Welcome Seth Amadei, the first HFC Arts Coordinator and Tech Director
When Seth Amadei saw the job description for HFC’s inaugural Arts Coordinator and Technical Director position, he knew it was the right fit for him.
“It aligned so well with my skillset and what I’d been doing at other places. Everything it required is all in one place, which is ideal for me,” said Amadei. “It’s rare to see something line up with what you do so closely. For a moment, I thought it was too good to be true.”
Amadei joined HFC in early 2026.
Elevating HFC as an arts hub
While Amadei works closely with HFC Director of Theatre Dr. John-Michael Sefel, he reports to HFC School of Liberal Arts Dean Dr. Brad Romans. His duties include overseeing the administration and operations of the Adray Auditorium (Room F-100) in the MacKenzie Fine Arts Center (Building F on the main campus). This includes:
- Lighting and sound design
- All aspects of Theatre operations (except for set design and construction)
- Supervising work-study students
- Assisting with various design projects
- General scheduling and event coordination in Fine Arts
“We are so thrilled Seth has joined us!" said Sefel. "Our arts programs already do so much to create and host exhibits, concerts, theatre performances, and other special events for our campus, but until now we've struggled to showcase the Fine Arts Center for the arts hub that it is! With Seth's outstanding arts management and organizational background, we'll be able to harmonize our different programming efforts, delivering a clear, exciting arts season to our campus and community. Meanwhile, as the new technical director, he'll bring his truly impressive design skills to all kinds of events in the Adray. Between a series of upcoming technical upgrades and Seth's talents, we'll be seeing greatly improved audience experiences in the Adray in the months ahead."
Amadei is assisting Sefel with Freddy, Mabel, & the Pirate King, a major production that will debut in April.
“We’re talking about where the department is heading in over the next several years. It’s great to see our visions aligning,” said Amadei. “This is also a chance to work closely with work-study students and assist them with their design projects. I’ve always enjoyed mentoring students. There’s something really satisfying about training students on technical and design aspects of a project and seeing their success when they complete the work. I enjoy seeing students succeed.”
The creative freedom of theatre and bringing a vision to life
The eldest of two sons, Amadei was born in Vineland, NJ. He moved to Dearborn in 2000, where he lives with his wife, Kelly Komlen-Amadei, and their daughter.
Amadei graduated from Sacred Heart High School in Vineland, NJ. He attended what is now called Stockton University in Pomona, NJ, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English literature with a concentration in theatre. He later earned an MFA in theatre from Wayne State University, which brought him to Michigan.
His interest in theatre and fine arts started in high school. “I dabbled a little bit in theatre when I wasn’t playing baseball. I realized I wouldn’t become a pro baseball player, so I got more involved in theatre during college,” he recalled.
At Stockton, his first play was in Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, where he played the lead role of Jack.
“I did a little bit of everything in college, including acting and lighting design. Behind the scenes was where my interests really were. I liked being up in the grid – it’s fun,” said Amadei. “I enjoy the creative freedom of theatre. I love helping bring someone’s vision to life.”
Already making an impact
Amadei has worked as an equity stage manager and actor at theaters all across Metro Detroit for nearly 25 years. From 2012-25, he worked at the Marlene Boll Theatre inside the Boll Family YMCA in Detroit. For the past 10 years, he served as the lighting designer at the University of Detroit Mercy.
Amadei described his transition to the College as a smooth one. The faculty and staff have been helpful and friendly.
“The impression I have of the College is everybody I’ve met and interacted with is really happy to be here. People genuinely feel that way,” he said.
Romans is pleased to have Amadei share his experience and expertise with HFC.
“A Dearborn resident and a valued contributor to the local arts scene through his work at the YMCA and beyond, Seth will be instrumental in elevating the work of students, faculty, and staff in his position as Arts Coordinator and Technical Director,” said Romans.
Sefel agreed with Romans.
"I don't mean to sound hyperbolic, but I just can't say enough good things about Seth and the impact he's already having,” said Sefel. “His management and technical skills are certainly impressive and sure to bring about many positive changes, but he's also a kind, patient, and friendly teammate, winning over faculty, staff, and students. His position involves coordinating services across campus, and he's already earned the trust and friendship of many through his combination of competence and collegiality."