Last month, Andrea Swift-Hanlon was hired as the audience services manager at Brown County Music Center.
She joins Executive Director Dana Beth Evans and Marketing Manager Lauren McCarroll as full-time staff at the under-construction theater, set to open Aug. 24 behind Salt Creek Plaza.
The Democrat sent Hanlon a Q&A to re-introduce herself to the community, as Hanlon is a Brown County native.
For more information on upcoming shows, visit browncountymusiccenter.com.
Q: Tell us about yourself. Where are you from? What are your interests?
A: I was born and raised in Brown County. After living in Bloomington the last 10 years, my husband and I decided to move back to Brown County last spring to raise our family here. We have a 7-month-old son. We are currently building a home in the northwest part of the county. I enjoy being outdoors, boating with my family, and going to concerts and plays. I also love to cook.
Q: What is your work history? Where did you work prior to becoming the BCMC Audience Services Manager? What were your duties?
A: I have a degree in theater from Indiana State University. Since graduating, I have worked as a collaborative theater artist in numerous theaters and companies all over the Midwest, New York and Ireland. I have a wide range of experience as an actor, choreographer, technical director and professor. I also have experience in hospitality and property management. The last two years, I served as faculty at Blackburn College in Carlinville, Illinois, teaching acting, movement, costumes and makeup, technical theater and studies in musical theater. The last seven months I have been staying at home with my infant son.
Q: What made you decide to apply for this job?
A: I applied for this position because I could see the potential for me to give back to the community that helped shape and form me into the artist and person that I am today. I have extensive experience in the entertainment industry, and I wanted to be able to use my experience to help foster this new age of entertainment into our county. I am passionate about contributing to the resurgence of entertainment in Brown County. I am also excited to be a part of a brand-new business and facility. The chance to contribute to the planning, molding and execution of this new venue captivates me.
Q: How would you describe your job? What’s a work day like for you?
A: I work with our box office staff to facilitate ticket sales and work with our patrons to make sure they have a top-notch experience when they walk into the Brown County Music Center. I will also be training and working closely with our volunteers. It is my job to create an enjoyable experience beyond the concert or performance. I also work closely with Ticketmaster to analyze ticket sales and perform audits. My start date was April 24, so I am still learning and finding my process throughout the day. So far, my days are filled with communicating with my box office staff, speaking with patrons and helping with ticket sales, coordinating volunteer opportunities and training and preparing for our grand opening.
Q: What do you hope to bring to this position?
A: My hope is to bring enthusiasm and excitement to the community and our patrons of the Brown County Music Center. I want people to know that our staff and I are here to make sure they have an awesome experience when they arrive to the Brown County Music Center.
Q: What kind of music do you like? What acts would you like to see perform at BCMC one day?
A: I really love many genres of music. Being from Brown County, I cut my teeth on old country and bluegrass. My grandmother took me to many shows at the Opry. I also love classic rock. My favorite bands include U2, Death Cab for Cutie, and Ingrid Michaelson — just to name a few. I would love to see Ingrid Michaelson perform and Pistol Annies at the Brown County Music Center.
Q: Where is your office? How can people get ahold of you?
A: I am currently working out of the box office at the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau, or you can reach me via email at [email protected].
— Suzannah Couch, The Democrat
