Magic Carpet Theatre
Our Mission Story
We began in 1991 by promoting literacy and inspiring imaginations through our unique style of Readers Theatre. In 2008, we added a Drama Ministry to share the gospel message in an exciting and vibrant way.
Our Mission
Moving Hearts and Inspiring Imaginations through Live Theatre
Literacy Program
"Our mission is to bring top quality literature to life in a readers theatre style which will inspire the imaginations of children and promote literacy."
Great literature is for all ages — so is great theatre. We inspire children to read by bringing literature to life through our unique and fun readers theatre style. Live theatre provokes the imagination, a key ingredient to being a good reader. Children listen to our stories with their hearts, howl from their guts and participate creatively with their hands and minds. Perfect for school assemblies, family events, libraries and a wonderful way to celebrate the joy of reading!
Shows
The Magic Carpet Show
An interactive Readers Theatre experience that brings classic children's literature to life with humor, creativity, and audience participation.
The Bridge Show
A follow-up performance that deepens literacy engagement, pairing live theatre with workshops that help children become confident readers and writers.
Drama Ministry
"Our mission is to use theatre to proclaim the Living Word and help people have a personal encounter with Jesus Christ through a joyful, creative and powerful interaction with Scripture."
Drama Ministry uses theatre to proclaim the Living Word and help people have a personal encounter with Jesus. Jesus knew the power of a good story. This ministry shares his stories, bringing them to life, to help audiences have a joyful, creative and powerful interaction with Scripture.
Shows
The Parable Project
Uses humor, improvisation and audience participation to present Jesus' parables in a way that is fresh, fun, and holy.
At His Feet
A mini retreat using dramatic scenes and music to help people relate to real characters from the Bible who were transformed by forgiveness, healing, and the merciful love of Christ.
Surrender
A musical montage of women from Scripture — a heart-piercing experience of surrendering to the will of God.
Our Story
From a Week's Notice to a 35-Year Mission
"Theatre is powerful because it lets people experience the written word in a personal way...through their senses."
In 1991, a friend asked Catherine Zardus to put a show together for the Michigan Reading Association's Convention at the Grand Hotel — with just one week to prepare. When 500 teachers witnessed the performance and immediately wanted it for their schools, a career was born. What began as a single, inspired performance became Magic Carpet Theatre: a Michigan-based nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy in children through the power of live theatre. It has been a privilege to serve the children of Michigan and be a catalyst for their education.
In 2008, Magic Carpet Theatre added a Drama Ministry. Its first production, The Parable Project, was intended for children but soon became popular with audiences of all ages, leading to a second collection of parables, The Parable Project: Take Two! The ministry later expanded its repertoire with At His Feet, a retreat-style performance for adults featuring powerful scenes and original music, and Surrender, a new musical about women of Scripture that has moved audiences of all ages to laughter, tears, and conversion.
Thousands of people from Alaska to Florida have been impacted by participating in one of the Literacy Program or Drama Ministry shows. Our desire is to help people engage their imaginations and have a powerful experience of live theatre.
Catherine Zardus
Founder, Artistic Director, Actor
A performer at heart, Catherine has written, directed, and produced every Magic Carpet Theatre production. She has also appeared onstage in every one.
The Company
Meet the Company
The talented performers who bring Magic Carpet Theatre's stories to life on stage.
Lise Lacasse
Actor
A professional actress for over 30 years with credits in film, voiceovers, and commercials, Lise has been with MCT for 22 years and is a founding cast member of the Drama Ministry. She performs in every MCT production.
Amy Susan Heard
Musical Director & Vocalist
Amy has been MCT's lead vocalist since 2011, and her voice has been described as angelic. A two-time Detroit Music Award winner, she performs in the Drama Ministry and has composed and arranged music for those productions. She holds a Master of Music and teaches private voice, guitar, and piano.
Barbie Weisserman
Actor & Costume Designer
Barbie performs in both MCT's Literacy Program and Drama Ministry, and designed the costumes for Surrender. Her design work has taken her to New York Fashion Week. Many know her as co-founder and producer of Two Muses Theatre.
Allie Faudel
Actor
A passionate singer and storyteller, Allie studies voice with Amy Susan Heard. She has performed at the Marquis Theatre in Downtown Northville and has told Bible stories to children at Northridge Church for 14 years.
Emily Walker
Actor
Emily makes her MCT debut in Surrender (2025), bringing a love of musical theatre shaped by years of performing at Divine Child Schools and Ave Maria University.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Grace Lucas
Treasurer
Jeanine Gillikin
Secretary
Experience the Mission Live
Bring Magic Carpet Theatre to your school, church, event, or conference.