OUR MISSION
Broadway Virtual was founded by Emmy, Olivier, and three-time Tony winning producer Jim Kierstead, founder of Kierstead Productions, Inc. Bringing over 30 years experience in information technology together with over 20 years experience in developing and producing pieces for the stage, film and television, Broadway Virtual's mission is to help artists continue developing their work in our collective "new normal," whether the eventual goal is for the live stage, film, streaming, or a combination thereof.
Broadway Virtual further understands the role that not-for-profit theatre plays in our community and the development process. We are dedicated to helping create content for streaming, and helping to sustain the critical role not-for-profits play in our landscape.
Partnered with Broadway United co-founder William Fernandez, Broadway Virtual continues the mission of promoting equitable participation within theatre and all forms of entertainment.
OUR TEAM
JIM KIERSTEAD
Executive Producer
Emmy, Olivier, and three-time Tony Award-winning producer of the Broadway, touring, Toronto, and London productions of Kinky Boots, the revival of Pippin, and Hadestown. He is currently represented on Broadway as a co-producer of Tony-nominated Ain’t Too Proud and Waitress, as well as The Inheritance. In addition, he has been a co-producer of 20 Broadway productions including The Visit, You Can’t Take It With You, Indecent, The Great Comet (all Tony nominated), Be More Chill, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Pretty Woman, Side Show, It Shoulda Been You, M. Butterfly, Rocky, among others.
HEATHER ARNSON
Creative Director
With Broadway Virtual: 2021 WGA Awards’ full event including capture sessions with host, presenters, all nominees, winners, and conceiving and creating the writer focused interstitials comprised of her interviewing 200+ writers, creating a celebration of them, through them with their own words and voices; BIV Holiday Concert; TWUSA Fall Benefit; AATE – Young Playwrights, shepherding two early teenage writers through a development and rehearsal process culminating in a digital reading of their work;
Selected Theatrical Direction: SUNDOGS with Jenn Gambatese and Jordan Bridges, THE ADULT IN THE ROOM, RIGHT BEFORE I GO, YOUR TITLE GOES HERE, THE PERMANENT NIGHT, ELIZABETH: ALMOST BY CHANCE A WOMAN, WASP, THE WHOLE SHEBANG; BEAU: THE NEW MUSICAL (A.D.), THE WOLVES (A.D. Lincoln Center); In development – ST. ELIZABETH’s with writer Carol Ann Brammer, IT’S IN THE PLAY with actor/writer Orlagh Cassidy, and DON’T QUOTE ME (based on and inspired by Marie Torre’s book of the same name).
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CLAUDIA MARINO
Production Manager
Claudia is overjoyed to be part of the Broadway Virtual team. A trained stage manager, she uses her organizational skills and commitment to collaboration to help ensure the success of each project. She is a graduate of Rutgers University, where she earned a BFA in Theatre Arts.
RACHEL | MEDIA
Virtual Event Branding, Social Media, and Graphic Design
Rachel | Media is a boutique web and graphic design and digital media marketing company that specializes in virtual events, theatre/performing arts, and media. Rachel | Media is proud to partner with Broadway Virtual in elevating aesthetic and mobilizing messaging for all their events.
WILLIAM FERNANDEZ
Broadway United Co-Founder
William Fernandez is a former newspaper editor with more than 30 years of experience. He led the team that won the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service and is the recipient of two Emmy nominations. He just finished executive producing Miami’s biggest hit, Amparo the Experience, an immersive theatrical play that deals with the plight of immigrants and ran for eight months.
Credits include: Mrs. Doubtfire The Inheritance, the revival of Frankie and Johnny at the Clair de Lune starring Audra McDonald, American Son starring Kerry Washington, associate producer on Bill Russell’s Unexpected Joy in London and New York, the multi-Tony nominated The Great Comet of 1812, Anastasia and the revival of Spring Awakening.