Thrive Performing & Visual Arts

03/13/2024

Wow - this is terrible, biased reporting.

Thrive did not "argue" it had no financial issues. That's simply the truth. Every bill was paid, always. Zero unpaid debt.

"Thrive aimed...hoped to bring...No, Thrive DID BRING local theater, tribute bands, original bands, comedians, magicians, consistently large crowds, classic film, and more as promised.

"Thrive did not Thrive..." Really? Just ask the people who attended and/or performed in the many, diverse shows that were staged. Choosing to walk away after 3 years for personal and professional reasons does not mean those 3 years weren't good.

We see the accusations all the time on the national level. But even at the local level, it is clear why people rightfully mistrust journalists & the media.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a two-part series looking at the past and present of the longtime theater space on Chardon Square. Since 1939 — 85 years ago, back when “Gone With th…

12/31/2023

A next-chapter chance to see this Thrive-born production Jan. 19th in the Tallmadge Auditorium! https://fb.me/e/5iMzdqrDa

12/18/2023

Excited to officially shed our organizational & venue management responsibilities and focus on nothin' but a good time! Back to the 80s premiered in Streetsboro in 2018 and opened Thrive's stint at the Geauga Theater in 2021. People have always loved it, so we're taking it on the road. Up first: headlining the TACA Spectacular Jan. 19th in the Tallmadge Auditorium. PLEASE GIVE OUR NEWLY CREATED FACEBOOK PAGE A LIKE & SHARE: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61554362657705

Looking forward to working with David Obney for the first time and Dan McCoy again. Tickets & opening act info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2293850267479075?active_tab=about

Jim Boardwine - Guitar & vocals
Brett Boardwine - Vocals & keys
Aliyah Denise Wright - Lead & backing vocals
Katie Marie Curran - Lead & backing vocals
Faith Carey - Lead & backing vocals
Alec Daniels - Keys
Ross Downing - Bass
Joe Jablonski - Guitar
Bill Poston - Drums

BACK TO THE MTV 80's with SIMPLY THE BEST is a live pop, rock, video & fashion celebration of the World's most colorful decade. An experience perfect for concert clubs & festivals. Take YOUR event to the next level with the best - SIMPLY THE BEST!

12/16/2023

For years, enthusiastic attendees have told us at least some of our shows should be touring. Well, as we dissolve our non-profit and say goodbye to the organizational responsibilities that go with it, plus rid ourselves of the busyness of venue management, some of us are giving that a go. Starting with one of our fan favorites: Back to the 80s! Jan. 19th in the Tallmadge Auditorium 🤘

12/10/2023

That’s a wrap! Thank you to everyone who came out for our final show as Thrive and who have supported us these many years.

But thank you most of all to Thrive’s true founder and leader, Jim Boardwine, without whom none of this would have been possible.

Jim’s unmatched dedication, work ethic, and energy have always been the heart of Thrive. For so many years, he spent countless hours, for little to no money, carrying the weight and responsibilities that allowed the organization to flourish. His discipline and diligence are only outmatched by his care and compassion. He has pushed the organization and its members to pursue excellence, not for personal benefit, but for the growth and development of everyone involved. Though he developed a reputation for being tough and (maybe a little too) direct, anyone who truly knows him knows this is because he cares.

Jim has always invested so much of himself into others, starting with his own children. This 18-year journey began with a loving father who started a theater program for his daughter simply because she asked, and then turned that program into a nonprofit when his son needed an outlet and direction. That very same love and dedication was extended to the students and members who joined over the years. He developed their skills, challenged them to be better, and encouraged them. He gave them a place to explore their passions and let their talents shine. Above all, he gave them a community to belong.

Though Thrive may be ending, the community and relationships built will endure. As we enter this new stage of our lives, we will look back and be grateful for the man who cared enough to invest in us, who believed in us, and who we know is still cheering us on.

We love you, Jim Boardwine (Dad) ❤️

12/10/2023

This morning's cast member & organizational spotlight: Managing Director Brett Boardwine! Brett has been a part (more often a HUGE PART and the driving force) of EVERY Boardwine production (which became Thrive in 2015) since 2005-2006 when he was just 12 years old. He has crafted original scripts and upwards of FIFTY original songs that have been recorded & performed as part of musical theater shows, music videos, and album releases. He has designed countless light shows & theater sets. In short, he has committed 100% of his creative work, all of his teen years, and his entire adult life up to this point serving the non-profit mission of "Supporting people's performing arts passions." This has enriched & changed the lives of so many. When Thrive made the move to become the programmers & managers of the Geauga Theater, Brett became the organization's sole employee. For three years, in addition to all of his creative work, he was a custodian, accountant, graphic artist/marketing director, facilities manager, website designer/manager, booking agent, handyman, hospitality manager, casting manager, ticketing manager, and more. For 18 years, Brett gave Thrive his all, and it blossomed into something truly special. We look forward to seeing what happens next for Brett when he redirects even a portion of that time, hard work, and passion to self care and various career opportunities. In the Holiday Spectacular, after stocking concessions & selling tickets, Brett gets to take a "break" to do something he truly enjoys - sing! - and his songs are some of the best moments of the show. He is also playing Young Scrooge, and boy does he bear an uncanny resemblance to our Ebenezer. We love you, Brett!

12/09/2023

Holiday Spectacular cast member spotlight: Desiree Boardwine! One could argue no one has been more important to the Thrive story. 9th grade Desiree wanted to be in a theater show, and her school had no program. In 2005-2006, with her father directing, 12-year-old brother programming & operating lights, and mother preparing dinner for all of the guests, she starred in “Rememberin’ Stuff” at Streetsboro High School. It was far from Tony worthy - a humble production in a school gymnasium - but it was the beginning of the Boardwines working on theater together and all that followed, including this final bow as Thrive Performing & Visual Arts 18 years later. Desiree has directed some of Thrive’s biggest and best shows, and been a guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, script writer, actress, theater camp instructor, graphic designer, and special FX makeup artist for the organization. While a public school teacher, she directed shows at other places (Akron Springfield, Cuyahoga Falls) but always found her way back home to Thrive. She even redirected and recruited talented individuals (like Aliyah Denise Wright!) she met along the way. This Christmas season, she has picked up the bass! As if she didn’t have enough talents already 😃 We love you, Desiree!

12/08/2023

Double spotlight on Holiday Spectacular cast members Joey Jablonski (guitar) and Hunter Boardwine (drums). These guys are relative newcomers to Thrive - Joey (2021) and Hunter (2022) - but their musical & cool-factor impacts have been big! Catch Joey, Hunter, and the entire Thrive cast THIS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY at the Geauga Theater Community Arts Center! www.Geauga.Theater

12/07/2023

HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR late night cast member spotlight: Sydney Boardwine! Sydney (Miller) first performed with Thrive as an 8th grade girl in 2014. In the almost decade since, she has become an accomplished woman, and recently, a Boardwine 😊 Sydney has played a plethora of iconic characters with Thrive: The Mad Hatter (Alice 2016) The Wicked Witch (Oz 2017) Wendy (Peter Pan 2018) an evil stepsister (Cinderella 2022) and many notable supporting roles. She has been a lead vocalist in countless themed concerts, and a stylist who’s done important hair & makeup work behind the scenes. This Christmas (this weekend - Dec. 9 & 10 at the Geauga Theater Community Arts Center!) she is serving as our Narrator and a lead & backing vocalist. We love you, Sydney!

12/06/2023

Time to shine a spotlight on 2023 HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR cast member, Amanda Hall! Amanda first performed with Thrive in 2014. She played Madame Rue in the group’s original show This is Halloween and the Evil Queen in Once Upon a Time, both staged at the Macklin Centre (now Planet Fitness in Streetsboro). She also starred in Thrive’s first ever Christmas show at Akron Civic Theatre in 2015. Recently, she played Mrs. Peacock in CLUE at the Geauga Theater Community Arts Center. In this year’s Holiday Spectacular, she is playing Mrs. Claus and serving as an outstanding lead & backing vocalist. We love you, Amanda!

12/05/2023

Our HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR cast member shout out this afternoon is none other than Santa himself: Chris Labedz! Chris started performing with Thrive in 2017 as the Voodoo King in The Cirque. He co-starred as The Creature in Frankenstein’s Bride, played the King in Cinderella, and was an outstanding doo-wop bass vocalist in Jukebox Jam! among other roles. Chris has also been a drone pilot & voiceover actor for multiple Thrive promotional videos. He’s a man of many “gifts” - see what we did there. Chris, we love you, dude!