For Immediate Release
For Further Information:
Stefan Petrella, SPetrella@starshep.com
Starkweather & Shepley Insurance is Proud to Bring the Magic of Broadway to Local Students
PROVIDENCE, RI June 2026 – Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage Inc. recently collaborated with the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), Roger Williams Middle School, and Joseph Jenks Middle School to bring 130 students to see Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway. Roger Williams Middle School is part of Turnaround Arts, a national program dedicated to creating innovative arts programs in more than 100 schools across the country. The program was founded by former First Lady Michelle Obama.
The special event provided students with the opportunity to experience one of Broadway’s most acclaimed productions, exposing them to the transformative power of the performing arts while creating lasting memories outside of the classroom.
“At Starkweather & Shepley, we believe that access to arts and cultural experiences can have a profound impact on young people,” said Stefan Petrella, Senior Vice President, Arts, Culture, & Entertainment Practice Director of Starkweather & Shepley. “We are proud to partner with PPAC and our local schools to help provide students with opportunities that inspire creativity, broaden perspectives, and encourage a lifelong appreciation for the arts.”
PPAC has long been a champion of arts education throughout Rhode Island, offering a variety of programs designed to introduce students to live theater and expand access to the performing arts. By working together, PPAC, Starkweather & Shepley, and participating schools were able to make this unique opportunity available to students who may not otherwise have had the chance to attend a Broadway production.
The event underscores Starkweather & Shepley’s ongoing commitment to supporting educational initiatives and investing in the communities it serves. The company regularly partners with local nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups to create opportunities that positively impact individuals and families throughout the region.
About Starkweather & Shepley Insurance Brokerage, Inc.
Founded in 1879, Starkweather & Shepley is the 59th largest insurance brokerage firm in the U.S. and a recognized Top 10 Best Places to Work in Insurance, mid-sized company by Business Insurance. Privately held in trust since 1935, S&S specializes in commercial, personal, and employee benefits insurance, as well as risk management services. Through its partnership with Assurex Global, S&S also offers national and international expertise. The firm is headquartered in East Providence, Rhode Island, with additional locations in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Florida.
