The thing that draws me back into the theatre time and time again is also what some would consider its defining feature: togetherness. Sharing physical space with performers and each other. The way in which the energy of an audience can shape and mold a performance. Theatre teaches us that shared time in space can be transformative. Electric.

In A Driving Beat, we are along for the ride, following Mateo and Diane’s journey cross country in a tight Ford Focus that is filled with more questions than answers. Where do I come from? What makes me who I am? How can I hold on? Let go? How do we find common ground in unfamiliar terrain? Jordan Ramirez Puckett’s play is an exciting and heartfelt exploration of identity and family, and we are thrilled to share the world premiere production with audiences.

A Driving Beat also meets Flint Rep at its own moment of transition and growth. In December we bid farewell to our Founding Artistic Director, Michael Lluberes. Over Michael’s six years at Flint Rep, he dedicated himself to establishing and growing Flint into an artistic home for so many, and I look forward to not only continuing that work but building upon the incredible foundation he started here.

We’ve also recently announced that we are finally able to begin renovations this spring on the Bower Theatre, which has been closed due to flooding since 2022. Production in the Elgood Theatre will not be possible during the construction, which has led to the decision to indefinitely postpone our upcoming New Works Festival and Carrie: The Musical. This restored space stands to make a huge difference in our future, and we can’t wait to explore the many ways reopening the theater will enhance the scope of our work here at the Rep and provide opportunities to the larger Flint arts community.

Looking forward to our 2025-26 season, Flint Rep will have a full production season – along with the launch of a new performance series – but everything will just be taking place outside of the Elgood! We look forward to this coming season of transition as an exciting opportunity to create new partnerships, connect with the community in a new way, and continue to evolve. I hope you’ll join us at FIM’s Season Reveal event on May 19 to hear more.

As Flint Rep drives into the future, we’re glad to have you along for the ride.

Nicole Samsel
Interim Artistic Director & Managing Director