Season one of the groundbreaking series The Mandalorian used groundbreaking virtual production technology to shoot more than half of the Star Wars series in front of a curved LED wall– that looked to both actors and viewers like it were filmed on location in a rocky, sandstone desert.

This same technology– once unique to Hollywood studios– will now be available for students at a Detroit area high school to create their own stories– thanks to the drive, determination and inspiration of Danialle Karmanos, who believes in the power of storytelling.

Students at Detroit Country Day School in Beverly Hills, Michigan, will have access to these same tools and technology used by Hollywood filmmakers as part of a state-of-the-art new creative center to be built with a $2 million gift from Danialle and Peter Karmanos Jr.

The center will feature an immersive podcast studio, a curved Stagecraft LED wall, a multimedia creation space, and a STEAM innovation center.

The new center is designed to be used by all students and faculty from preschool through 12th grade. The podcast studio will allow teachers and students to bring stories of history, literature, and science to life — and share their expertise with wide audiences.

The facility also will offer students the opportunity to master the tools of the digital age in a hands-on, real-world studio. Finally, combining this space with a world-class innovation center means the power of creation and STEAM will blend seamlessly.

“I am thrilled to support Detroit Country Day School in this endeavor because I believe in the unlimited talent and capabilities of students and the exceptional dedication and expertise of the DCDS faculty,” says Danialle Karmanos.

“By providing them with access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, we are empowering students to explore their creativity, follow their passions, and chart their own paths to success. I have seen firsthand the transformative impact of education, and I am confident that this gift will enable students to unlock their full potential and thrive in an ever-evolving world.”

Detroit Country Day Head of School Rich Dempsey says, “This gift is more than an investment in infrastructure; it is an investment in the limitless potential of our students. It is a testament to the power of philanthropy to drive positive change and create opportunities for generations to come.”

This creative center will serve as a hub for imaginative exploration, fostering a culture of innovation where students can bring their boldest ideas to life.

When completed for use in the Fall of 2024, the creative center will provide students with an unparalleled experience that will grant them a competitive edge in college and their future careers. It also will allow students to amplify their voices, share their stories, and engage with audiences far beyond campus.

Peter Karmanos Jr. was a co-founder and past CEO and chairman of Compuware Corp., and today is co-founder and chairman of Mad Dog Technology in downtown Birmingham.

Danialle Karmanos has a journalism degree and is a trustee at Detroit Country Day School and at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. She hosted the Karma Has Spoken podcast, was a columnist and an award-winning video producer for 10 years, and was past chair of MOCAD.

The dynamic Detroit duo are well-known for their love of their hometown and the well-being of the residents of the entire region. The couple has donated hundreds of millions of dollars to various charities in the region and Danialle herself, has created and founded innovative organizations, including an afterschool yoga program for inner-city youth and the most advanced birth center in the world.