February 14, 2002-Vol33n17: Q&A

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 17

THURSDAY, February 14, 2002


	TRAPANOVSKI

Katherine Trapanovski is event manager/senior house manager for the Center for the Arts

Describe your duties at the Center for the Arts.
The answer to this question depends upon the type of event. The Center for the Arts hosts theatrical events, as well as non-theatrical events, such as fairs, receptions, dinners and even weddings. My job here is largely logistical, requiring attention to detail and an understanding of patron and renter needs and fitting those needs into the center. That translates into being involved with all events on a variety of levels. I am required to have a full understanding of what the event entails and what the center can provide to manage it successfully, intelligently and efficiently. In the case of theatrical events, I primarily am responsible for areas of the facility that the public comes into contact with, such as the lobby and the actual house of the theater. I work closely with the production staff, the box office, presenting organizations and members of the actual production to make sure that various needs are met. This can include such items as merchandising, concessions, University Police and event staffing—all with a focus on patron comfort and safety. I am responsible for arranging for our 400-person volunteer corp. and student staff for these productions, as well as providing them with important production information and duties. In the end, if there is a question, problem or issue involving patrons of the center, the patron services staff brings it to me for resolution. In the case of non-theatrical events, I work with those renting the facility in advance, discussing such details as floor plans, catering and decorations. I help work through their questions and concerns, and assist in the planning process. On the night of the event, I am here to make sure that everything does, indeed, happen as discussed.

What's the best part of your job?
By far the best part of my job is having the opportunity to see people leave this facility happy or excited about their experience. This applies no matter what the event. There is something very uplifting when you hear people commenting on the quality of a performance or the success of a special event. It is very rewarding to know that your efforts are being appreciated and culminate in a successful event.

What's the most difficult thing you have to do?
I think the most difficult thing that I have to do is balance the many personalities and needs of those involved with an event. During a given event, I deal with so many people and each person has something they need and their own way of getting what they need, so you have to be very flexible, listen well, communicate well and be able to problem-solve quickly. From the presenting organizations and the actual production, down to the volunteers, everyone has something they need from the facility and making it all happen at the same time and to everyone's satisfaction can sometimes be trying.

Do you get to meet the performers?
A large percentage of the time I meet those performing at the center through my normal duties. As someone who works in entertainment, I try to maintain an air of professionalism focusing on my responsibilities. I think most performers get asked for autographs and special attention from their fans often enough, so I prefer to give them their space and a chance to relax—that way they really enjoy their time in our facility and can give the best performance possible.

How did you get into "show business"? What's your background?
I actually get asked this question often and I always say that my career in show business started by mistake. This answer is only partially correct because I have always loved the arts. Even in elementary school, I was involved in theatrical productions and music classes but I never actually thought of this path as a career choice. I came to UB for my undergraduate degree, studying in the School of Management. During my time at the School of Management, I was required to do an internship. I chose one with the Greater Buffalo Opera Company that had sparked my interest. The internship proved quite interesting and upon graduation, the GBOC offered me a job as marketing director and box office manager. That job eventually led me here to the Center for the Arts. I now have worked at the center for almost six years, and in my time here have had the opportunity to expand my experience in entertainment and earn an MBA.

Which act/performer that has appeared in the CFA has been your favorite?
In August of 1999 and 2000, the CFA hosted the Jazz Dance World Congress. This conference is my favorite event because of the shear scale of the event and the caliber of the performers and instructors. Jazz Dance was a week-long dance conference that included daily classes with world-renowned choreographers and nightly performances by international dance companies. The conference was attended by a total of 800-900 individuals and was a logistical challenge that both was exciting and extremely rewarding. It was, without a doubt, one of the best events we have ever done and I loved being involved at every level.