By Mallory Doeckel
When people think of Cullen Performance Hall, they probably think of the last event they attended there – whether it featured comedy, dance, live music or even a graduation ceremony.
Cullen Performance Hall is a full rental facility, meaning anyone can rent out the theater, whether they are part of the University or not, which brings a wide range of events to campus.
This busy $1.2 million budget performance hall is run by Miller and her team of two full-time workers and a part-time student. How does a team that size keep such a large operation so successful? Hard work and dividing and conquering.
As Miller explained, the inner-workings of the theater can be split up into three main functions – technical, ticketing and directing. Some of these processes go on day to day, such as booking and contracts, social media marketing, paperwork and budgeting. Meanwhile, other duties are more specific to the event, including concessions, lighting and sound, ushers, merchandise and ticketing.
Perhaps surprising to some, Miller doesn’t have a background in theater. In fact, she explained that it’s common for people in her position to come from a more business-centric background than artistic.
“Venue management really is a business,” said Miller. “Although a lot of us are a fan of the arts, we know from experience that it’s a lot more business and a lot less glamorous than most people think.”
That’s not to say Miller doesn’t enjoy the work. In fact, the reason she went into this field is because she thrives in the high pressure and fast-paced atmosphere that comes with the position, especially the day of an event. Her reward in the end comes from knowing that people enjoyed themselves and had a positive experience.
“People come to Cullen Performance Hall because of interest in a particular act or event. When people leave satisfied, we know we’ve done a great job,” she said.
She became the director of Cullen Performance Hall in 2016 but at the start of her career she was a teacher for five years after getting a bachelor’s degree in education from Indiana State University. She decided to go back to school and while receiving her master’s degree in student personnel administration, she worked with the National Orientation Directors Association, which was her entry into higher education and campus event programming.
When getting away from the hustle and bustle of venue management, Miller and her friends love supporting all things local. Regardless of whether it’s coffee, a farmers market, sushi or shopping, she has an appreciation for the unique nature of local businesses.