Performing arts facilities student workers run the show 

Behind any successful performance lies the work of an equally talented crew who make certain everything runs smoothly. Arts in Bloom at Bloomsburg, a Commonwealth University, is no different. Each headliner performance, guest lecture, performing arts recital, or graduation would not be possible without the passionate group of student workers in the university’s performing arts facilities who don’t just help with shows but run the whole operation behind the scenes. 

Abby Manns, Bloomsburg’s performing arts facilities technical director employs about 20 students between the box office and the technical crew. “When there’s an event, I am totally hands-off with my students,” said Manns ‘08. “Each one of them is completely capable so that I can ensure that everything goes according to plan.” 

On event days, students are responsible for a variety of tasks to prepare for the show. They hang and focus the lights which can weigh up to 25 pounds each, set up sound equipment, assist with sound checks, and set and build the stage.  

For students like Jack Heroux-Skirbst, a senior audio/video recording major for Bangor, working in the performing arts facilities offers valuable experience. “I began working at the performing arts facilities a little over a year and a half ago because I wanted to learn more about what goes into presenting live shows,” said Heroux-Skirbst. “The work that I do here is exactly the type of work that I want to pursue when I graduate. It opened my eyes to the variety of areas in my major and has given me the opportunity to refine my skills.”  

The position isn’t just useful to students pursuing a degree in the arts. When Manns herself was a student at BU and a student worker in the performing arts facilities, she majored in communication studies. “If someone has an interest in this field, regardless of their major, I’ll hire them,” said Manns. “My students don’t just get their academic experience, but a ton of valuable technical experience as well that they can take with them when they leave.”  

One of these students, Maya Nunna, a senior social work major from Pittsburgh, is currently Manns’ 

longest-working student. They started working in the performing arts facilities in 2019. “I started working in the performing arts facilities because I enjoyed theatre tech work and was looking for a flexible work-study job,” said Nunna. “Working with the performing arts facilities has helped to build my confidence and learn how to work in a team, along with basic life skills like how to work with tools.”  

Currently, Manns and her students are preparing for their last headliner show of the semester: Philadelphia Freedom, a tribute to Elton John. Manns asked the group to perform for Arts in Bloom after they used the facilities for practice. “When I heard them practice, I just thought ‘Well, we need to book them and hear them really play,’” said Manns.  

Philadelphia Freedom will bring together current and past performing arts facilities student workers. Two of the band’s members, Aaron Eldred on guitar and Michael Shaw on drums, used to be student workers for the performing arts, and Heroux-Skirbst will join the band for the show.