Mike Broemmel ripped me off for my services on his production "Taking Tea with the Ripper". On August 14th, 2017 I met with Mike Broemmel (the head of Theatrix USA) and others of Theatrix USA to discuss “Taking Tea with the Ripper”--an upcoming play by Theatrix USA.
I was hired to alter a mannequin into the corpse of Catherine Eddowes--down to the precious wounds in order to make it as historically accurate and realistic as possible. Mike Broemmel agreed on my modest rate of $500, which would cover my labor plus FX materials such as liquid latex, moulding plaster, blood paint, polyfoam, alginate, and airbrush supplies. By Octorber 9th, 2017, Theatrix USA had possession of the Catherine Eddowes mannequin for their production which ran from October 13th through the 31st of 2017. Mike Broemmel tagged me multiple times on social media, acknowledging and raving about my work.
Mike Broemmel asserts that he insisted multiple times for an invoice, which is not true (and so he does not have proof of such); we spoke of it once in Messenger then again in person when I attended the play on October 22nd. He simply stated to email an invoice. I submitted my invoice to [email protected] on November 2nd. Never was a deadline for my invoice submission specified--nor would it be any reason to negate payment. In the interest of expediting the process, on November 10th, I informed Mike that I would accept PayPal as a reasonable option. He said that would be fine. Since PayPal is instant, I felt the matter would be resolved soon. Never did he say he was going to stop the original payment in favor of PayPal. On November 25th, I checked back in. His claim was that the bookkeeper/treasurer was out of town. While waiting, I followed up with the director (a personal acquaintance) to ask if he had any idea when I might get paid and if delays like this were to be expected. I was starting to have my doubts in regards to the punctuality and credibility of Theatrix USA. November 27th, 2017, when Mike Broemmel received this news, he immediately took a defensive position, calling out the director and myself in a group message. The fault was immediately put on me for the date in which I turned in my invoice, along with erroneous statements that Broemmel had repeatedly asked for it. This was when he said he had to cancel the original payment. I thought this seemed odd, but maintained my composure and professionalism. I simply asked that Theatrix USA get this resolved. Getting desperate, I contacted Sybll Romley, the executive producer of "Taking Tea with the Ripper", through voicemail and text in hopes she might facilitate my need to get paid since I was getting nowhere with Broemmel. She elected to ignore me, making the problem worse. I have since found out that Sybll Romley is a lifelong friend of Mike Broemmel's, his cohort, and accomplice to his nefarious deals under Theatrix USA.
I maintained contact with Mike Broemmel over the next few weeks, although his excuses and feet dragging went on for the remainder of November and into December. Red flags were starting to pop up. The manner in which Theatrix USA seemed to deal with payment was repeatedly being described with over complexity, such that accountability was repeatedly being shifted to other board members, bookkeepers, and treasurers who I do not believe to actually exist. By December 7th, I began to lose my patience and informed Mike Broemmel that I simply need to get paid and they could figure out their bookkeeping later. Thereafter, Mike Broemmel became increasingly less professional and more agitated. On December 11th, 2017 he even sent out a group email to other Theatrix USA members detailing how lack of payment was my fault. I believe he did this to absolve himself of blame, should word start to travel.
By December 13th, I had hit my limit with Broemmel consistently dodging blame and not delivering a payment that he even acknowledged Theatrix USA owed to me. I told him I’d be filing a claim and I did so. On that same day, as a means of getting me to drop the claim, I was told I would receive the payment that Friday if I signed an agreement that I hadn’t been paid yet. I was not emailed said agreement, and of course I was paid nothing.
On December 16th, I had Mike Broemmel served the court documents. I chose the option of selecting a non interested third party--a friend of mine--to serve him at the Lakewood Heritage Center where I knew he would be for the opening of another one of his plays "Stand Still and Look Stupid". When approached by my third party, Mike Broemmel refused to identify himself, as did his cohort Sybll Romley, and also refused to take the court paper because he didn’t want to face the music. I had to call the Lakewood police in order to perform a “civil standby”. I have proof of such in a police report. The Lakewood police arrived and at the sight of this, Mike Broemmel reluctantly took the court document. The police left the sight, allowing my third party and I to remain in the parking lot to fill out the affidavit. Mike Broemmel has since made false and slanderous statements that the cops were called on me (not him) and I was escorted off the property for trespassing. His libel against me can be found on Twitter under his multiple aliases: @Torchmark_LGBTQ @TorchmarkMedia @Legal_Ink_USA @MBroemmel @Bookie2015 @Theater_Notes, and many many more.
Between December 14th and 17th, Mike Broemmel attempted to pressure me into dismissing the court case, by intimidation and threats that I’d be receiving exorbitant monetary sanctions if I didn’t drop the case. My reply was that it’s my right to be told by a court whether or not my case has merit. . . not the word of the defendant.
On February 1st, 2018, I went to court for the case: Kevon Ward vs. Mike Broemmel and Theatrix USA (case number: 17S01256). The judge instructed that I refile the case against Theatrix USA alone since that was the party my agreement was made with. Mike Broemmel boldly lied in court, saying that he would get the matter resolved if the charges were dismissed against him personally. The charges were dismissed against Mike Broemmel, but he did not take measures to ensure that Theatrix USA pay me out the $500 for services rendered. Because of Mike Broemmel's delinquency in this matter, I returned to court March 28th, 2018, to pursue the case: now amended to Kevon Ward vs. Theatrix USA. Mike Broemmel did not show up, nor did anyone to represent Theatrix USA, as he knew he had no defensible reason for avoiding his company's debt to me. The judgement was granted in my favor and so to collect payment, I had garnishment papers served to Mike Broemmel's home address.
Mike Broemmel committed contempt of court, by not providing accurate bank information to me. Broemmel attempted to throw me off by providing an account and routing number--which I found after simple research--were really just linked to a prepaid Net Spend card under Mike Broemmel (not Theatrix USA) which I inferred to likely have insufficient funds. Because of Broemmel's defiance of a court order, he was summoned to appear once again on May 8th, 2018. Reaching the end of the line, Mike Broemmel showed up and pleaded with me immediately to have mercy on him and that he would pay me over the next two weeks. I stated that I had no reason to believe him because of his pattern of lies throughout the previous six months that lead us to this moment. The judge ordered that Broemmel put his claim in writing to pay me via PayPal over the next two weeks or else he was to appear in court yet again on May 21st. Judge Brian T. Campbell told Broemmel, "If I see you again, make sure you bring a toothbrush so you can brush your teeth in jail." Seeing Mike's cowardice and compliance before the judge brought me satisfaction I cannot deny.
Over the next two weeks, I was finally paid the judgement, plus costs I had accrued ($571.50 total), by Theatrix USA. Mike Broemmel alleges that he is only part of the board of Theatrix USA in order to minimize his responsibility for the manners in which Theatrix USA conducts business. Mr. Broemmel is in fact the owner and manager of Theatrix USA. I have seen no other evidence or heard any corroboration that there are treasurers or bookeepers that deal with financial matters on behalf of Theatrix USA.
Mike Broemmel is a career criminal and serial liar. He is a disbarred attorney, that often uses legal jargon and word games to deceive his victims. His understanding of legalities and court systems makes him even more dangerous, because he knows how to be elusive before facing serious legal trouble. He talks the talk and tries to scare others into submission. He is stubborn, defiant, calculated, manipulative, but he is not undefeatable. I finally won, albeit months of hassle and perseverance. I am posting this article in Rip Off Report to encourage others to hold Broemmel accountable and pursue what is rightfully owed. He is a dangerous con artist whose crimes include but are not limited to: money laundering, mail fraud, felony drunk driving, parole violation, multiple scams in Kansas (including victimization of children), multiple scams in Colorado, slander, libel, online harassment, etc. He has even done time in federal prison; his mugshot can be found under Google Images.
Broemmel makes financial deals with entertainers, venues, organizations, etc. When it comes time for payment, he makes it such an arduous process full of excuses, lies, and manipulation, that most creditors simply give up. Those who don't give up throw themselves at the mercy of Broemmel's destruction to their name/reputation through his Twitter libel and various forms of slander. He uses the term "stalker" to describe every person he has harassed dating back more than five years. He claims to be an esteemed author, though he writes his own Amazon reviews under even more aliases to appear dignified, professional, and trustworthy. When I accepted the commission to do work for Theatrix USA, I was unaware of its negative reputation in town and the criminal history of Mike Broemmel and other companies he’s operated behind.There are extensive reports online that allude to such. Simply Google Mike Broemmel and see for yourselves.
I am not the only target, which further motivates me to fight this on principle. Like and share our Facebook page Beware Mike Broemmel to keep others safe.
Theatrix USA Reviews
Mike Broemmel ripped me off for my services on his production "Taking Tea with the Ripper". On August 14th, 2017 I met with Mike Broemmel (the head of Theatrix USA) and others of Theatrix USA to discuss “Taking Tea with the Ripper”--an upcoming play by Theatrix USA.
I was hired to alter a mannequin into the corpse of Catherine Eddowes--down to the precious wounds in order to make it as historically accurate and realistic as possible. Mike Broemmel agreed on my modest rate of $500, which would cover my labor plus FX materials such as liquid latex, moulding plaster, blood paint, polyfoam, alginate, and airbrush supplies. By Octorber 9th, 2017, Theatrix USA had possession of the Catherine Eddowes mannequin for their production which ran from October 13th through the 31st of 2017. Mike Broemmel tagged me multiple times on social media, acknowledging and raving about my work.
Mike Broemmel asserts that he insisted multiple times for an invoice, which is not true (and so he does not have proof of such); we spoke of it once in Messenger then again in person when I attended the play on October 22nd. He simply stated to email an invoice. I submitted my invoice to [email protected] on November 2nd. Never was a deadline for my invoice submission specified--nor would it be any reason to negate payment. In the interest of expediting the process, on November 10th, I informed Mike that I would accept PayPal as a reasonable option. He said that would be fine. Since PayPal is instant, I felt the matter would be resolved soon. Never did he say he was going to stop the original payment in favor of PayPal. On November 25th, I checked back in. His claim was that the bookkeeper/treasurer was out of town. While waiting, I followed up with the director (a personal acquaintance) to ask if he had any idea when I might get paid and if delays like this were to be expected. I was starting to have my doubts in regards to the punctuality and credibility of Theatrix USA. November 27th, 2017, when Mike Broemmel received this news, he immediately took a defensive position, calling out the director and myself in a group message. The fault was immediately put on me for the date in which I turned in my invoice, along with erroneous statements that Broemmel had repeatedly asked for it. This was when he said he had to cancel the original payment. I thought this seemed odd, but maintained my composure and professionalism. I simply asked that Theatrix USA get this resolved. Getting desperate, I contacted Sybll Romley, the executive producer of "Taking Tea with the Ripper", through voicemail and text in hopes she might facilitate my need to get paid since I was getting nowhere with Broemmel. She elected to ignore me, making the problem worse. I have since found out that Sybll Romley is a lifelong friend of Mike Broemmel's, his cohort, and accomplice to his nefarious deals under Theatrix USA.
I maintained contact with Mike Broemmel over the next few weeks, although his excuses and feet dragging went on for the remainder of November and into December. Red flags were starting to pop up. The manner in which Theatrix USA seemed to deal with payment was repeatedly being described with over complexity, such that accountability was repeatedly being shifted to other board members, bookkeepers, and treasurers who I do not believe to actually exist. By December 7th, I began to lose my patience and informed Mike Broemmel that I simply need to get paid and they could figure out their bookkeeping later. Thereafter, Mike Broemmel became increasingly less professional and more agitated. On December 11th, 2017 he even sent out a group email to other Theatrix USA members detailing how lack of payment was my fault. I believe he did this to absolve himself of blame, should word start to travel.
By December 13th, I had hit my limit with Broemmel consistently dodging blame and not delivering a payment that he even acknowledged Theatrix USA owed to me. I told him I’d be filing a claim and I did so. On that same day, as a means of getting me to drop the claim, I was told I would receive the payment that Friday if I signed an agreement that I hadn’t been paid yet. I was not emailed said agreement, and of course I was paid nothing.
On December 16th, I had Mike Broemmel served the court documents. I chose the option of selecting a non interested third party--a friend of mine--to serve him at the Lakewood Heritage Center where I knew he would be for the opening of another one of his plays "Stand Still and Look Stupid". When approached by my third party, Mike Broemmel refused to identify himself, as did his cohort Sybll Romley, and also refused to take the court paper because he didn’t want to face the music. I had to call the Lakewood police in order to perform a “civil standby”. I have proof of such in a police report. The Lakewood police arrived and at the sight of this, Mike Broemmel reluctantly took the court document. The police left the sight, allowing my third party and I to remain in the parking lot to fill out the affidavit. Mike Broemmel has since made false and slanderous statements that the cops were called on me (not him) and I was escorted off the property for trespassing. His libel against me can be found on Twitter under his multiple aliases: @Torchmark_LGBTQ @TorchmarkMedia @Legal_Ink_USA @MBroemmel @Bookie2015 @Theater_Notes, and many many more.
Between December 14th and 17th, Mike Broemmel attempted to pressure me into dismissing the court case, by intimidation and threats that I’d be receiving exorbitant monetary sanctions if I didn’t drop the case. My reply was that it’s my right to be told by a court whether or not my case has merit. . . not the word of the defendant.
On February 1st, 2018, I went to court for the case: Kevon Ward vs. Mike Broemmel and Theatrix USA (case number: 17S01256). The judge instructed that I refile the case against Theatrix USA alone since that was the party my agreement was made with. Mike Broemmel boldly lied in court, saying that he would get the matter resolved if the charges were dismissed against him personally. The charges were dismissed against Mike Broemmel, but he did not take measures to ensure that Theatrix USA pay me out the $500 for services rendered. Because of Mike Broemmel's delinquency in this matter, I returned to court March 28th, 2018, to pursue the case: now amended to Kevon Ward vs. Theatrix USA. Mike Broemmel did not show up, nor did anyone to represent Theatrix USA, as he knew he had no defensible reason for avoiding his company's debt to me. The judgement was granted in my favor and so to collect payment, I had garnishment papers served to Mike Broemmel's home address.
Mike Broemmel committed contempt of court, by not providing accurate bank information to me. Broemmel attempted to throw me off by providing an account and routing number--which I found after simple research--were really just linked to a prepaid Net Spend card under Mike Broemmel (not Theatrix USA) which I inferred to likely have insufficient funds. Because of Broemmel's defiance of a court order, he was summoned to appear once again on May 8th, 2018. Reaching the end of the line, Mike Broemmel showed up and pleaded with me immediately to have mercy on him and that he would pay me over the next two weeks. I stated that I had no reason to believe him because of his pattern of lies throughout the previous six months that lead us to this moment. The judge ordered that Broemmel put his claim in writing to pay me via PayPal over the next two weeks or else he was to appear in court yet again on May 21st. Judge Brian T. Campbell told Broemmel, "If I see you again, make sure you bring a toothbrush so you can brush your teeth in jail." Seeing Mike's cowardice and compliance before the judge brought me satisfaction I cannot deny.
Over the next two weeks, I was finally paid the judgement, plus costs I had accrued ($571.50 total), by Theatrix USA. Mike Broemmel alleges that he is only part of the board of Theatrix USA in order to minimize his responsibility for the manners in which Theatrix USA conducts business. Mr. Broemmel is in fact the owner and manager of Theatrix USA. I have seen no other evidence or heard any corroboration that there are treasurers or bookeepers that deal with financial matters on behalf of Theatrix USA.
Mike Broemmel is a career criminal and serial liar. He is a disbarred attorney, that often uses legal jargon and word games to deceive his victims. His understanding of legalities and court systems makes him even more dangerous, because he knows how to be elusive before facing serious legal trouble. He talks the talk and tries to scare others into submission. He is stubborn, defiant, calculated, manipulative, but he is not undefeatable. I finally won, albeit months of hassle and perseverance. I am posting this article in Rip Off Report to encourage others to hold Broemmel accountable and pursue what is rightfully owed. He is a dangerous con artist whose crimes include but are not limited to: money laundering, mail fraud, felony drunk driving, parole violation, multiple scams in Kansas (including victimization of children), multiple scams in Colorado, slander, libel, online harassment, etc. He has even done time in federal prison; his mugshot can be found under Google Images.
Broemmel makes financial deals with entertainers, venues, organizations, etc. When it comes time for payment, he makes it such an arduous process full of excuses, lies, and manipulation, that most creditors simply give up. Those who don't give up throw themselves at the mercy of Broemmel's destruction to their name/reputation through his Twitter libel and various forms of slander. He uses the term "stalker" to describe every person he has harassed dating back more than five years. He claims to be an esteemed author, though he writes his own Amazon reviews under even more aliases to appear dignified, professional, and trustworthy. When I accepted the commission to do work for Theatrix USA, I was unaware of its negative reputation in town and the criminal history of Mike Broemmel and other companies he’s operated behind.There are extensive reports online that allude to such. Simply Google Mike Broemmel and see for yourselves.
I am not the only target, which further motivates me to fight this on principle. Like and share our Facebook page Beware Mike Broemmel to keep others safe.