How Jenn Byers Discovered Theatre
Growing up, you could say my discovery of theatre was similar to Troy Bolton’s in High School Musical—except I didn’t have his athletic skills. I played basketball, volleyball, and softball in high school, mainly because they were convenient activities at my small Catholic school in Northern Michigan. By my sophomore year, I realized softball wasn’t for me, especially with the unpredictable spring weather and the long commitments I didn’t enjoy.
My school didn’t offer a theatre program, but a nearby public school welcomed students from my school and local homeschool families to join their spring productions. My first show was Annie, and I was hooked right away. I took part every spring until I graduated. I wasn’t the best actor, but I was always reliable, prepared, and committed. Those qualities would later shape my role in theatre.
Turning Theatre into a Passion After High School
College was really where I came to appreciate theatre. I realized my organizational skills, attention to detail, and tenacity were just as valuable behind the scenes. My first stage management credit was for Chicago: The Musical at Aquinas College, and I’ve been involved with theatre ever since. I even did my internship with Circle Theatre Grand Rapids, where I helped expand their social media presence in the early 2010s—an experience that bridged my love of theatre and marketing (see parent brand Byers and Beyond Marketing).
I’ve lived in several Midwest states, including Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin, and theatre has helped me find community wherever I’ve gone. I even met my husband, Dave, while working on The Addams Family at the Woodstock Opera House. He was in the orchestra pit for drums/percussion, and I was on the run crew. Now we live in Indianapolis, IN, and we keep building connections by working with high schools and community theatres across Indiana.
Community and educational theatre have taught me the importance of volunteers, educators, and artists balancing theatre with work and life, and working with limited resources. Those early experiences shaped my commitment to making theatre more accessible, organized, and sustainable for the people who make it happen.
Experience Across the Theatre Ecosystem
Since 2012, I’ve worked with community, educational, and nonprofit organizations in Indiana, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin, contributing in a wide range of capacities, including:
- Stage Management & Assistant Stage Management
- Production & Backstage Support
- Playbill & Program Design
- Theatre Marketing & Audience Outreach
- Prop & Scenic Support
- Box Office & Front-of-House Coordination
In addition to production roles, I’ve served on several boards of directors with Theatre 121, Attic Theatre, Inc., and the Lou Awards (co-founder/Vice President), gaining firsthand experience with nonprofit governance, budgeting, long-term planning, and organizational sustainability. That leadership perspective informs how I approach every project—with respect for both artistic goals and operational realities.
Theatre and Chronic Illness
Theatre burnout is real, and keeping up creative work over time takes care and intention. I live and work with chronic illnesses, including. I live and work with chronic illnesses, including endometriosis, recurring migraines, and Hashimoto’s disease. These experiences have reshaped how I engage with theatre—but they haven’t diminished my commitment to it.
Instead, they have deepened my understanding of accessibility, pacing, communication, and sustainability. I know how important it is to plan carefully, adapt when needed, and create systems that let creative work continue even when capacity changes.
Beyond Theatre Collective follows this approach. Whether I’m helping with productions behind the scenes, consulting from a distance, or creating resources for others, my work is based on flexibility, empathy, and practical support.
Today & Moving Forward
Today, I continue to support theatre through a mix of hands-on work, consulting, and resource-building. Beyond Theatre Collective allows me to stay connected to the theatre community while working in ways that are sustainable, accessible, and aligned with my values.
Theatre Credits & Affiliations
Below is an evolving list of my theatre involvement. This section will continue to grow as I take on new projects.
Stage Management
Administrative/Executive
| Role | Organization | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Playbill Designer | Epsilon Theatrical Company | November 2025 |
| (Interim) Admin. Assistant/Box Office Manager | Attic Theatre, Inc. | March 2024 – May 2024 |
| Board of Directors / Head of Marketing | Attic Theatre, Inc. | MSeptmeber 2023 – May 2024 |
| Playbill Designer | Oshkosh Community Players | February 2022 |
| Playbill Designer | Theatre 121 | September 2019 – March 2020 |
| Co-Founder / Vice President | The Lou Awards | July 2019 – October 2020 |
| Board of Directors / Head of Marketing | Theatre 121 | June 2019 – June 2020 |
| Box Office Staff / Bartender | Woodstock Opera House | November 2017 – April 2019 |
| Box Office Staff / Will Call | Grand Rapids Civic Theatre | October 2016 – April 2017 |
| House Manager | Circle Theatre Grand Rapids | May 2014 – May 2015 |
| Marketing / Business Intern | Circle Theatre Grand Rapids | October 2012 – September 2014 |
Technical/Corporate/Misc.
| Production | Organization | Role | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| School of Rock | Epsilon Theatrical Company | Run Crew / Curtain | November 2025 |
| On Golden Pond | Attic Theatre, Inc. | Prop Designer | June 2023 |
| Leaving Iowa | Attic Theatre, Inc. | Prop Designer | June 2023 |
| Dream Role Cabaret | UWO – Fox Cities, WI | Spotlight Operator / Caller | April 2023 |
| Fun Home | UWO – Fox Cities, WI | Run Crew | April 2022 |
| A Few Good Men | Townsquare Players, Inc. | Prop Designer | June 2019 |
| Nunsense | Woodstock Musical Theatre Company | Prop Designer | April 2019 |
| Little Women | Townsquare Players, Inc. | Prop Designer | November 2018 |
| Annual Conference / Holiday Party (Gordon Food Service) | KBOgroup, Inc. | Wayfinder/Event Staff | December 2016 and December 2017 |
| The Addams Family Musical | Woodstock Musical Theatre Company | Run Crew / Quick Changes | November 2016 |
| Green Day’s American Idiot | Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids | Run Crew / Quick Changes | November 2016 |
| Commencement | Kendall College of Art and Design | Marketing Manager | May 2015 & May 2016 |
| Wege Prize | Kendall College of Art and Design | Projet Manager / Marketing Manager | April 2015 & April 2016 |
| Sister Act: The Musical | Grand Rapids Civic Theatre | Run Crew / Quick Changes | FEbruary/March 2016 |
| Inauguration – Leslie Bellevance | Kendall College of Art and Design | Projet Manager / Marketing Manager | November 2015 |
| The Great Gatsby (Play) | Grand Rapids Civic Theatre | Light Board Operator | September 2015 |
| ArtPrize | Kendall College of Art and Design | Projet Manager / Marketing Manager | September/October 2014, September/October 2015, and September/October 2016 |
| 4,000 Miles | Actors’ Theatre Grand Rapids | Light Board Operator | September 2014 |
| The Mystic Tale of Aladdin | Circle Theatre Grand Rapids | Run Crew | June 2013 |
| The Wedding Singer | Circle Theatre Grand Rapids | Run Crew | May 2013 |
| Life is a Dream | Aquinas College | Run Crew | September 2010 |