Music Center Profiles

What is your job?

“I recruit, train and supervise all of the staff who work with the visitors – ushers, ticket takers, coat check people, theater managers. My job is to make sure our visitors have a great time.”

How did you get started?

Carolyn Van Brunt

VICE PRESIDENT OF GUEST RELATIONS THE MUSIC CENTER

As young student

“I got started as an usher at the Great Western Forum. I worked at Lakers games and rock concerts.”

When did you first know you wanted to do this for a living?

“By accident – I knew I adored being around people – serving and helping people. I loved drama and shows – I would watch the people on TV and imitate them. I didn’t want to perform myself but wanted to be a part of it.”

What do you like most about your job?

“When I help a person with a disability.”

Resident Company: A group of artists (musicians, dancers, actors) who are based at a specific theatre or arts center, like The Music Center.

Accompaniment: The musical background that supports a main part.

Scenery: The painted walls and hangings on a theatre stage.

Overture: Music performed before the first action in a show which introduces the main musical themes and sets a tone or feeling for the work.

Matthew Rushing REHEARSAL DIRECTOR/GUEST ARTIST

What is your job?

“I’m a dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.”

How did you get started?

“My mother enrolled me in an after school program to keep me off the streets. It was at the Inglewood Playhouse in Los Angeles. I got to learn all aspects of the theatre – acting, music, dance. At the end of the summer – I had fallen in love with dance.”

Did you go to school to be a dancer?

“I attended the LA County High School for the Arts.”

When did you first know you wanted to do this for a living?

“My mother wanted me to see the best dance company around. She took me to see the Ailey Company at the Wiltern Theatre. From that moment on I knew I wanted to dance and Ailey was the company I wanted to dance with.”