I’ve been fortunate to work at performing arts centers on college campuses in some fascinating locations. Early in my career, I assisted in producing shows at the University of Washington in Seattle and later at Texas Performing Arts on the University of Texas campus in Austin. Both centers operated multiple theaters, had exceptional staff and showcased fantastic performances, including Broadway musicals, music from a variety of genres, dance and theater. Both organizations employed students in closely supervised support roles, although these rarely evolved into leadership positions.
The Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College is different, and we love working with student employees.
When touring artists arrive at the Concert Hall, they are often greeted by FLC students working backstage. These students assist in unloading trucks that carry musical instruments, sound and lighting equipment, costumes and merchandise. They also help set the stage, hang and focus lights, manage the stage and conduct set changes during the performance. Students perform a significant portion of the backstage work, are paid employees and play a vital role in the successful presentation of Concert Hall performances.
Students also play a crucial role in enhancing the audience experience. When you purchase a ticket for a Concert Hall event, it’s likely that a student employee handles your order. If you’ve sent an email inquiring about how to buy tickets, a student will assist you in finding the answers. If you called our ticket office, your call was probably answered or returned by a student to help ensure a smooth ticket-buying process. Upon your arrival at the Concert Hall, students remain essential to your experience. If you’re buying a ticket at the venue, a student worker will sell it to you. Need help locating your seat once you’re there? A student will assist you in finding it. Misplaced your receipt or forgot where it is? That’s right, a student will help you track it down and get you checked in.
Have you attended a performance by the FLC Performing Arts Department at the Community Concert Hall? Whether it’s a band concert, choral performance or musical theater show, students are not only helping backstage, selling tickets and assisting attendees but also performing on stage.
As a performing arts center on a college campus, the Community Concert Hall flourishes through collaboration with students from diverse backgrounds and majors. While we certainly welcome music and theater majors, this experience also prepares them for employment or graduate school after graduation. Additionally, many of our student employees are pursuing degrees in business, science and the humanities. The work is demanding and relies on teamwork, and the environment we strive to cultivate is based on accountability, punctuality and reliability – traits that are essential in today’s workplace. The FLC students you interact with at the Community Concert Hall exemplify all these qualities.
Don’t miss the chance to see the work our students support at the Concert Hall. For tickets and more information, visit durangoconcerts.com or call 247-7657 (Monday through Friday, 1to 5 p.m.).
Charles Leslie is director of the Community Concert Hall at Fort Lewis College.
