BYRON CENTER— The Van Singel Fine Arts Center has announced the addition of three new full-time staff members including two Byron Center High School alumni: Sara Bower is the new managing director and Steve Haase is Technical Director. Kate Tubbs completes the newly appointed staff as the venue assistant.

Sara Bower was selected to join the Van Singel as managing director to develop and grow the Fine Arts Center’s programs. Her acute passion for the arts, enthusiasm to help drive the Fine Arts Center forward, and leadership abilities will positively cultivate the offerings at the Van Singel.

Since the Van Singel opened in 1998, Sara has spent countless hours volunteering and performing within the facility, and knows firsthand the VSFAC’s impact within the community. After graduating from Western Michigan University with a degree in Theatre Performance/English/Communications, Sara worked in Los Angeles as a junior talent agent for film/TV. Recently returned to West Michigan, she is “… eager to continue the Van Singel’s mission of providing vibrant, positive arts experience for youth and all residents of our region.”

Steve Haase was hired for the position of technical director for his considerable technical theatre experience. He is a 2003 graduate of Byron Center High School and the KCTC Technical Theatre program formerly housed at the Van Singel. After high school Steve traveled with a major national tour before enrolling at Grand Rapids Community College, then at Western Michigan University where he received his Bachelors of Arts in Theatre with emphasis in design and technical production. Steve received his Masters of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Technology with emphasis in technical direction from University of Missouri-Kansas City in 2012. He has worked in the theatre department at Calvin College for the past four years. Steve has worked backstage at the Van Singel since he was a junior at Byron Center High School and served as the assistant to the technical director from 2003 to 2006. “Coming back and working at the Van Singel is my dream,” Steve Haase stated, “It’s like coming home.”

Kate Tubbs, who was a temporary employee last year as the Van Singel’s Assistant Technical Director, has been re-hired to fill the newly created position of venue Aassistant. Kate’s experience is well rounded in many various aspects of the theatre, photography and marketing. She will be assisting back stage, front of house and in the box office. Kate received two Bachelor Degrees from the State University of New York in Theatre and Geography.

The Van Singel Fine Arts Center opened its doors in 1998 with the construction of The Byron Center High School. The comfortably designed 796-seat facility, located at 84th Street and Burlingame SW in Byron Center, enriches the community by presenting professional touring shows and concerts, student performances, regional art exhibits, and various arts-related educational opportunities. Students, parents and area residents of all ages are inspired to imagine, create, express and enjoy the arts and appreciate the richness that the arts bring into the community.