As Steve Broadnax III returns to the Capital City, he’s reminded of the natural beauty within fellow Arkansans. “The spirit of the people is so generous. It’s a place where community matters, and that informs the kind of stories I want to tell.” His degrees from Webster University and Penn State University provide a wealth of thoughtfulness. Coupled with decades of theatre experience as a director and playwright, Steve brings the world premiere of Me & The Devil to this year’s SummerStage Season and looks forward to an exciting future with the Arkansas Repertory Theatre as artistic director.
This Arkansas native remembers a deep appreciation for theatre throughout his childhood. “I considered The Rep the pinnacle of storytelling.” Now, Steve believes the Arkansas Repertory Theatre can be a beacon for unity. “The Rep amplifies stories that reflect and challenge our collective identity. It serves as a cultural heartbeat of Arkansas – creating a space where people from all walks of life gather.” It’s contemplative moments like these that stir the soul; for Steve it’s also a retrospective. “It feels like a full-circle moment – coming home not just geographically but spiritually and artistically.” His energy and enthusiasm are congruent with a finite focus on the transformative power of theatre. “In a time when connections feel increasingly rare, The Rep reminds us of our shared humanity.”
Steve is quick to note, education and community initiatives at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre are a critical component of the organization’s values. “These programs build bridges between generations and create access points for young people to experience theatre.” His own academic contributions include an 18-year tenure as a professor at Penn State University – a role Steve hopes will help cultivate a more inclusive, compassionate world. This translates into encouraging “honest conversations rooted in truth, courage and imagination on the stage.” Executive Director Will Trice adds, “I think theatre is only becoming more valuable to us – as human beings and as a community. Steve is poised to continue our legacy of creating sophisticated, enjoyable theatrical experiences for us to share together… storytelling at its finest that speaks to us as individuals and connects us as neighbors.”
Established in 1976 by Cliff Baker, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre remains a pillar of artistic integrity in Arkansas. Steve elaborates, “I look forward to building on that foundation, bringing powerful narratives about human experiences to the stage. People come before plays and institutions. We aim to represent and amplify these voices.”
