To celebrate the grand opening of the Blackbird Theatre's new home — the SH\aut\ Cabaret and Gallery space at 325 Braun Court — a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place on Tuesday, August 10.

This event is open to the public. Cocktails will begin at 6 p.m. on the Aut Bar’s patio, with a 7 p.m. ribbon-cutting and tour of the facility. Founding artistic director Barton Bund will announce the Blackbird's upcoming season at this time.

Barton Bund inside the SH\aut\ Gallery, the Blackbird's new home.

Photo by David Lewinski

Ann Arbor’s Blackbird Theatre began in 1998, staging new plays and as well as classics. In 2003, the Blackbird took up residence at Ann Arbor’s Children’s Creative Center, and now, after more than 40 productions, the Blackbird has found its new home in Ann Arbor’s Kerrytown District.

The intimate new venue has been the Blackbird’s second home for years, where owners Keith Orr and Martin Contreras have hosted the Blackbird's world premiere of "Patty Hearst: The Musical," as well as the shows "If Only in My Dreams," "The Raw Weekend," "The Santaland Diaries," and other events.

The Blackbird will share the space with the SH\aut\ Gallery, which will continue to host various events throughout the year. The Blackbird Theatre will produce a year-round season of plays, and will teach acting classes and workshops, including the Blackbird Theatre Academy — a free theatre program for students in middle school and high school.

Jenn McKee is the entertainment digital journalist for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at jennmckee@annarbor.com or 734-623-2546, and follow her on Twitter @jennmckee.