We recently connected with Jacob Dunham and have shared our conversation below.
Jacob, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Moving from the bustle of New York City to the vibrant community of Grand Rapids was a leap of faith, but one that ignited a passion within me. Immersed in Grand Rapids’ thriving theater scene, I discovered a community rich in talent and creativity, yet lacking in opportunities for actors to pursue their craft as a profession. It was this realization that fueled my determination to establish The National Broadway Theatre, an opportunity where actors are compensated for their dedication and talent. With a vision to elevate the local theater landscape, our company not only seeks to produce exceptional performances but also to foster a culture where artists can thrive and audiences can experience the magic of live theater at its finest. In this journey of creating something meaningful, I have found my purpose—bridging the gap between passion and profession, and enriching the cultural tapestry of Grand Rapids one stage production at a time.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
After six years in New York City, the Covid-19 Pandemic forced a pivot in their lives. New York took on enormous impact, sending Broadway productions and smaller regional theaters alike to close their doors; some to never reopen. Soon, the two found themselves relocating to the beautiful city of Grand Rapids, MI. While settling into this new city, Jacob became involved with local community theaters, beginning by teaching and directing at The Grand Rapids Civic Theatre, and Jewish Theatre Grand Rapids. Chris thoroughly enjoyed the challenges of his new career path in Finance, but still held onto his passion for performing, and soon enough was cast as member of the Grand Rapids Opera. While working in the generous and welcoming Grand Rapids theater community, Jacob began to notice that something was missing. The city of Grand Rapids is vibrant with professional ballet, opera and symphonies, but as far as paying professional theatre, that creative outlet was left empty. The area is fortunate to have tremendous community theater productions, but these actors were missing one thing, and that was a paycheck for their work. It was this moment that Jacob and Chris set out to create a non-profit, professional theater company, and The National Broadway Theatre was born.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Collaboration: Theater is a collaborative art form where teamwork is essential for success. Through my experiences, I have developed strong collaboration skills, learning to communicate effectively, compromise, and work harmoniously with diverse individuals to bring a collective vision to life on stage.
Adaptability: The world of theater is dynamic and ever-changing, requiring quick thinking and adaptability to navigate unforeseen challenges such as last-minute script changes, technical issues, or unexpected circumstances during performances. My ability to think on my feet and adapt to evolving situations is a valuable trait in theater.
Resilience: Theater can be demanding, with long hours, intense rehearsals, and the pressure to deliver memorable performances. Through these experiences, I learned to persevere in the face of setbacks, rejection, and criticism. This resilience not only strengthened my ability to overcome obstacles in the theater but also equipped me with valuable life skills for facing challenges in any endeavor.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I’m stressed, my main goal is figuring out what exactly I’m trying to accomplish. I break things down step by step, kind of like unraveling a tangled ball of yarn. I go backwards through the steps until I see what I need to do next to reach my goal. This way of tackling things helps me see things clearly and makes sure I’m moving in the right direction to get the results I want.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.NationalBroadwayTheatre.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalbroadwaytheatre/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NationalBroadwayTheatre/
Image Credits
Studio CPR
