July 2, 2013

Chasing the right star

I am not new to information desks. On my first day working for my favorite museum, my supervisor asked me to guide our guests through programs I barely knew. Quickly, I needed to learn the information, synthesize it, and be prepared to answer questions. I could be wrong, but I believe I did a good job and continued to improve.

And, of course, I had plenty of help. So you see, no reason to worry.

Fast forward to last Saturday. Besides the expected set-up tasks, I was assigned the role of representing Teatro Jornalero at Cornerstone’s 27th birthday party—my return to information tables. How could I feel anything but confidence after three weeks of preparation? I had multiple opportunities to speak to the staff, including TJ’s program director. What’s more, there had been time to properly digest all that I absorbed. Of course I was ready to represent this company.

At the party, I met many remarkable folks, but I’d like to focus on three individuals who demonstrate how I feel about Cornerstone:

The first is Lynette, lead actress of a past Cornerstone production, Café Vida. When she arrived, I immediately recognized her likeness from the Café Vida posters in the office. It did not surprise me when she slid next to me to welcome other guests. After all, she is a part of our family.

I knew Lynette was a captivating speaker from watching her interviews, but in person, her enthusiasm is catching. In our short time together, we covered everything from Bohemia to the importance of a “Good morning” to infectious attitudes. She induced the same meaningful conversation from the next person with which she connected.

Lynette and Elizabeth meet.

Now consider Elizabeth, co-executive producer of another community-focused organization. Some time ago she sought the help of one of our staff members to recruit her summer interns. When he invited Elizabeth to the party, she decided to check it out.

Elizabeth didn’t know much about the company, so she arrived at the info table with many questions. After our talk ended, I noticed she had no trouble reaching out to everyone else. While others moved on after examining the two paintings being created that afternoon (inspired by a monologue from our upcoming play, Love On San Pedro), Elizabeth picked up the printed monologue, read it through, and asked the artists questions.

Hooray for the DJ who convinced her to stop by!

Finally, there was a local resident who happened to notice our DJ’s music. When she arrived, she appeared to take it all in: the refreshments, the art making, the lively chatter. After spending some time in the hallway laughing over the broccoli costume on display, she took a seat in the backspace right in the heart of the hullabaloo.

Before leaving, she stopped to chat with me. Because of her prior interactions, our discussion was a two-way exchange rather than a lecture. Our photo gallery showed her that Cornerstone traveled to different communities all over the country. She understood the need and significance of a Bridge Show, which brigs together all the communities we’ve worked with during a cycle of plays. After meeting ensemble, staff, and community members, she saw firsthand that much of the network keeps in touch.

The party was buzzin’…

These three women started off with different reasons for coming to the party due to their different relationships with Cornerstone: one had direct involvement, another direct contact, and the last no connection. Still, they all stayed until the very end. I expected this from Lynette, but Elizabeth and the Arts District resident surprised me.

For me, it is no small feat to persuade people to stay somewhere for hours. The party was fun; yet, these ladies lingered even as we reached dinnertime. We served refreshments, but they could not replace an actual meal (as my own tummy reminded me). It stuns me that, in spite of their varying reasons for attending, a single get-together could have this effect on them.

Success! Turns out I’m not chasing a shiny piece of foil. Araceli: 1, Sea Gulls: 0.

I feel very fortunate to have been in an opportune spot to both observe and connect with our guests. This is my first taste of engaging successfully with the community here. I love it. That must mean I’m chasing the right star after all.

Written by Araceli Castillo, Cornerstone’s Development & Communications Intern. Araceli is studying Marketing and OPIM (Operations and Information Management) with a French minor at Georgetown University. This internship is made possible by Los Angeles County Arts Commission Summer Internship program. Araceli created the cartoons above with the Bistrips app on Facebook.