There’s a new Operations Manager at the Charles R. Wood Theater. Her name is Jenny Latzko, and she lets us in on her story and the ins and outs of her new position, along with a few little secrets about the Wood Theater you probably didn’t know!
1. How long have you been involved in theater?
I’ve been a “theater junkie” for as long as I can remember. I’m sincerely fascinated by the entire process involved with producing a play, from the initial script composition, to the performance itself. My parents often joked when I was very little that with my early-childhood tendencies toward theatrics that I would be an actress, but I’m afraid in my adult life that I lack the gumption to be on stage.
2.What lead you to becoming the New Operations Manager at the Charles R. Wood Theater?
I volunteered for the “Guys and Dolls” performance last year, and fell in love with the Theater instantly. Shortly thereafter, I was speaking with Erin Coon, whom at the time was Operations Manager and acting Executive Director, and discovered a job opening in the box office. I was delighted to hear of it, and grateful for the tip. I jumped at the opportunity.
3. What are you most excited about for your new position?
First
and foremost, I love to rise to a good challenge. Several functions
expected within this position are new to me, and I’m looking forward to
learning new things to expand my life and employment experience. On a
more personal note, I feel quite fortunate to be able to participate in
an organization and cause that I really believe in. The Arts scene in
Glens Falls has blossomed tremendously in the last few years under the
careful fingertips of different organizations such as the Wood, Art in
the Public Eye, LARAC, the Hyde Museum, the World Awareness Children’s
Museum, and Crandall Public Library. To be invited and infused within
this progress is a special privilege, to me.
4. What does a typical day look like in the shoes of an operations manager?
Other
than typical box office management, I am responsible for accounting,
bookkeeping, maintaining relationships with renters and Production
companies, and assisting patrons. I am involved with a portion of the
online marketing, and I am proud to lend my creativity and artwork to
the Wood in designing logos and presentations. I am also involved with
several committees within the Wood for various functions, such as the
2013 Charles R. Wood Theater Gala and the Rising Stars/Rising Artists
competition.
5. What do you like to do when you aren’t working?
When
not at the Wood, I can be found playing Barbies, baking cookies,
practicing spelling, watching old Peanuts cartoons, and singing/dancing
to the Beatles with my four year old, Ava. I live for my daughter, and
no matter what activity we are participating in, as long as she is with
me, I’m having the time of my life. I’ve also been writing avidly for
over twelve years, and am currently composing a book of timeless yet
quirky fairy tales for children. I’m an avid crafter, and have a
constant thirst for discovering new music. Anything with a banjo or
accordion is a sure win, for me. I’ve also got a real passion for
vintage clothing, and love reading about, and wearing, any neat retro
find I can get my hands on.
6.What is your favorite part about working in downtown Glens Falls?
This
may sound cliche, but I really enjoy the atmosphere in Glens Falls. I
was a bit more nomadic in my younger years, and I’ve lived/visited many
places, from Delaware, to Kentucky, Clifton Park, and Herkimer. I’ve
been content living in many of those places, but I’ve never thrived
anywhere as much as I have in the years since I have grown to love Glens
Falls. I have never felt so grounded in my life, and I’m beyond
grateful. I suppose you could call me a bit of a “townie”…in that I’m
proud to support several of the local small businesses here. The folks
over at Finder’s Keepers, Coffee Planet, Rockhill Bakehouse, Aimie’s
Dinner and a Movie, North Country Cafe (yes, I really like my coffee!),
and many other establishments know my face, and I, theirs. Even just the
difference in the “face” of Glens Falls has evolved considerably in my
lifetime. I grew up in Saratoga and remember visiting Glens Falls before
Centennial Circle was constructed. The progress in this town is
remarkable, and definitely improving more and more every year. They say
it takes an entire village to raise a child. As not only an artist, but
more importantly, a mother, it warms my heart to have found a community
of people that I love and trust enough to help me with mine.
7. What makes Charles R. Wood Theater unique from other theaters?
I
believe the driving force behind the Theater sets us apart rather
significantly. Erin Coon, Executive Director has a great deal of passion
and innovative ideas to bring the theater into 2013. In addition, the
Wood Board of Directors has displayed to me in such a short time a very
involved, caring attitude. Every single person on the Board has jobs and
families and hobbies OUTSIDE of the Wood, and yet still devote an
impressive amount of time and thought to this Organization. The Wood is
fueled by a great group of people with a common goal that I can
certainly get behind: the continued growth and development of the Arts
in this community.
8. What is one of your favorite performances that the Charles R. Wood Theater has done?
In
February, Art in the Public Eye held a 24 Hour Playfest
“Create/Compete/Collapse” at the Wood. I was not only able to work this
function, but I was one of the Playwrights competing in the show. Ten
writers, ten directors, and forty actors gathered the night before the
show and we randomly assigned teams by drawing names from a hat. A theme
was announced that night, and the writers had eight hours (give or
take) to write a play based on the theme (which ended up being the Seven
Deadly Sins). The following day (of the show), Directors and Actors had
roughly eleven hours to rehearse the play. Upon arriving at the Wood
the day of the show after a long night of scribbling and sleeplessness, I
was surprised and so excited by the energy in the Wood. I daresay I
probably enjoyed the hours leading up the show the most.
9. What was the best part of this performance?
The
energy was electric. So many incredibly talented people donating their
time and talents to benefit Art in the Public Eye, and having a BLAST
while doing so. The Plays were a broad variety that night, many of them
quite amusing, and a few more dark. I know I speak not only for myself,
but many of the participants in that event when I say that we are truly
looking forward to the next Playfest!
10. What is something most people may not know about the Charles R. Wood Theater?
On
average, there are over two hundred and fifty uses of the Theater EACH
YEAR. On some days, this weekend for example, we’ll be hosting several
different events simultaneously!
What have you always wanted to know about the Wood Theater? Ask in the comments below!
Learn more about the Charles R. Wood Theater in Glens Falls NY
