Tami Olafson, Founder

THE CREATION OF DAT

The Detroit Area Theatre Link was founded in 2001 and is the creation of local area actress and theatre-lover, Tami Olafson. As a marketing consultant with over 15 years of experience, Tami knew the time had come to expand her knowledge of the internet and web design applications. Using DAT as a way to learn more about web-related applications, she set out to create the site as a "sample" project - using her experience in the theatre community as her subject matter. Even she was astounded at the positive response and is thrilled that it has become such a widely used resource.

THEATRES, ACTORS, PARENTS, & AGENTS GIVE DAT A THUMBS UP!

• Theatres that regularly post auditions, workshops and want ads on DAT have told her that their membership base and audition attendance has increased dramatically since joining DAT.
• Actors looking for theatrical opportunities are always over-joyed so see the many projects that are continually available to them.
• Parents that want to expand their children's creativity and help overcome their insecurities have commented on how pleased they are to see so many workshops and children's productions continually available to them.
• Talent Agents seeking specific looks and personalities use DAT to find the perfect fit for commercials and special events.

DAT currently has over 150 members and boasts over 1,000 visitors each week! It's a great honor to be able to share the sheer vastness of the theatre community in Detroit and its surrounding areas with everyone who loves theatre!

Background of the Creator:

Tami Olafson received a BA in Theatre from Eastern Michigan University in 1992. After college, she worked as a freelance theatre critic for the Observer & Eccentric Newspapers and has served several stints as a drama teacher. She has an extensive background in the field of Marketing and Graphic Design, and as a Public Relations Consultant. In all, she has been involved in theatre for over 20 years and has worked in Marketing and Graphic Design for 15 years.

She has worked in many theatre communities throughout the area including Players Guild of Dearborn, Livonia/Redford Theatre Guild, Trenton Players, Zeitgeist Performance Venue, Motor City Youth Theatre, Rosedale Community Players - The Upstage, and the Richmond Community Theatre. She has appeared in several television commercials/specials over the years, and has worked behind-the-scenes in all areas of theatre.