Thrive Performing & Visual Arts

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 🤘

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) ❤️

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!

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!