After seven years at the helm of Flint Repertory Theatre (and Flint Youth Theatre before that), Producing Artistic Director Michael Lluberes made the difficult choice to leave FIM in December. Rodney Lontine, FIM President & CEO, has handed the reins to Nicole Samsel, who will serve as interim producing artistic director, in addition to her current role as managing director.  

“Over the last six years, Michael and the Flint Rep have created many memorable and magical theatre experiences for our community and we all can be proud of these accomplishments” says Lontine. “I look forward to the next great chapter of the Flint Rep in Nicole’s very qualified hands.” 

Samsel has worked with Lluberes as part of the Flint Rep team for over three years and carries with her some impressive credentials. In addition to degrees in music and performance, she brings a number of experiences in theatre management and education. A few such experiences include her time as Director of Operations for the Los Angeles-based Antaeus Theatre Company, General Manager of Tony Award-winning Broadway cabaret club 54 Below, and as a founding company member and Literary Manager of the award-winning Mad Dog Theatre Company in New York.  

“Working with Michael over the past three seasons has been an incredible honor and pleasure,” Samsel says of transitioning into her interim role. “Our team will miss his creativity, passion and humor, but looks forward to not only continuing – but building upon – the incredible foundation he has built here.”  

Samsel’s first order of business in her new role? Taking the producing wheel for Flint Rep’s upcoming production of A Driving Beat. The compelling new play by Jordan Ramirez Puckett was first developed during the 2024 New Works festival. With Samsel’s guidance, Flint Rep will continue to present challenging, imaginative theatre for our community, which includes showcasing fresh voices like Ramirez Puckett, and their innovative storytelling.  

The play follows the journey of Mateo, a nearly fifteen-year-old boy, and his mother, Diane, as they embark on a cross-country road trip, where they explore themes of identity, family, and the search for belonging. Along the way, Mateo creates improvisational beats to find connection to himself, his culture and his mom. Together, the two navigate their cotmplex relationship (and the long route from Ohio to San Diego), while confronting their past and looking towards the future.  

As a testament to Flint Rep’s commitment to innovation and artistic growth, the play’s unique format creates an experience that is more “poetry in motion” than traditional narrative. But Ramirez Puckett’s choice to use the rhythm of spoken word throughout the play is more than just aesthetic. The cadence of the dialogue propels the characters toward healing and revelation in a story that is as much about the journey as the destination.  

And in this exciting time of transition for the theatre, the driving pulse of this world premiere play is the perfect way to celebrate the spirit of curiosity that’s driving Flint Rep into the future.