Josie Doll backstage with Phil Stark, Technical Services Supervisor, prepping for her pre-show introduction of Led Zeppelin I, part of the Classic Albums Live Series at the Esplanade.-- SUBMITTED PHOTO
Back in October I transitioned to my new role with the City of Medicine Hat – a dream job, for sure! I went from selling sponsorships to booking talent; a huge change, but one I was so excited for. Over the previous three years as corporate partnership coordinator, I had become familiar with both the Esplanade and Co-op Place, working in both locations. I had a good idea of the stats – who was coming to each facility, what the average ticket price was, what the top 15 shows were for each location and other details. What I didn’t realize, but quickly discovered, is what a massive coordination operation it is to bring entertainment to our city. So much goes on behind the scenes, with so many people involved for every event to ensure the highest quality experience every time.
My job as entertainment and events coordinator is to research, locate, book and present entertainment. Daily, even nightly and on the weekends, I am talking with agents of all sorts of entertainers! I work to curate a year of entertainment which engages the vast variety of our community’s interests. This takes learning and understanding our market along with many other important factors. Once the right show is pinpointed, then comes the art of the deal…the song and dance the booker does with each agent to ensure we can secure the act at the right cost to set a reasonable ticket price in hopes to sell out. That’s the point where the hard work begins again, as staff at each location are activated. What they do is a thing of beauty.
Once the contract is signed, our teams get to work! Guest services “builds the show” and gets us ready to sell tickets, marketing creates a plan for promotions, theatre technicians coordinate technical requirements, the volunteers, facility workers, bartenders and box office staff are notified and scheduled. Then when event day comes, it’s all hands on deck! The technicians team ensures everything from lights to microphones to carpets and stools are lined up and ready for sound check. The finishing touches are put in the green room awaiting the artists’ arrival. Then, it’s the event – the night we all have been waiting for – the lights are dimmed, and everyone is in place and position to welcome you.
The world of entertainment is anything but ordinary – we are exhausted and exhilarated, we work through the constant stress of change and unknown to create the best guest experience we can for every patron. Event days are long, and your feet hurt, but at the end of the day, it is what we love… even if, ironically, we didn’t get to see much of the show.
I hope the next time you attend an event you have a better idea of all the staff who worked tirelessly to ensure you enjoyed your experience… and please, come again soon!
Josie Doll is Entertainment and Events Coordinator at the Esplanade and Co-op Place
