Experience

• 

  Lyric Opera of Chicago

  • Hospitality staff

    • 2008 - Present

    To help our guests to have a great experience at the opera. It's somewhat like giving a party for 3500 people, and we are the hosts. Each of the staff has a unique way of accomplishing that goal. In my case it may include making sure they get to their seat in time, announcing the opera in the language of the opera, knowing the run times of the opera, letting patrons know what the themed restaurant special of the day is, making a small poster, what is the most available rest room at intermission, having a cough drop handy...and whatever our guests need to enjoy a memorable performance. I want them to forget their issues or hurts of the day and rember their joys... "Let their hair down" and have a blast.

• 

  Jane Addams Hull House Association

  • 3212 N Broadway, Chicago, Il

  • Assistant Director, theatre; Set Designer, Actor, Teacher

    • 1966 - 1973
    • 3212 N Broadway, Chicago, Il

    This was the Chicago theatre that made regional theatre a reality. Columbia College acknowledged that when they had a seminar about Chicago theatre history and regional theatre. Work included the front of the house, ticket sales, carpentry as well as acting, directing and teaching. It was like getting a doctorate in theatre arts. We were inclusive. No one was turned away because of finances. They could work for a ticket or lesson by vacuuming the carpets, being an usher, working concessions. Students were not separated due to physical issues. I taught acting classes with hearing and none hearing students and refused to separate them. As far as I know, this was a first. At its peak, there were five theatres, including a writer's theatre, and touring companies, was featured in a Time magazine, and played at the Ravinia festival.