Starkweather & Shepley
Local Expertise, National Capabilities
Established in 1879, Starkweather & Shepley is presently the largest Independent Agency in Rhode Island, the 57th largest Insurance Brokerage firm in the U.S., and the 33rd largest personal lines Agency. Starkweather & Shepley, held in Trust since 1935, ensures the firm will remain privately held in perpetuity, providing certainty to clients and associates alike. The firm provides commercial and personal insurance, health and employee benefits, surety bonding and risk management services. These services
are provided nationally and internationally, through its partnership with Assurex Global.
Through our Assurex Global membership, Starkweather & Shepley has access to market information, benchmarking, and additional resources to meet the needs of clients with complex exposures. Additionally, the Assurex network shares best practices to ensure that, as your local Assurex representative, Starkweather & Shepley is on the cutting edge of insurance and risk management innovation.
• Annual 33rd Top Personal Lines Agency in The U.S.
• 34th Largest Independent Insurance Brokerage Firm in the U.S.
• 59th Largest Broker in the U.S.
• Top 20 Best Places to Work in Insurance (Mid-Sized Company)
Insuring Theatres and the Entertainment Industry Coast to Coast
As an owner or operator of a theatre, entertainment company, or other performing arts establishment, having the proper coverage and risk management plan will keep the show going. Starkweather & Shepley has the knowledge and skills to insure theatres, theatre companies, not-for-profit theatre groups, the performing arts, and all aspects and sectors of the entertainment industry.
Each of our Entertainment Insurance policies is customized to fit your unique exposures. From people, property and productions to administration and financing, we work with you to develop unique risk protection including Dance Liability Insurance, Opera Insurance or Performing Arts Insurance, to cover everything you do.
Risk Solutions
Coverage Options Can Include:
• General Liability. This coverage protects you, the insured, against claims of bodily injury and property damage arising out of your operations.
• Theatrical Property. Including Lighting & Stage Equipment, Props, Sets, Wardrobe.
• Directors & Officers Liability. Protects the individual board members in the event they are personally sued.
• Business/Performance Interruption. Reimburses you for any extra expenses including loss of income and employee salaries during that reconstruction period due a covered loss until you are back on stage!
• Owned/Non-Owned/Hired Automobile Liability. Protects you against claims of bodily injury or property damage caused by owned/rented vehicles, equipment trucks, or employees’ personal cars while being used on behalf of the theatre.
• Harassment, Worker’s Compensation, Crime and Employee Dishonesty, Disability Insurance and More.
• Voluntary Benefits.
• HR Consulting.
Performing Arts Venues (Theatre, Concerts, Dance, Orchestra, Multi-Use)
Performing Arts (Ballet, Drama, Opera, Musical Acts, Groups, Circus & Aerial)
Solutions For:
Other Arts & Entertainment
Theatre & Performing Arts
Trade Associations
Philharmonic & Orchestra
Convention Centers, Venues
Theatre Companies (Broadway, Off-Broadway, Resident, Touring)
Special Events (Festivals, Concerts, Art and Fashion Shows)
Entertainment Management Operations
Production Companies
Touring Operations, Theatrical Moving and Storage
Meet Your Team
Stefan Petrella (he/him/his)
SVP, Theatre & Entertainment Practice Director
401.464.2245 • spetrella@starshep.com
Stefan is the main point of contact for all of your needs.
David Ferriero (he/him/his)
VP, Theatre & Entertainment Account Executive
401.886.1863 • dferriero@starshep.com
David will assist with any day to day needs.
Sean Cottrell (he/him/his)
SVP, Theatre & Entertainment
Non-Profit Leader
401.578.7088 • sean.cottrell@starshep.com
Sean is an an additional resource for assistance.
Ruth Leber (she/her/hers)
Theatre & Entertainment Account Executive
401.408.5146 • rleber@starshep.com
Ruth handles account management for resident theatres, and other enterprise entertainment accounts.
Kiley Prime AVP, Theatre & Entertainment Private Client Specialist 401.447.9849 • kprime@starshep.com
Kiley will be the main point of contact for any personal insurance needs.
Michael McCabe (he/him/his)
VP, Theatre & Entertainment Employee Benefits & Voluntary Benefits Specialist
401.585.0505 • mmccabe@starshep.com
Mike is the main point of contact for any employee benefit inquiry.
Brenton Harries (he/him/his)
Theatre & Entertainment
Account Manager
401.709.7634 • bharries@starshep.com
Brent will be an additional resource for account management.
Aliya Ahmed (she/her/hers)
Theatre & Entertainment Claims Representative
401.474.3249 • aahmed@starshep.com
Aliya will handle all claims handling and claim assistance.
We Believe that Diversity is Power.
Our goal is to build a future workforce that champions racial equity, values different backgrounds, and celebrates unique perspectives. Our focus and intent encourage people from every nation, race/ethnicity, belief, gender, sexual identity, disability, and culture to feel respected and valued for their unique contributions to our businesses. Our ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion is how we address societal challenges and unlock innovation.
Commitment to You.
For over 140 years we have provided a focused and dedicated approach to our clients. We welcome the opportunity to be of service to you for all of your personal and professional insurance needs.