The Brown County Playhouse has a new face working to bring entertainment to the 70-year-old theater in the heart of Nashville.
Executive Director Suzannah Zody has been unable to work at the Playhouse due to an illness. This month, Hannah Estabrook will become the new assistant executive director to help the show go on.
Estabrook is not new to the Playhouse, though. She also works as the executive director of One Pulse Entertainment, a company which presents multiple live music shows each year at the 426-seat Playhouse.
“I have a deep passion for music,” Estabrook said.
She graduated this past Saturday from Indiana University with a degree in arts management from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs, plus a minor in financial literacy from the Kelley School of Business. She also received a certificate in rock music history from the Jacobs School of Music.
She’s is no stranger to the stage, either. She has been a cellist for 12 years. She also has an appreciation for all music genres. Some of her very favorite musical artists include Janis Joplin, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Frank Sinatra and Brian Wilson.
The Democrat sent a get-to-know-you questionnaire to Estabrook for her to work on as she finished studying for her finals.
Q: What is your work history?
A: I have experience in accounts receivable accounting at a large firm up in Indianapolis; however, I am more interested in being around musicians. My college internship found me and fell into my life at the perfect time. Currently, I also work as the executive director for One Pulse Entertainment, a small but mighty group of incredibly talented individuals. One Pulse focuses on capturing the essence of live performance with favorite hits from the last several decades. I really enjoy having the opportunity to research, contact, book venues, put on productions, organize fundraising events and experience the joy of audience-performer synergy. I am so lucky to work with people who believe in the art of live performances.
Q: What made you decide to apply for this job?
A: While working for One Pulse Entertainment, I had been motivated to pursue the job opening at the Brown County Playhouse. I had worked many shows in the Playhouse over the past year-and-a-half as a production intern, so I was familiar with the grand space as well as the lovely volunteers and staff. My mentors, Jenn Cristy and Eric Brown, saw the opportunity and pushed me to explore more options in my career. Their recommendation meant the world to me, as I am now fully confident that I am a valuable asset to my industry at a young age. When I began my job search, I was looking into working with classical musicians in an established venue in my hometown area. I really enjoy rock music, and the leaders at One Pulse have exposed me to the exciting lure of this genre. With my job at the Playhouse, I will get the best of both worlds. Managing a venue as well as working with rock musicians is a dream I never realized I had. I can thank One Pulse Entertainment for giving me the impression that I am needed to move forward with their strategic plan, but also allowing me to explore my talents in other avenues like venue management in Brown County.
Q: How often will you be working at the Playhouse?
A: I will be in the Playhouse on a close to daily basis. I want to spend as much time as I can learning everything about venue management, volunteer organization and audience connections. I love the sense of community attached to the Brown County Playhouse. In my early meetings with the organization, we have been describing the atmosphere as the “living room of the community.” I feel so at home in the beautiful space, being surrounded by so many talented, hardworking people. I cannot wait to grow and learn in this position, utilizing some of the best resources available in the area. Basically, they’ll have to kick me out if I am around too much.
Q: What do you hope to bring to this position?
A: To put it simply, I hope to bring a fresh perspective with my newfound skills right out of college. I am extremely eager to express myself, speak openly and work to draw in new audiences that will love the Playhouse as much as I do. Being much younger than my co-workers is intimidating; however, I believe this new relationship will benefit both my learning curve as well as the Playhouse’s potential to reach a more diverse set of interests in the community.
Q: What can audiences expect from the Playhouse this year?
A: The Brown County Playhouse intends to collaborate with the Brown County Music Center to bring the best possible acts to the community. Rather than directly competing with one another, we wish to enter a symbiotic relationship to cultivate the best audience response possible. The best part of the Playhouse, in my opinion, is the intimacy of the space. Audience members have the advantage of state-of-the-art surround sound, and there is not a “bad” seat in the entire venue. Each performance put on by the Playhouse is tailored to wow anyone that steps in the door. If you want to kick back and watch a newly released film at a discounted price, or dance all night to rockin’ live performers, the Brown County Playhouse facility and hospitality will not disappoint.
Q: Where is your office? How can people get ahold of you?
A: Anyone is welcome to reach me by email at [email protected] and my phone number is 317-946-9031. I will be between the Brown County Community Foundation building as well as the Playhouse on a regular basis. Stop in and say “hi” or shoot me a message anytime.
Q: Looking into the future, are there any improvements or changes you would like to see at the Playhouse?
A: I would be elated to experience younger audiences’ energies in the Playhouse. I want to get as many people as I can to enjoy the Playhouse’s charm for the first time and keep them coming back for more! Additionally, we need more volunteers. Please don’t be afraid to reach out and join our fun family; plus, you get to see some shows for free.
Q: Is there anything else you want the community to know about you?
A: Those that know me well know that I have an old soul. I am the mother of a 17-year-old kitty cat named Stitch. I am a huge nerd for all things “Game of Thrones” and “Star Wars.” I am a loyal Chicago Cubs fan. I love all the outside time I can get and I have a bad case of the travel bug. I have quite a bit of traveling experience and would love to share stories of my adventures over some coffee at Common Grounds or a good IPA at Big Woods. I adore food and I am looking for recommendations in the area. I am always willing to try something new. Additionally, I am a follower of Christ and hope to connect with a church in the area soon.
— Suzannah Couch, Brown County Democrat
