THIS WEEK: MEET SARA & GAVIN
Who are you and where are you from?
Sara Kissinger, Mars Pennsylvania
What do you do at Baltimore Center Stage?
Individual Giving Manager
How long have you been working here?
Since September 2017
What’s the most interesting thing about your job?
It is my job to connect current and potential donors with programs at BCS that inspire them and motivate them to support our work. BCS is fortunate to have incredible supporters, from board members and donors to volunteers and audience members. I love interacting with each of them, hearing their Center Stage stories, and working with them to determine the ways in which they’re most excited to continue supporting BCS.
Do you have a favorite space in the BCS building?
There is a funny little set of stairs between the fifth and sixth floors that leads to nowhere, and it makes me laugh every time I pass it. Also, nothing is more beautiful than the Jay Andrus Rehearsal Hall, especially when it’s quiet between rehearsals and the sunlight is streaming in through the windows.
What is your favorite play?
My favorite show from the 2017/18 Season was Mobile Unit’s Twelfth Night. I attended a matinee in the Third Space at BCS with more than 30 students in the audience, and they were so excited to ask questions and engage during the casual post-show talk-back. Also, actor David Darrow is such a fun artist to watch, and I loved his musical additions to the production.
Who are you and where are you from?
Gavin Witt from Washington, DC
What do you do at Baltimore Center Stage?
Whatever needs doing or whatever I’m asked—including helping to support the artistic director in devising and implementing the artistic course of the theater from long-term planning to season programming to the execution of individual shows (in conjunction with the rest of the Artistic team), as well as providing dramaturgical support to productions and to any other department as needed; fostering our commissioning and new play development efforts; and producing the Play Lab workshop series.
How long have you been working here?
Since 2002
What’s the most interesting thing about your job?
How much it changes from project to project, and how much I get to rethink and relearn every time.
Do you have a favorite space in the BCS building?
My all-time favorite space is now gone with the renovation (the old 2R greenroom nook), but of what remains I’ve grown increasingly fond of the new-found Smith Studio on the 5th floor: it’s been great for readings, rehearsals, small meetings, cultivation events—and makes a perfect little performance space for developmental workshops.
What is your favorite play?
So many faves over all these many years, really too many to choose from; but I’d have to say I’m proudest of having been part of The Murder of Isaac and Elmina’s Kitchen.