The Staging Old Masters weekend performances are over at the Pulitzer, and I’m feeling more rested without the hectic work week it involved. Yet, somehow I felt healthier from the energy that came with each of those shows. 

As Visitor Services Manager, I had many roles before, during, and after each performance, but my favorite one was holding the doors open at the beginning of each performance. It was at this moment I could smile and participate with my loudest “boya, boya, yo!”–joining in the procession of actors’ chant and smiling with each performer as they entered the door. 

My least favorite part of Staging Old Masters was the more logistical budgeting of space, for safety and viewing purposes, and the unfortunate turning away of many individuals who wished to see the skits but arrived after the allotted 35 audience members.

Sometimes they were strangers; sometimes family of the performers; maybe just curious people seeing the hub-bub as they walked to the Fox, but the heartbreak of turning them away was the same each time. I did my best to be the friendliest and clearest in my explanation as to why they couldn’t enter the building–but unfortunately, I can still recall many long faces. 

Each time we experiment with innovative programming at the Pulitzer, there’s a learning curve. About the time Staging Old Masters ended, I feel like I had learned the best ways to keep the gallery occupation size appropriate for safety and to make those people allowed in have the best possible viewing experience.

The shows’ production  took skillful coordination between different behind-the-scenes departments at the Pulitzer, and I think we can be proud of the outcome.

And if you were one of those people I had to turn away, you have another chance to see Staging Old Masters skits next Friday, when they’re performed in our courtyard. Since it will be outside, there won’t be a limit to the audience size. You can read more about the event next week from Lauren.