Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Heath
Hi Jason, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always had a love for music, and I studied Music Composition in college in North Carolina. It wasn’t until my senior thesis—when I had to create an opera—that I truly fell in love with theatre. That experience changed everything for me.
After college, I became a band director, but over time, I realized my passion wasn’t just in music—it was in helping young people find their voices through performance. That led me to Atlanta, where I became a theatre teacher for Atlanta Public Schools. Working with students every day, I saw the impact that theatre could have on their confidence, creativity, and future opportunities.
In 2019, I took a leap and brought my two passions—youth and theatre—together to create Broadway on Bankhead. I wanted to give young performers a space to develop their talents, tell their stories, and bring Broadway-level performances to their own community. What started as a vision has now grown into something real, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’re building.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest road, but I think that’s just part of building something meaningful. When we truly kicked Broadway on Bankhead off in October 2024, we had the vision, the passion, and the talent, but getting the word out was a challenge. We’re a small, family-run theatre company in a city with so many entertainment options, so making sure people knew about us—and understood what we were trying to do—at times has felt like an uphill battle.
Funding has also been a big challenge. We’ve always wanted to keep our programs accessible for young performers, but bringing together a quality theatre experience isn’t cheap. There are production costs, equipment needs, and major projects, like upgrading our parking lot to improve accessibility. We also need a 15-passenger van to make transportation easier for our afterschool program. These things are necessary for growth, but they take time and resources to secure.
Even with the challenges though, it’s all been 100% worth it. Seeing these kids light up on stage, watching them grow in confidence and skill, and knowing that we’re building something special for the community keeps us going. Every obstacle we’ve faced has only made us more determined to push forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Broadway on Bankhead?
Broadway on Bankhead is more than just a theatre company—it’s a home for young performers to grow, learn, and shine. We specialize in creating Broadway-quality productions starring minority youth, ages 9-18, giving them the stage, training, and confidence to develop as artists. What sets us apart is our intimate space, our commitment to customer service, and the strong sense of community we’ve built.
We’re known for putting on high-energy, high-quality productions in a small but mighty setting. Our 22-seat black box theatre allows the audience to experience performances up close, making every show feel personal and immersive. We’re also incredibly proud of our afterschool program, where students train in acting, singing, and dance, gaining real-world theatre experience they might not get anywhere else.
What makes Broadway on Bankhead special is our heart. We’re a family-run company that started from a simple vision: to give young performers, particularly minority youth in Atlanta, a platform to showcase their talent. We want people to know that when they support us—whether by attending a show, enrolling in our programs, or donating to our initiatives—they’re investing in the next generation of theatre artists and helping to shape the future of performing arts in our community.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
If you’re just starting out, my biggest piece of advice is to stay consistent and keep pushing forward, even when it feels like no one is watching. Building something from the ground up takes time, and there will be moments when you wonder if it’s worth it—but trust me, it is.
One thing I wish I knew when starting Broadway on Bankhead is just how important marketing and outreach are. You can have the best program in the world, but if people don’t know about it, it won’t grow. Getting the word out takes effort, and sometimes it’s trial and error to figure out what works. I also wish I had leaned into partnerships and community support earlier on—there are so many people and organizations willing to help if you just ask.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to start small. You don’t need a huge stage, a big budget, or a massive audience to make an impact. Focus on the work, pour into the people who show up, and over time, your vision will grow into something bigger than you ever imagined.
Pricing:
- $30 for General Admission Tickets
- $50 for VIP tickets
- $10 for a standard-sized charcuterie board
- $20 for a VIP board
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.broadwayonbankheadtheater.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571100110457
Image Credits
N/A
