Exploring the Arts & Outer Space: Meet Alex Woody

Watch Episode 21 of
The Max Loves Midland Show

Alex Woody, In His Own Words:

“I’m Alex Woody, and I’m the Communications and Public Relations Manager for the Midland Center for the Arts.

Although I’m not originally from Michigan, I went to college at Michigan State and spent summers in Michigan while growing up, but this town, this community, was new. At the time I started at the Center, I was commuting to Midland, having just been hired as one of the first employees brought back to the Midland Center for the Arts post-pandemic. It was a pivotal moment, not only for the Center but for me as well. Six months into the job, I made the move to Midland, and that decision has shaped my life in ways I never expected.

Growing up in Kentucky, my path to the arts and communications wasn’t linear. I started college at Michigan State University thinking I’d pursue social work or computer engineering, but nothing truly clicked. That was, until I found myself right next to the Wharton Center. Within my first week at MSU, I started volunteering there, and that experience opened the door to everything I do now. Marketing, arts administration, storytelling—I discovered my passion lay in helping people connect with the arts in meaningful ways. After graduating in 2018, I worked in theaters across the country, from Hartford Stage in Connecticut to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. Then, the pandemic changed everything. Like so many, I found myself back home. My parents moved to Metro Detroit after I graduated high school, and when the opportunity arose at the Midland Center for the Arts, I took it.

Midland’s arts scene surprised me. For a community of this size, the depth of its creative and cultural offerings is extraordinary. The level of care, the investment in artists, and the commitment to making the arts accessible were all things I hadn’t seen in other places. I was particularly struck by the way the community rallied after the devastating 2020 flood, supporting local families and organizations in rebuilding efforts. That level of engagement and passion made it clear to me that this wasn’t just a place to work—it was a place I wanted to call home.

As the Communications and Public Relations Manager, I oversee internal and external messaging for the Center, ensuring our story reaches the right audiences. One of the most exciting projects I’ve had the privilege of assisting with the Center’s 50th anniversary celebration. We interviewed 50 individuals who shared their unique experiences with the Center—some had been here since its opening, others had life-changing moments inside our walls. That project truly solidified my appreciation for the impact of the arts on people’s lives.

But perhaps the most ambitious endeavor we’ve tackled in recent years is The Infinite. This fully immersive, virtual reality experience transports visitors to the International Space Station, allowing them to see what a day in the life of an astronaut is like. It’s unlike anything we’ve ever done before, pushing the boundaries of how art and science intersect. Walking through the exhibition for the first time, seeing how technology could be used to create an emotional and intellectual connection with space exploration, was a game-changer. And the response from the community has been incredible. With over 5,000 students experiencing it through school trips alone, it’s clear that this kind of interactive storytelling resonates deeply.

In addition to my communications work, I’m very involved with the Center’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) initiatives. We’ve made intentional strides in ensuring that our marketing, programming, and overall messaging reflect our commitment to inclusivity. From relaxed performances designed for audiences with sensory sensitivities to making our website and digital content more accessible, these changes may seem small on the surface but make a world of difference in fostering a truly welcoming arts community.

Outside of work, my life in Midland consists of exploring local arts, volunteering, and finding quiet moments to write and draw. When I do venture outside of town, I’m often in Metro Detroit, catching a show at the Fisher Theatre or supporting my friends in the film industry.

As I look to the future, my hopes for Midland center around growth—growth in our arts and sciences offerings, in the diversity of our community, and in the opportunities we create for future generations. The Center’s renovation is a big part of that, and I’m eager to see how it transforms our ability to engage and inspire. On a more personal note, I’d love to see more sushi spots pop up (because, really, can you ever have too many?).

But beyond that, I want to continue helping shape a community where the arts aren’t just an add-on but a driving force of our identity. Midland has the heart, the vision, and the people to make that happen, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”