The Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance at Wayne State University made numerous conscious efforts to highlight the underlying climate themes in The SpongeBob Musical through its production at the Hilberry Gateway from March 27th to April 4th. From the outset, the entire team recognized the importance of centering sustainability. From actors using reusable water bottles and earth-friendly makeup to set designers collecting cans and bottles to repurpose the set, every aspect of this piece was intentional and driven towards green-ing the department.

75% of the costumes showcased in this production were made from secondhand, vintage, and reused fabrics. This is a major feat in a department that must work under strict timelines, often requiring the purchase of new pieces for each production. To further our goal of conservancy, our scenic designers crafted an entirely recycled set, using pieces from previous shows (e.g., scrap wood, chairs, and ladders) and landfill-bound materials (e.g., bottles, cans, and tires).

Beyond the nautical nonsense on stage, our department partnered with a variety of eco-conscious organizations, including Greening of Detroit, for a tree-planting event in Detroit's Clark Park, where we planted 23 trees. We also hosted Family Day in the lobby between our Saturday shows, featuring climate- and community-focused organizations, such as Michigan's Climate Action Network and YMCA-Detroit, to uplift Bikini Bottom patrons and share information and action items.