In the beginning of my summer internship at the Vilar Performing Arts Center, I didn’t have much experience with theatre other than two middle school plays and the Battle Mountain High School production of Romeo & Juliet. I thought working at a theatre was all about helping with makeup, wardrobe, and meeting the performers, but it was so much more than that. Being at the Vilar gave me insight into how much work it takes to smoothly run a performing arts center.
I was surprised by how much data and analysis goes into running a performing arts venue. The team is constantly trying to find new ways to keep their existing audience engaged while also reaching new customers. I learned that things like Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and audience engagement metrics play a huge role in planning and improving events. I admired Executive Director Cameron Morgan’s approach: how intentional he is with every decision, and how considerate the entire team is of the community’s needs. It made me realize the thought and care that goes into every show, far beyond what the audience sees.
Programming
In my second week, I worked with Programming and Artist Relations and learned about riders: detailed contracts that specify everything performers need. Some performers might have special requests for their meals or technical requirements, and every detail must be carefully reviewed.
I sat in on a programming meeting, and one of my favorite parts was seeing everyone’s ability to acknowledge each other and say what each person in their department did well. A lot of programming is done from the Production office, and while they are always backstage, in the lighting booth, or running around getting things ready, no one ever really sees them. But without them, there would be no show at all.
Development and Box Office
In my third week, I worked with Development and the Box Office. In Development, they discussed incoming donations, comparing last year’s to this year’s, and talked about opportunities to reach more donors and ways to keep current donors engaged. From learning how to operate show cues to understanding how departments coordinate across marketing, production, and ticketing, I got a full picture of what it takes to run a successful event. I also learned how to analyze data and see how it informs artistic and logistical decisions. I didn’t expect to develop such strong communication and organizational skills.
The Box Office was steady. While many people bought their tickets online and kept them on their phones, it was refreshing to see how many preferred their tickets to be printed. As someone who loves collecting memorabilia, it felt nostalgic seeing physical tickets.
Artist Relations
Working with Artist Relations as the summer season started to pick up was exciting. Ahead of The Neil Diamond Experience performance, I was able to see how the Vilar prepares for a show: making sure every member of the band had what they needed, making sure dinner was set out, and restocking the green rooms. I was able to meet the band and their lead singer Robert Neary backstage. They were a lovely group and were very enthusiastic about being able to play a venue as beautiful as the Vilar.
During my time backstage, I helped Senior Production Manager Shane Huebner with tasks such as gaffing (taping up the skirts for the risers) and starting the show. It felt good to see how much communication is involved—from lighting to sound, house, and production—and to be a part of it. I was able to tell our stagehands to roll the pre-recorded show announcements, handed Cameron his microphone, and waited backstage for him to go on. It was one of my favorite moments and why I had initially wanted to be a part of Vilar team. I had always loved theatre and performance, but backstage is where everything happens. In my high school production of Romeo and Juliet, that’s where I was – backstage. It felt like a full circle moment, being able to go from a high school show to helping with a professional production.
Hospitality
A lot of what happens at the Vilar is based on hospitality. People expect a great show, but what they might not expect is even better service. Food & Beverage Manager Kenneth Howell put it perfectly: “My job is to make it a great experience for guests and patrons,” he says. “Whether it’s an alcoholic beverage for the adults or a snack for the kids, Beaver Creek is specifically focused on being the best of the best in luxury… we do whatever we can to make this place special.”
Kenneth makes sure the Vilar’s bartenders have the training, guidance and support they need to provide the best possible service. They even make special drinks for certain shows, like a Mai Tai for the Jake Shimabukuro performance to honor his Hawaiian heritage and a Cuba Libre for the Buena Vista Orchestra show.
A Successful Summer
Before this internship, I had pushed aside many of my artistic goals in favor of a more “practical” path in politics. But working at the Vilar reminded me why I fell in love with storytelling and theatre in the first place. I still want to be a director and writer, but now I care more about the community and meaning that can come from creating art. Watching audiences connect over Bravo! Vail shows and come together to see Lyle Lovett helped me see the real power of storytelling — it builds something lasting beyond the stage or screen.
While many people come to the Vilar to see the shows, something else they should consider when visiting is the people. Being born and raised in Colorado makes me very proud to be a part of a community where so many people dedicate their time to keeping this performing arts venue open and running. I learned many things about the performance industry in my seven weeks at the Vilar, and I will take all those skills with me. However, the biggest thing I will take away from this experience is the connections I’ve formed with everyone who’s worked there. Thank you to Tess, Shane, Kenneth, Miah, Ruthie, Cameron, Kit, Rachel, and everyone else at the Vilar who gave me this opportunity and let me follow them around.
If you ever get the privilege to be an intern at the Vilar, do it. Even if you don’t have much theatre experience, it’s an incredible opportunity to be part of something meaningful. I’m so glad I got to explore a career aligned with my creative passions before heading off to college. This internship was the best part of my summer, and I’d recommend it to anyone who is even a little curious about the arts, events, or nonprofit work.