HEIDI HEYDLAUFF

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Heidi Heydlauff, a longtime Broadway Rose volunteer whose dedication and enthusiasm have touched nearly every corner of the theater. From her first encounter with the company in its very first season to hosting out-of-town performers in her home, Heidi’s journey with Broadway Rose is a story of passion, community, and the joy of giving back. As we talked, it became clear that her love for Broadway Rose goes far beyond the stage. She cherishes the connections she has made, the people she has met, and the opportunity to help make the magic of Broadway Rose possible for everyone who walks through its doors.

Blythe: Heidi, how did you first get involved with Broadway Rose?

Heidi: I believe it was their first season in 1992. I saw a production about Patsy Cline and all her music. It was a one woman show that was performed at the Deb Fennell Auditorium at Tigard High School.

Blythe: Wow, so you were there in the very beginning! Did you see all other iterations of Always…Patsy Cline over the years?

Heidi: Oh yes, I’ve seen everything with Sara Catherine Holder. After seeing Always…Patsy Cline the first time, I purposely would get two or three tickets to see it anytime they did it again. I love it. I love her music.

Blythe: Like a lot of our volunteers, you were first and foremost a patron of Broadway Rose. What made you consider volunteering?

Heidi: I was working full-time back then, until 2014 actually. I just really loved the productions and as Broadway Rose continued to put on more and more shows, I thought, “This is a really good thing for me.” In my family, you always get involved in your community. You find a way to volunteer in one way or another. In 2006 I joined the Broadway Rose Guild. I remember when we were working together with the Broadway Rose staff to encourage fundraising so they could purchase the building that is now the New Stage. I remember standing in the lobby at the Deb Fennell, talking to anyone who passed by. Explaining what Broadway Rose had planned and what they were proposing. So, that was my initial introduction to volunteering at Broadway Rose.

Blythe: It’s amazing that you were part of that push to get us into the space so many people now know as Broadway Rose.

Heidi: Well, I was certainly one of many people involved.

Blythe: Do you have a background in theatre or performing?

Heidi: I’ve always loved to sing. I sang in the church choir growing up. I lived in Salem back in the late seventies, and I performed at the Pentacle Theatre which is a community theatre. I did quite a few productions there and really enjoyed it.

Blythe: What other volunteer opportunities have you taken up at the theater?

Heidi: The Guild would help prepare meals for people during rehearsals. We would go out to the local farmers markets and talk about the theater there. For the last 10 years or so, I’ve hosted out of town visitors to Broadway Rose in my home. I’m fortunate to have a layout where they can have a totally private suite with their own kitchen, bath, and so forth, and not feel like they’re being a guest all the time. I don’t have to worry about being a hostess.

Blythe: It must be fascinating to meet so many different people who have come to work at Broadway Rose.

Heidi: Well, I’m happy to do it because I enjoy people and I enjoy the theater. I’ve certainly learned a lot more about the life of performers behind the scenes. I’ve had costume designers stay there, a few actors, some directors. It’s always interesting to hear about their background and their life in the theatre. It’s really been an eye opener.

Blythe: What would you say has been your favorite part of volunteering?

Heidi: Broadway Rose is an integral and wonderful part of my community, so it’s satisfying to be a resident of Tigard who can volunteer and to help support them. It’s rewarding to help make things happen and be able to help in my own way.

You know, this could just be a building where they do plays and that would be fine. But Broadway Rose welcomes the City of Tigard, as well as other programs, a place to hold annual meetings and other gatherings. Amaya, the Education and Community Engagement Manager, works to provide education and scholarship programs for kids in the community from all different backgrounds and situations.

During the dark times this is a wonderful place to go to laugh together, be together, and enjoy an incredible night of entertainment.

Blythe: What would you say to somebody who is considering volunteering at Broadway Rose for the first time?

Heidi: There’s a number of different ways you can do it, and I am not aware of all of them, I’m sure. But I’ve done everything from stuffing envelopes, wrapping candy boxes, volunteering at concessions, and even cleaning up the theater before and after shows. I guarantee you can find something that works for you.

Blythe: Absolutely. There is no job that is too small. Okay, Heidi… I think I know the answer to this question, but I’m going to ask it anyways. Do you have a favorite musical?

Heidi: I love anything that is a musical revue. If I can sing along in my head that’s the show for me. Specifically, though, as you can see from the item I brought with me today, I LOVE Million Dollar Quartet and I was so excited when it was announced for next season.

Blythe: Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience and time with Broadway Rose?

Heidi: I love it. I love the atmosphere of the theater and the staff. I love the connection Dan and Sharon have built with the greater Tigard community. I love what we do for people of all generations. There’s obviously a lot of talent and skill here, but there’s so much heart. I’m a small-town kid who grew up in a town where my family had lived for five generations, so we knew everybody. When times were tough you pulled together to help one another even with the ordinary things. I get the same sense of belonging and community here at Broadway Rose.

Blythe: That’s really beautiful. Heidi, you are an outstanding volunteer in so many different capacities. You really personify what it means to give back to your community. We appreciate you and the time you have dedicated to Broadway Rose. Thank you, for all you do.