Saturday evening, July 15th I pulled out my black gala dress from my shopping bag and prepared for the festivities. The gala did not start until 5pm, but I reported to work at 10am. My morning began by updating the 11 bulletin boards around campus and then answering the phones in the box office. At 6pm I chatted with many donors and other gala guests during their cocktail hour as I politely asked them to make there way to the Ted Shawn Theatre for the performances.Once the guests were seated, I waited outside for "bell tickets" - tickets that have not been sold and are released as complimentary tickets for interns and staff members.
The gala performance was absolutely BREATH-TAKING. It began with a world-premiere performance by The School at Jacob's Pillow Ballet Program choreographed by Helen Pickett. Michaela Deprince and her partner from Dance Theatre of Harlem then performed the Black Swan leading into a duet by Martha Graham danced by Wendy Whelan and a dancer from The Martha Graham Company.The Gala performance closed with a standing-ovation performance by Jacob Pillow Award Winner Michelle Dorrance and her outstanding Gospel singers (see photos below.)When the performance ended I stationed myself underneath the Gala tent directing everyone to their assigned tables. The Gala raised $411,000 between live and silent auctions, an amazing experience to watch and be a part of.
Today, Wednesday June 19th is opening night for Dance Theatre of Harlem as well as opening for our summer festival. My first assignment this morning was to drill brochure holders to all of the bulletin boards using a power tool. This was definitely something out of the ordinary - but thankfully did not break a nail, ha-ha. The phones have not stopped ringing today, and we are close to selling out many shows!!
Tonight I will be working the Marketing/Patron table down by the Inside/Out Theatre talking to patrons and encouraging them to donate money to Jacob's Pillow. When the performance ends I will return to my home in the box office and continue selling tickets for tonight and other shows. Hopefully I'll get a "bell ticket" tonight.
For now, xoxo Rachel
Today, Wednesday June 19th is opening night for Dance Theatre of Harlem as well as opening for our summer festival. My first assignment this morning was to drill brochure holders to all of the bulletin boards using a power tool. This was definitely something out of the ordinary - but thankfully did not break a nail, ha-ha. The phones have not stopped ringing today, and we are close to selling out many shows!!
Tonight I will be working the Marketing/Patron table down by the Inside/Out Theatre talking to patrons and encouraging them to donate money to Jacob's Pillow. When the performance ends I will return to my home in the box office and continue selling tickets for tonight and other shows. Hopefully I'll get a "bell ticket" tonight.
For now, xoxo Rachel