How did you get started in your field?
While attending graduate school at TU [the University of Tulsa in Oklahoma], I read an article about a man named Larry Payton, who presented Broadway. He had worked in collegiate programming, loved Jesus and had hired an old dancer (like myself). I picked up the phone and told him that I wanted to work for him. That was in 1992, and I’m still here.
What do you love best about what you do?
Making people happy. At our shows, our patrons get to laugh, cry and feel like they are part of a community.
Is there another “power woman” in your life who inspires you?
Lady Bird Johnson. She was a businesswoman, family woman and patriot who served our country well through tragedy and who worked tirelessly into her golden years to protect and beautify our nation’s parks and wildlands. It was a privilege to know her.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting her career?
It’s not about you — it’s what you can do to help another person and make the world a better place.
What obstacles have you had to overcome?
Each show has a new business plan and unique marketing plan. We may have had great success with a production, but that doesn’t mean the next one will be a hit. It’s never boring since we get to “reset” every 30 days.
