Panelists at the New York Philharmonic site visit, including PAA alumni and staff. From left to right: Austin Rannestad, Maricha Mile, Marci Kaufman Meyers, Yejin Kim, and Eliza Barberena.
The Performing Arts Administration (PAA) graduate program continued its immersive "Backstage Pass" series on November 21, 2024, with an exclusive trip to the New York Philharmonic. This series offers students unparalleled opportunities to connect with arts professionals, gain insights into organizational operations, and explore career pathways in performing arts administration.
The visit began with an overview of the organization and its history, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the Philharmonic’s home, David Geffen Hall, led by Austin Rannestad (‘22), Board Liaison for the New York Philharmonic. Students explored the orchestra’s performance spaces and learned about the institution's commitment to innovation, community engagement, and its legacy as America’s oldest symphony orchestra.
During the tour, students met with key staff members, including Matthew Tommasini, Director of Very Young Composers & Community Programs, who shared insights into the Philharmonic's groundbreaking education initiatives, and Hayley Rothman, Assistant Production Manager, who discussed the intricate planning involved in producing performances of the highest caliber.
The visit culminated in a panel discussion featuring PAA alumni and Philharmonic staff, moderated by Austin Rannestad. Panelists included Eliza Barberena ('24), Institutional Giving Associate; Yejin Kim ('19), Manager of Special Events; Marci Kaufman Meyers ('06), Director of Brand Marketing; and Maricha Miles ('01), Director of Institutional & Corporate Giving.
During the discussion, alumni shared their diverse career paths and described how the PAA program shaped their professional journeys. Marci Kaufman Meyers highlighted the mentorship she received from PAA faculty, all of whom were working in the field. Having access to people who have experience in the field was “invaluable,” she said. “They want to share with you. They want you to learn from their mistakes and their successes.” She emphasized that the program exposed her to the vast range of opportunities available in arts administration, helping her navigate her career trajectory.
Students seated in the lobby of David Geffen Hall, before their backstage tour of the New York Philharmonic.
Eliza Barberena reflected on the practical skills she gained through the program: “When selecting my elective courses, I was looking to develop specific skills that would inform my career direction. So, I took a lot of writing classes and public relations courses, and those courses helped me choose my internships. Even in my job now, a lot of the public relations courses apply, so it’s made the transition to the working world a lot easier.”
Yejin Kim spoke about her time as an international student navigating the challenges of building a career in the United States. Since the PAA program requires two internships, Yejin learned a lot about the practice of arts administration, although it was a bit stressful to find an internship since she was an international student. Going to graduate school was ”a good transition -- it enabled me to become more familiar with US culture and the work environment. As an international student, I was able to learn a lot,” she reflects.
When discussing what hiring managers look for in applicants, Maricha Miles emphasized the importance of a learning mindset: “We like to see people who are interested in learning, who have the appetite to gain more knowledge and build their skillset.” Marci echoed this sentiment, adding, “Performing arts administration is all about relationships and connections.” When hiring, we look at “how much care and effort are they going to put into the work when they come here and join the team.”
This immersive visit left students inspired and equipped with actionable advice as they prepare to embark on their careers in arts administration. The event highlighted the PAA program’s commitment to connecting students with real-world experiences, alumni, and influential leaders in the performing arts.
This series that aims to inspire students to pursue their passions and make a difference in the performing arts world.
