Broadway Grand Rapids

Today, we said a bittersweet goodbye to our Summer 2026 interns. We celebrated their time with Broadway Grand Rapids with a Fratelli’s pizza lunch and lots of laughter as we reminisced about our time together. We are so proud of this internship program we have built. We continue to work hard to create opportunities for emerging professionals to experience the business of Broadway. Our hope is that their time with us not only builds professional skills, but also encourages them to think creatively, pursue their passions, and envision careers where their talents can make an impact. Eden Palmani, Benjamin Sanko & Lucy Maring: Thank you for bringing your energy, curiosity, creativity, and fresh perspective to our team. We’re proud of what you accomplished and excited to see where your talents take you next. Wishing you all the very best! 🎭💙 #BroadwayGrandRapids #Internship #ProfessionalDevelopment #EmergingLeaders #ArtsAndCulture #Broadway

Thank you to 13 ON YOUR SIDE's Peter Elliott for sharing some feel-good news about Broadway Grand Rapids! Watch his story here: https://lnkd.in/gzc7F9Zq Feat: Meghan Christ Distel & Angelie Armitage

Congratulations to our Vice President of Operations, Chad Kirkpatrick, on joining the Board of Directors for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services! We are incredibly proud of Chad's commitment to learning, advocacy, and creating more inclusive communities. His dedication to supporting and uplifting others extends far beyond Broadway Grand Rapids, and we know he will make a meaningful impact in this important role. Please join us in congratulating Chad on this well-deserved opportunity!

It's officially National Intern Day 2026, and today we celebrate three remarkable individuals who have become an important part of the Broadway Grand Rapids story. Our CURRENT interns Benjamin Sanko, Lucy Maring, and Eden Palmani. You've brought fresh perspectives, endless enthusiasm, and so much heart to our organization. While internships may only last a season, the impact you leave behind lasts much longer. We are incredibly grateful for your hard work, your willingness to learn, and for choosing to spend this chapter of your journey with us. No matter where your paths lead next, know that Broadway Grand Rapids will always be cheering you on from the front row.

...and that's a wrap of our 2025-2026 Season. Thank you to Title Sponsor Fifth Third Bank and Season Sponsor Meijer. Show sponsors AHC Hospitality, AARP Michigan, Lacks Enterprises, The Laug Group at Morgan Stanley and Sharpe Cars. What was YOUR favorite show in 2025-2026?

NEW EPISODE DROP 🎙️ On your way to see The Great Gatsby this week? Press play first. In the latest episode of Backstage Buzz, Steve Steketee and Jennifer Pascua sit down with University of Michigan alum Will Branner (Tom Buchanan) to talk about stepping into the world of Gatsby and the unexpected connection that ties together all of his Broadway roles. Listen now on:  Apple - https://lnkd.in/g5XCUXeh Spotify- https://lnkd.in/g_YzDs5b

Broadway Grand Rapids Introduces New Executive Committee and Board Members for 2026–27 Broadway Grand Rapids is thrilled to welcome several exceptional leaders to its Board of Directors that will further strengthen the organization’s mission to inspire and uplift the West Michigan community through the power of Broadway. As the organization continues to grow its impact both on stage and in the community, the addition of new board leadership brings fresh insight, strategic vision, and a shared passion for the arts. Effective July 1, 2026, India Manns (Community Arts Advocate) assumes the role of Chair of the Broadway Grand Rapids Board of Directors for a two-year term. Joining her as Co Vice-Chairs are Timothy Pietryga (Community Arts Advocate) and Mary Slafkosky, MPA, CFRM (Feeding America West Michigan), Marcia Bennett Boyce Boyce (Attorney and Community Advocate) as Treasurer, and Christina Guajardo Arnold, CTA (DEIB Consultant and Community Arts Advocate) as Secretary. Additionally, Broadway Grand Rapids add to the board roster: Chris Armstrong , CPA, BDO; Malissa Becksvoort, MHA, FACMPE, CRHCP, CSSGB, Corewell Health; Jordoun Eatman, CTA, Experience Grand Rapids; Courtney Failer, Steelcase; Solmeris Hernandez, Fifth Third Bank; Kelly Hollingsworth, Warner Norcross + Judd; Scott Watson, Barnes & Thornburg LLP "We are honored to welcome these accomplished leaders to the Broadway Grand Rapids Board of Directors," said Meghan Christ Distel President & CEO of Broadway Grand Rapids. "Each brings a unique perspective, deep expertise, and a commitment to serving our community. Their leadership will help strengthen our organization as we continue to expand access to Broadway, deepen our community impact, and ensure a vibrant future for the performing arts in West Michigan." The Board of Directors is comprised of: India Manns (Community Arts Advocate) – Board Chair, , Tim Pietryga (Community Arts Advocate) – Co Vice-Chair, Mary Slafkosky (Feeding America West Michigan) – Co Vice-Chair, Marcia Boyce (Attorney) – Treasurer, Christina Arnold (DEIB Consultant and Community Arts Advocate) – Secretary. Directors include: Tammy Born Huizenga, Sandy Carroll, Guillermo Cisneros, MBA, Caitlin Farrell, Brian Gilbert, Maureen Hale, Steven Hawks, Jeff Helminski, Emily Henao, Heather Hoezee, CPA, MST, Susan Jandernoa, Kyla King, Nichole Kladder, Rachel Laug, CFP®, CIMA®, CRPC®, QPFC, Paul McMahon, Michael McNinch, CFA Ken Parrish CPA, Grant Pecor, Rich Sorota, Kyle Van Andel and Amanda VanFossen

The Outsiders has officially closed in Grand Rapids! Thank you to everyone who joined us at DeVos Performance Hall for an incredible run. Stay Gold! A special thank you to our Title Sponsor, Fifth Third Bank; Season Sponsor, Meijer; and Show Sponsors AHC Hospitality, Barnes & Thornburg LLP, Crowe, Harvey Automotive, Independent Bank, and Lacks Enterprises, Inc.  Photos- Jesamin Danielson, Emery & Co. Photography

Our President and CEO Meghan Christ Distel had quite the Tony Awards experience. ICYMI she's been an official Tony voter and this is her second time attending this well loved Broadway event!

HOT TAKES from Jennifer Pascua about her experience at The Tony Awards dress rehearsal https://lnkd.in/g2K5rRgr