Rebecca Calkin (’09)
This interview was conducted in the summer of 2020.
Media Relations Manager, The Cleveland Orchestra
Shaker Heights, OH
WFU Class of 2009
Major: Theatre
DeacLink: Please walk me through your path from graduation day to your current job.
Rebecca Calkin: During my senior year, I attended the Southeastern Theatre Conference (SETC) to interview for theatre jobs. Through SETC, I was offered a one year position as an Associate Company Member in Stage Management at Playhouse on the Square in Memphis, TN. After that, through the United Professional Theatre Auditions conference (UPTA), I found a position at Assistant to the Artistic Director at Wayside Theatre. That position evolved to include production responsibilities, education, venue, and administrative responsibilities—including marketing, communications, public relations, and development.
After Wayside, I served as Associate Producing Artistic Director at Shawnee Summer Theatre in Indiana for a summer, leading marketing and communications while directing two productions. My husband (Wes Calkin, WFU ’09) began graduate school in Cincinnati, so while there, I found a position as Digital Communications Manager at ArtsWave. In this position, I helped to lead marketing and communications efforts for the nation’s largest United Arts Fund, including social media, e-mail marketing, graphic design, advertising—as well as event planning and management.
After my husband finished grad school, we moved to Cleveland for his work. My first position in Cleveland was as Marketing and Communications Manager for YWCA Greater Cleveland — an organization with a mission to “eliminate racism and empower women.” While working for YWCA, I also started my own graduate studies in an effort to be a better leader for public and non-profit organizations, completing my Master’s in Public Administration online at Kent State University while working full time.
When the position with The Cleveland Orchestra became available, I jumped on it. I love the arts, and working in communications, public relations, and social media management for the nation’s best Orchestra seemed like an excellent step in my career. Almost four years into working for the Orchestra, I still absolutely love it.
DL: How much did your studies and general experience at Wake inform or drive your career path?
RC: Studying theatre at Wake was an excellent jumping off point for my career. That foundation was essential in my first several jobs with theatre companies — and what I learned in those positions helped me on the path that I am on today. Wake prepared me with strong writing, research, and communication skills. My theatre major also prepared me to be a good collaborator at work, and with hard skills I still use today when directing video shoots with artists and the orchestra.
Every position I have held in my career has been with a non-profit organization. The “pro humanitate” motto is something that I still live every day.
DL: How did you find and apply to the various positions you’ve held?
RC: My first several positions were through theatre conferences, like SETC, UPTA, and MWTA. However, many subsequent positions were through networking. My supervisor at ArtsWave had previously worked with my supervisor at Wayside Theatre. A friend I met through my work at ArtsWave is friends with my supervisor at The Cleveland Orchestra and introduced us at a party.
I would recommend that students request informational interviews with people who work in the field or industry that they would like to pursue. When I moved to Cleveland, I contacted several people who worked in the arts and asked if I could buy them coffee to learn more about the city and the industry. Through that, I was connected to over a dozen people in the arts, several of whom have recommended me to other opportunities — or who have become good friends.
DL: What is your favorite part of living and working in Cleveland? What is the most interesting thing going on in the art scene there at the moment, in your opinion?
RC: Cleveland is a fantastic and highly underrated city. It is incredibly affordable (my husband and I were easily able to purchase a home while working in the arts), has a fantastic culinary scene, and is home to many beautiful parks and outdoor spaces. There are a surprising amount of high quality theatre companies in the area, with plenty of new and contemporary plays to see — plus the largest theatre district in the U.S. outside of New York City. I served on the board of a local AEA theatre company, and that service has been a great way to continue to connect with my passion for theatre.
Beyond theatre, Cleveland has one of the best art museums in the country, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, several other fantastic museums and cultural instutitions — plus The Cleveland Orchestra, an ensemble consistently hailed as “America’s finest Orchestra.” Listening to The Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall is outstanding, but hearing the orchestra perform in its beautiful summer home — Blossom Music Center — at the center of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is one of my absolute favorite things in the world.
DL: What is your favorite part about working for The Cleveland Orchestra?
RC: It’s easy to work in communications, social media, and PR when the product you are selling — The Cleveland Orchestra — is one that you believe in. This orchestra is truly outstanding, and my organization is fantastic to work for. While we all work hard (it’s the arts, so the hours are a bit irregular), it has become a great place for work/life balance, generous benefits, and fantastic camaraderie with colleagues.
I love talking about our Under 18s Free program, since it’s so special to be able to offer free tickets to all children. The most rewarding part of my job is hearing how much arts experiences mean to people — particularly young audiences. Hearing the feedback from patrons makes me feel like I’m doing something that makes the world a better place.
DL: What and where is next for you?
RC: I absolutely love working for The Cleveland Orchestra and I hope to grow my career within this organization. While my husband and I would eventually like to live closer to our families in North Carolina, we love Cleveland and all of the opportunities available here.
Early in my career, I had very specific career goals (i.e. I want to have X position at X company). Now, my career goal is simply, “hold a leadership position at an organization with a mission I care about.” Following that goal is what is next for me!
DL: Any kernel of advice you’d like to impart to the readers?
RC: While it’s great to have goals, you never know what opportunity might present itself. Be open to surprising or unexpected career opportunities.
Meet as many people as possible who do things that you might like to do, and ask them every question you can think of about what they do.
Don’t burn any bridges. The arts is a very small world, and you never know who might help you get your next job.
Curiosity is key to building a successful career. You’ll continue to move forward if you keep asking questions.