Longtime faculty member named new executive director of Hope Repertory Theatre

Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel
·2 min read

HOLLAND — The new executive director of the Hope Repertory Theatre brings decades of experience to the position.

Michelle Bombe was recently appointed to the leadership role. She's been a member of the theatre department faculty for 32 years and has worked with Hope Rep for 17 seasons.

Michelle Bombe
Michelle Bombe

“Michelle’s leadership is grounded in 32 years with the theatre department, and for 17 seasons she worked directly with Hope Repertory Theatre,” said Stephen Maiullo, interim dean for the arts and humanities at Hope.

“In addition, as a recognized national leader in theatre education, she is deeply committed not only to continuing and building on Hope Rep’s 50-year tradition of producing quality professional theatre, but also to the program’s role in providing meaningful learning experiences to undergraduates from Hope and other colleges and universities around the country.”

Bombe is a professor of theatre, resident costume designer and department chair at Hope. She joined the Hope College faculty in 1991. Her connection to Hope Rep dates back to 1984, when she was an acting intern with the company while studying theatre at the University of Evansville.

“I am delighted to take on this new role with Hope Repertory Theatre,” Bombe said. “I am excited to utilize my gifts as a strategic thinker to give back to the organization that was so pivotal to my experience as a young theatre artist.

“I also want to recognize my colleagues in the theatre department, I am so fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented team of faculty and staff who are also committed to supporting Hope Repertory Theatre as it continues to produce quality professional theatre linked to a robust internship program for undergraduates.”

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Bombe will take over for Lenny Banovez, who became Hope Rep’s artistic director in 2018.

“Heartfelt thanks to Lenny Banovez for his leadership over the past five seasons,” Maiullo said.

Hope Rep will perform “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, Dec. 19-22, and 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23, at the Knickerbocker Theatre in downtown Holland. For more information, visit hope.edu.

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Michelle Bombe named executive director of Hope Repertory Theatre