“If you ever start to feel inadequate at what you’re doing, don’t let that stop you.”
Whitney McDonald is the Theatre Operator for the Amentum Center of Performing Arts and the Aiken Community Theatre in Aiken, S.C. She acts as a liaison between the city and the theater, runs the box office, and handles communications for the theater.
Interview
There was a technical issue with our audio during this interview, so we are providing just the transcript.
Transcript
Whitney McDonald 00:00
Hi, I am Whitney McDonald. I live in Aiken, South Carolina. I am the theater operator for the Momentum Center for Performing Arts. It is a city-owned facility, and Aiken Community Theater is the main tenant. So, I work mostly for Aiken Community Theater, but I also do work for the city as well. I’m kind of split between both. I am more of a liaison between the city and the Aiken Community Theater.
Haley Hansen 00:28
How long have you been doing that?
Whitney McDonald 00:29
Two years in August. Yeah! coming up in August. It will be two years.
Haley Hansen 00:33
Can you walk me through your typical workday?
Whitney McDonald 00:36
Sure. I come in at 8:00 a.m. every morning, even though the box office isn’t open until 9:00. I use that hour to check voicemails and emails for both the theater and the city. I walk through the theater to make sure everything looks okay, especially if we have a rental that day making sure the stage and the back hallway are clean. After that, I answer phone calls and emails. It really depends on what is going on that week or month. There is always something different to do, which keeps you on your toes.
Haley Hansen 01:21
How did you wind up in that field?
Whitney McDonald 01:23
I’ve been a part of the theater for a long time. The previous theater coordinator was with the theater for over 20 years, and I always thought, “If she ever retired, that would be a really great position to have.” It seemed like a nice job weekend off, evenings free. In mid-2022, she announced she was leaving, so I applied. I knew it was a city position, so I had to interview both the city and the executive director of the theater. I had an interview one day, and two weeks later, they offered me the job.
I already knew everyone in the theater. I’ve always been a performer, mostly on stage, and a bit backstage. I did not realize how much went on behind the scenes until I took the job. I’m still learning new things every day. There is no handbook for this position; my predecessor created the role. So, I’m the second person to fill it in. I just take it day by day with support from the board and executive director.
Haley Hansen 03:08
Was there any specific moment when you realized you wanted this job?
Whitney McDonald 03:25
It was always in the back of my mind as a “Dream Job,” but I never thought it would really happen. I was happy doing theater as a hobby. When the job opened, I saw it as an opportunity. I figured even if I did not get it, I would not regret applying. It still feels surreal that I actually work here, kind of like a dream come true.
Haley Hansen 04:21
What were you doing before you came to this position?
Whitney McDonald 04:24
I did a lot of retail, food service, and worked in banking for a while. Those were the main things. I didn’t have a lot of administrative experience, other than what I gained in banking. I think I got lucky. Knowing the people involved helped a lot.
Haley Hansen 04:45
What was the biggest adjustment when you started?
Whitney McDonald 04:58
Getting comfortable answering the phone was a big one. I keep my personal phone silent all day, like a true millennial. Learning the ticketing system was daunting too. The previous coordinator had already left, so there was no formal training. Volunteers, board members, and the executive director helped, but I had to figure out a lot on my own. Learning quickly and independently was the biggest adjustment.
Haley Hansen 05:50
Are there any specific skills a student or young adult should pick up if they want to work in theater administration?
Whitney McDonald 06:01
A background in administration would help. I did not have much, and I was lucky this position didn’t require a lot of it. It depends on how much administrative responsibility a theater coordinator has. We have a treasurer who handles finances, and our executive team shares administrative duties. Also, being okay working alone is important and there are many days I’m here by myself. Customer service is key, too. You are the face of the box office, so being pleasant and helpful really matters.
Haley Hansen 07:19
That’s helpful.
Whitney McDonald 07:20
I’ve never met another theater operator, so I can’t really compare my role with others. Each theater’s daily operations are unique.
Haley Hansen 07:34
Are there any organizations, programs, or events you’d recommend for people interested in theater?
Whitney McDonald 07:43
We used to offer workshops, improve acting classes but haven’t in a while. That is a great place to start. Or just go to an audition. That is how I got started, I had never done theater before, went to an audition, got cast, and went from there. As for getting a job in the industry, I don’t know the exact route. I just got lucky. Some theaters require degrees or certifications.
Haley Hansen 08:28
It sounds like if you show up and get involved, people will help.
Whitney McDonald 08:33
Absolutely. We always welcome new volunteers and encourage people to come in and help.
Haley Hansen 08:40
Do you have any advice for students pursuing a creative career?
Whitney McDonald 08:46
If you ever start to feel inadequate, don’t let that stop you. I feel that way all the time, but I am still learning. If it’s something you really want to pursue, don’t give up. That’s my advice.
Haley Hansen 09:05
Thank you.