick-off weekend with First Fridays, Freak Fest, Holy Bones Festival, and Fall Fest. Followed by an event by Ypsi Pride and ending with NTG's Annual "Black Cat" Halloween show. This year it's an original musical called Ghoulita Graves Presents...It's Alive! A Black Cat B-Movie Parody. On the last night we're performing a double feature with Whatabout Theatre. After It's Alive! will be It's a Scream! An Improvised Horror Movie. 

We want to give a very special thank you to Kristin for sharing all things Ypsi with us!

Want to learn more about living in Ypsilanti? Find more features and property listings at LiveNypsi.com.