We recently connected with Amber Rasho and have shared our conversation below.
Amber, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you tell us about a time where you or your team really helped a customer get an amazing result?
In August 2022, we opened Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations in Detroit — the third show I had ever worked on with Broadway In Detroit. This production has a deep connection to the city, so we did everything we could to make it a memorable experience. I collaborated with the Motown Museum to align the show with its Detroit roots. We organized press events, tours, and talkbacks at the museum, and together we planned an exclusive red-carpet event at the Detroit Opera House to welcome the cast and celebrate with Motown legends. One of the highlights for me was working with Otis Williams, the last surviving original member of The Temptations, and visiting the very studio where they recorded “My Girl.” The show was a huge success and remains one of my favorite Broadway productions to this day.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Amber Rasho, and I’m the Public Relations Coordinator for Broadway In Detroit. I’ve been in this role for three years and recently completed working my 38th Broadway show. I coordinate all press and media interviews for the Broadway productions that come through the Fisher Theatre and the Detroit Opera House.
My path into the theatre industry has been anything but traditional. Before joining Broadway In Detroit, I had actually never seen a Broadway show. I got my start in public relations while studying Communications at Wayne State University, where I also minored in Sports Management (very different from musical theatre).
During my junior year, I landed an internship with the Detroit Pistons. Growing up playing and watching sports, I was ecstatic to find a job in a field I was truly passionate about. Unfortunately, midway through my first NBA season, the pandemic hit, and everything came to a halt. I was devastated to see my dream job cut short and uncertain about what came next. Determined to make the most of it, I used that time to take online courses and join virtual networking groups and seminars, connecting with other professionals facing the same challenges.
When the NBA resumed with strict press and media protocols, I returned, now more adaptable and resilient. That time taught me a lot about navigating change and finding success under pressure. After graduating with my BFA and completing three seasons with the Pistons, I began searching for a full-time role. They always say getting a degree will help widen your options, but they never talk about how difficult it can be for a recent graduate to actually start their career.
After months of applying to local athletics departments without success, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and apply for an open position with Broadway In Detroit. I had very little knowledge of the theatre industry, but I expressed my passion, work ethic, and willingness to learn. The team at the Fisher Theatre took a chance on me—and I’m so proud of where I am today.
Working with performers is a world apart from working with athletes, but I’ve grown tremendously thanks to the talented people around me. I’ve developed a deep respect for the performing arts and all that goes into bringing a show to life. While this isn’t the path I initially imagined, I’m incredibly grateful for the professional growth and life lessons I’ve gained along the way.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In June 2022, I worked my very first Broadway show—Mean Girls the Musical. It was opening night of the new Broadway season, and I was thrilled to handle my first media night and meet all my new press clients. About 40 minutes before the show, we were informed that the performance had to be canceled due to technical difficulties. I found myself meeting my press contacts for the first time while having to tell them the show was canceled and they needed to go home.
I quickly shifted gears, contacting our audience through emails and social media posts about the cancellation. All the hard work I had done that day had to be redone for the following day. Even though I was new to the role and still learning, I proved that I could adapt quickly in high-pressure situations and find solutions on the fly. While it wasn’t the ideal way to start my new job, I quickly learned—that’s show business!
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
I believe consistency and kindness have been key in building my reputation to where I am today. I prioritize clear and steady communication between presenters and clients in my role. I am basically the middleman between the talent and the press, and I often need to be available around the clock to ensure everything runs smoothly. My goal is always to ensure the press has a compelling story while making sure the talent feels comfortable and confident when brining their show to my city.
I also like to surprise my media clients with small gestures—like offering extra tickets to a show or upgrading their experience with lounge access. These thoughtful touches help me stand out and show my appreciation for their support in making our events successful.
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