Broadway Across Borders
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersChicago, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Broadway Across Borders does
Broadway Across Borders is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts education organization that delivers Broadway-quality musical theatre training, workshops, and full-scale productions to emerging artists in countries where the art form has limited local infrastructure, principally Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, Germany, Serbia, and the Czech Republic. Founded in 2018 as BiH Broadway out of a U.S. Embassy Sarajevo cultural exchange initiative and rebranded to its current name in October 2020, the organization operates a portfolio of programs including Music Theatre Workshops, Performance Projects, Residencies and Masterclasses, an Ambassador Program, and the Emerging Global Artist Exchange, which brings international artists to Chicago and New York City for arts leadership training with Northwestern University and Marriott Theatre.
The organization's core products are people-intensive rather than technology-driven: full theatrical productions such as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2018), Moja Pjesma (2019), the Virtual Spring Awakening (2020), the Weltanschauung Project (2021), and the current Be More Chill Sarajevo initiative are delivered through in-person residencies and partner venues, supplemented by online video musicals and streaming distribution. There is no proprietary technology platform; the closest digital assets are social media channels, an email newsletter, and original video productions hosted on the website. Recent activity includes a Music Theatre Performance, Design, and Management Symposium held in Sarajevo in March 2025 under a Buffett Foundation grant and an inaugural Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship with the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs.
The business model is donation- and grant-driven with no commercial pricing. Revenue sources are tax-deductible individual donations (collected via PayPal and Indiegogo), U.S. Embassy sponsorships in Sarajevo and Warsaw, named foundation grants, and in-kind support from institutional partners including the University of Sarajevo, Northwestern University, Marriott Theatre, and the National Theatre Sarajevo. The organization is governed by a five-person Board of Directors, led by co-founder and Co-Executive Director Ryan T. Nelson (also Associate Professor at Northwestern and Resident Music Director at Marriott Theatre) and co-founder and Executive Director Emeritus Aaron Thielen, with regional Program Directors Nikolina Vujić and Sanjin Arnautović leading Bosnia operations. There are no parent companies, subsidiaries beyond regional market entities in Bosnia and Poland, or external equity backing.
Broadway Across Borders firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Broadway Across Borders
- Legal name
- Broadway Across Borders
- Website
- https://broadwayacrossborders.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Broadway Across Borders industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Performing Arts Education
- NAICS
- Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (711110), Fine Arts Schools (61161), Performing Arts Companies (7111)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Musical Theatre (Non-Broadway/Fringe) (MPAGABAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Touring Theatre Productions (MPAGABAC), Theatre Education, Training & Conservatories (MPAGABAN), Performing Arts & Music Lessons (Dance, Drumming, Instrument Lessons, Theater) (THAJAKAC), Regional & Repertory Theatre Companies (MPAGABAB)
Keywords
Where Broadway Across Borders is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Chicago
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices5 records
Markets served
Broadway Across Borders business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, Broadway Across Borders operates primarily through tax-deductible donations from individuals, foundations, and government entities. Donations support workshops, scholarships, local theatre development, and cross-cultural projects.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
Broadway Across Borders product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Broadway Across Borders delivers immersive musical theatre training, full-scale theatrical productions, residencies, masterclasses, and an international arts leadership exchange program for emerging artists in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, and other underserved regions. Programming is delivered through in-person workshops, locally directed Broadway musical productions, virtual video musicals, and a 10-day U.S.-based Emerging Global Artist Exchange at Northwestern University and Marriott Theatre Chicago.
Product overview
Broadway Across Borders is a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts education organization that builds international and cross-cultural collaborations through musical theatre. The organization operates as a unified portfolio of programs including Music Theatre Workshops, Performance Projects, Residencies/Lectures/Masterclasses, and the Ambassador Program. Key productions include The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (2018), Moja Pjesma (2019), Virtual Spring Awakening (2020), Be More Chill Sarajevo (ongoing), and the Weltanschauung Project (2021). The Emerging Global Artist Exchange provides international arts leadership training. All offerings are delivered through in-person and virtual formats, focusing on emerging artists in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, and Germany.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Music Theatre Workshops Immersive musical theatre workshops engaging participants of all ages across Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, and other Balkan regions, focusing on self-expression, cultural diversity, and personal storytelling.
- Performance Projects Full theatrical productions and concerts including Broadway musicals translated and directed by local artists, such as The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Be More Chill Sarajevo.
- Residencies, Lectures, Presentations & Masterclasses Educational programs led by American and international theatre professionals at partner institutions including the University of Sarajevo and Performing Arts Academy.
- Ambassador Program Program designed to build relationships between emerging artists across borders and empower artistic entrepreneurship.
- Emerging Global Artist Exchange (EGAE) International Arts Leadership Training program bringing global artists to the United States for 10-day programs in Chicago and New York City, including workshops at Northwestern University and showcase concerts at Marriott Theatre.
- My Voice Matters Musical theatre program helping young people rediscover their voices artistically and personally after COVID-19 disruption, featuring songwriting, movement, improvisation, and performance activities delivered across drama academies in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and Tuzla.
- Be More Chill Sarajevo First-ever Broadway musical with global cult following translated, produced, and directed by Bosnian artists for Bosnian youth, as part of a two-year multi-phase project with the University of Sarajevo.
- Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship in Global Arts Fellowship partnership with the Roberta Buffett Institute for Global Affairs placing fellows with the University of Sarajevo and theatrical institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Tick, Tick...Boom! Musical theatre project about a young composer overcoming personal and professional obstacles, serving as a platform for social change and theatre entrepreneurship in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Quantifiable outcome
- Produced first-ever Broadway musical in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Be More Chill Sarajevo)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Broadway Across Borders
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Broadway Across Borders technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Broadway Across Borders partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
19 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Roberta Buffett Institute for Global AffairscoreEstablished inaugural Post-Baccalaureate Fellowship in the Global Arts. Anne-Sophie Lacombe Garcia, a 2025 graduate of Northwestern University, is working with the University of Sarajevo and theatrical institutions in Bosnia and Herzegovina developing partnerships for 2025-2026. Also provides Buffett Foundation GLOBAL COLLABORATION GRANT supporting faculty symposia.
- U.S. Department of State - Arts Envoy ProgramcoreProvided support enabling international collaboration for Virtual Spring Awakening project, connecting performers from Poland, Germany, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Music Theatre InternationalcoreLicensed Spring Awakening for the international virtual production, enabling Broadway Across Borders to present the musical with performers from multiple countries.
- Duncan Sheik and Steven SatercoreOriginal writers of Spring Awakening who enabled the international virtual production through their support of the project.
- United Nations Population FundcoreStrategic partner for the Be More Chill Sarajevo production, contributing to youth development and cultural programming initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- University of SarajevocoreKey academic partner for the Be More Chill Sarajevo two-year multi-phase project. The University of Sarajevo collaborates on building infrastructure for musical theatre education and professional development in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Northwestern UniversitycoreFaculty from Northwestern Theatre Department represent Broadway Across Borders at symposia connecting Northwestern with University of Sarajevo's Academies of Design, Production, and Performing Arts. Provides masterclasses, arts leadership workshops, and student involvement in international collaborations.
- Marriott Theatre ChicagocoreHost venue for Emerging Global Artist Exchange showcase concert and arts leadership training. Ryan T. Nelson serves as Resident Music Director at Marriott Theatre, facilitating connections between international artists and Chicago theatre professionals.
- U.S. Embassy SarajevocoreOriginal sponsor of BiH Broadway program (created by Elizabeth Blumenthal, Cultural Attaché, and Lejla Pašović). Provides ongoing support for Broadway Across Borders initiatives, My Voice Matters (LEAD program), and cultural exchange programming through the BOLD program.
- U.S. Embassy WarsawcoreSponsor of Polish programs and Weltanschauung Project video musical productions. Supported Virtual Spring Awakening and Polish productions including Nie Ma Nas and Broadway Month programming.
- National Theatre SarajevocoreHost venue for Be More Chill Sarajevo, Spelling Bee tour, KOSA 30th Anniversary Concert for Peace, and ongoing productions. Staff from National Theatre collaborated on technical production and touring across Bosnian cities.
- Sarajevo Youth TheatrecoreStrategic partner for Be More Chill Sarajevo production and youth-focused theatrical programming in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Bosnian Ministry of Culture and SportscoreGovernment partner supporting the Be More Chill Sarajevo project and broader musical theatre development initiatives in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Terra ArtminorPartner organization for Be More Chill Sarajevo production and cultural programming.
- Purple Key Creative AgencyminorCreative agency partner for Be More Chill Sarajevo production.
- S.O. Quantum Progress AgencyminorAgency partner for Be More Chill Sarajevo production.
- Academy of Music in ŁódźcorePartner institution for Polish productions including the June 2023 production of '#' musical at Sala Koncertowa Akademii Muzycznej w Łodzi.
- Performing Arts Academy SarajevocorePartner institution for lectures and masterclasses delivered by American theatre professionals to students in the Department of Acting.
- Drama Academies in Sarajevo, Banja Luka, and TuzlacoreEducational partners providing students for workshops, productions, and talent recruitment. Goal is to plant seeds for joint projects between academies and theatres.
Scale indicators4 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Broadway Across Borders competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Lincoln Center Education: The education arm of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, with extensive in-school programs and international training initiatives. Parallels Broadway Across Borders' arts education mission at materially greater scale and scope.
- Goodspeed Musicals: A regional musical theatre company known for developing new works, with educational programming serving school groups. Operates at a larger scale than Broadway Across Borders but shares the focus on musicals and emerging artist development.
- Sundance Theatre Lab: The theatre component of the Sundance Institute supports playwrights, directors, and performers internationally through workshops and labs. Like Broadway Across Borders, it engages emerging international artists in immersive development opportunities.
Direct peers
- National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT): A membership-driven nonprofit dedicated to developing new musical theatre works and supporting industry professionals. Broadway Across Borders Co-Founder Aaron Thielen sits on NAMT's board, and both organizations nurture emerging musical theatre creators.
- Epic Theatre Ensemble: A New York ensemble that pairs professional theatrical productions with in-school education programming. Mirrors Broadway Across Borders' blend of high-quality productions with development programming for new artists and audiences.
- iTheatrics: Educational musical theatre company that packages Broadway musicals for schools and youth programs via international licensing and educational kits. Like Broadway Across Borders, iTheatrics focuses on developing the next generation of musical theatre creators and audiences through accessible programming.
- Educational Theatre Association (EdTA): Operates the International Thespian Society and supports theatre education in schools nationwide. Shares Broadway Across Borders' mission of advancing theatre education and developing young artists, including internationally through affiliate programs.
- Paper Mill Playhouse: A regional musical theatre company in New Jersey that produces professional Broadway-scale productions alongside robust education and outreach programming. Mirrors Broadway Across Borders' dual focus on producing Broadway musicals and developing emerging artists through workshops and training.
- TYA/USA: Service organization for professional Theatre for Young Audiences companies in the United States. Aligns with Broadway Across Borders' focus on engaging youth through musical theatre productions, school workshops, and educational programming.
Others
- ASSITEJ International: The International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People, a global network promoting performing arts for youth. Operates as an enabling network rather than a direct competitor, but parallels Broadway Across Borders' mission of bringing professional theatre to young people internationally.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Broadway Across Borders social profiles
Digital presenceBroadway Across Borders financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Broadway Across Borders leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Broadway Across Borders subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Broadway Across Borders funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Broadway Across Borders M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Broadway Across Borders
What does Broadway Across Borders do?
Broadway Across Borders delivers immersive musical theatre training, full-scale theatrical productions, residencies, masterclasses, and an international arts leadership exchange program for emerging artists in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Poland, and other underserved regions. Programming is delivered through in-person workshops, locally directed Broadway musical productions, virtual video musicals, and a 10-day U.S.-based Emerging Global Artist Exchange at Northwestern University and Marriott Theatre Chicago.
Is Broadway Across Borders a public or private company?
Broadway Across Borders is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Broadway Across Borders founded?
Broadway Across Borders was founded in 2018. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Broadway Across Borders based?
Broadway Across Borders is headquartered in Chicago, United States, in the North America region.
How does Broadway Across Borders make money?
One revenue line is on record: donations and Charitable Contributions.
Who are Broadway Across Borders's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Lincoln Center Education, Goodspeed Musicals and Sundance Theatre Lab. Direct peers are National Alliance for Musical Theatre (NAMT), Epic Theatre Ensemble, iTheatrics, Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), Paper Mill Playhouse and TYA/USA. ASSITEJ International is listed as an others.
Does Broadway Across Borders have an API?
No public API is recorded for Broadway Across Borders.
What industry is Broadway Across Borders in?
Broadway Across Borders's product category is Performing Arts Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPAGABAG, Musical Theatre (Non-Broadway/Fringe), with a secondary code of MPAGABAC, Touring Theatre Productions. Its NAICS code is 711110 and its SIC code is 8200.