A: I’ve lived here 17 months; I came to Springfield in November of 2014. I had worked previously in Maine before coming to Springfield.
Q: Why did you make Springfield your home?
A: Honestly, I picked Springfield because I picked Clark State. I come from running venues in higher education, and a performing arts center and being part of college is important to me. When I did see the venue and the opportunities for the venue here in Springfield, it was a win-win situation.
Q: What do you enjoy about your job?
A: I know a lot of people would expect me to say that putting the season together in an artistic way is the most exciting part of my job, and it is exciting. But I actually love the business end of a performing arts center and all the opportunities it affords the students and the community.
Q: What’s something that not everyone knows about you?
A: I am originally from New York City, and grew up there.
Q: Why do you love Springfield?
A: The people here in the Midwest and in Springfield are warm and welcoming, which is a stark difference from New Englanders, who are really reserved. I love how the community embraces the Performing Arts Center. In that sense, it feels like a very large family.
Q: What would you tell a stranger about Springfield?
A: I would tell them that there is so much going on here. The architecture, the symphony, Summer Arts Festival, the pride that the people have who live here; they are all impressive. It is true community in every sense of the word.
Q: What is a special memory about Springfield?
A: The first show that we had here (at the PAC) that I was responsible for booking was The Illusionists (a national touring magic/illusions show). They were here for five days launching their tour. All our technical arts and theater students worked on the show and got to see what it takes to put on a national touring show. One of the students who has been here for a few years looked me in the eye and said, “This is the most exciting thing I have ever been a part of.” There is a large group of people in this community who don’t realize what an extraordinary venue we have in this town.
Q: What can you not live without in Springfield?
A: The arts and entertainment scene in Springfield, and even in the outlying areas, within 60 miles there is so much to choose from. The New Yorker in me loves that. Being in the center of the country, these tours pass through Ohio, giving us great opportunities. I’m just as excited to see other close venues do well.
Q: What would you like to see improved in the city?
A: We need more restaurants downtown. For me and my family, the restaurants we have are fantastic. I’d just like to see more restaurants downtown. People like to have a nice dinner and a cocktail, then walk to a venue. Or after a show, walk somewhere to socialize.
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