Staff Profiles – Tyler Gabbard

This week our staff spotlight is on the Box Office and Patron Communications Manager for the Center for the Arts, Tyler Gabbard. Be sure to check out his customized playlist below his profile!

How long have you worked at Center for the Arts?

I've been at the Center for the Arts for three years this month!

Please provide a short description of the responsibilities of your position.

My job is to ensure each of our patrons has a positive experience here at the Center for the Arts, whether they're a first-time ticket buyer or a long-time subscriber. I manage a team of student Ticket Sellers to ensure the Box Office is friendly and responsive and I work with Tyler Flynn, our Publicity and Marketing Manager, to make sure our community is aware of all the exciting things happening at the Center for the Arts.

Please describe your arts background (education, prior arts-related jobs, etc.).

I've been involved in theatre for most of my life and studied Theatre Production and Design at New York University. In New York, I worked as a Production Assistant and as the General Management Intern with Broadway producer Dodger Properties. Before coming to Pepperdine, I was the Events and Publicity Manager for the School of the Arts at Northern Kentucky University and served as the Vice President of the League of Cincinnati Theatres. Over the last decade, I've worked as a Stage Manager and Production Assistant, Scenic, Props, Projections, and Lighting Designer, and as a Graphic and Web Designer. I continue to freelance as a Scenic Designer and have been fortunate to design Ragtime and Well for the Fine Arts Division here at Pepperdine.

What is your favorite artist/production/exhibition you've seen at Pepperdine?

Darlene Love stands out in my memory. Her performance was so high energy and she was so clearly having a great time. It would be hard not to love her!

What is your favorite aspect of your job?

I love working with the Pepperdine students on a daily basis and I've certainly been missing them these last few months. It's always energizing to hear what they're excited about and we share a lot of laughter in the Box Office!

Why do you think the arts are important? What value do they provide to the culture?

The arts matter because ultimately they say that humans matter. We matter. What I've been struck by recently is how the arts link our thoughts together across generations and geographic divides. And when we put great works of art in conversation with each other, out of that complexity we learn something about the intrinsic value of humanity.

How have you been keeping yourself entertained during quarantine?

I've been sewing masks for family and friends using fun fabrics I'm finding on Etsy. My favorite right now features Frida Kahlo and her monkeys! I've also been taking on other fun projects around the house. This past weekend I reupholstered our living room chair. I've also had more time than usual to catch up on TV. I'm currently obsessed with Succession on HBO and Mrs. America on Hulu.

To learn more about the Center for the Arts staff members and for updates on our 2020–2021 season, please visit our website or follow us on Facebookand Instagram.