● Spotlight
Behind the curtain
Despite its impressive scope, Celebrity Series is powered by a small but mighty team. Connie is the sole full-time staff member. Her right hand is box office Manager Georgene Gib, a former banker with 38-plus years of customer service experience.“ She’ s the first voice our patrons hear and the friendly face they meet when they arrive. We’ re like Lucy and Ethel behind the scenes.”
Rounding out the team is James Dworek, Westminster’ s new technical director. Formerly with
12 VALLEY VOICES
Georgene Gib with performer Jackie Ivanko
Point Park University, Dworek handles all technical aspects of Celebrity Series productions, from sound and lighting to stage setup.
Curating a season
Each Celebrity Series season features five carefully selected shows. While Connie relies on email and digital relationships to coordinate bookings, her favorite way to discover talent remains the APAP / NYC Conference, a highoctane event where agents, presenters, and artists converge.“ It’ s like speed dating meets
Broadway,” Connie described.“ You’ re running from showcases at the Hilton to backroom performances at iconic venues like 54 Below, and you’ re lucky to sleep three hours a night.”
But the magic is worth it. Connie recalls hearing keynote speeches from Lin-Manuel Miranda, Stephen Schwartz, and even Dr. Anthony Fauci.“ There’ s nothing like it. It recharges you creatively.”
The art of show day
By the time show day arrives, most of Connie’ s work is done, but not her involvement.“ We start prepping about a month in advance,” she explained.“ That includes coordinating with tour managers, confirming technical riders, booking hotels, arranging transportation, and organizing catering from Westminster’ s own chef.”
While artists typically arrive the night before, Connie admits she loses sleep when travel is scheduled the day of the performance.“ Weather delays, flight issues- it’ s nervewracking. But when that artist walks through the door, it’ s the best feeling.”
From load-in to setting up dressing rooms and hospitality details, to welcoming the artists to Westminater College, the day is a ballet of logistics.“ I’ m there to make sure everything runs smoothly,” Connie said.
There’ s even room for a personal touch.“ For our holiday show, I always bring in poinsettias from Kraynak’ s,” she said.“ It’ s a local tradition. Artists love it.”
Magical moments and memorable guests When asked about favorite performances, Connie finds it hard to choose. But Franc D’ Ambrosio