My Entertainment Management Journey...
Entertainment management wasn’t something I necessarily pinned myself doing. However, after working in the world of hospitality and resort entertainment for a few months, when the position opened up to coordinate and manage entertainment and events, I had to give it a shot. After months of learning and getting acclimated to corporate life and management, I can honestly say I really enjoy my job. As someone who loves to plan and organize, while also creating opportunities for unique and memorable experiences, entertainment management is a perfect fit for me. I love being able to work with both artists and creators, as well as a whole team of qualified individuals that are also of the mindset of making memories and finding new ways to “wow” every guest that comes through.
From the first day of jumping into this position, there was so much I learned. I had to quickly be able to coordinate busy schedules for all the entertainers and overall activities, which also involved working with other departments within the resort. In this job, I had the responsibility of recruiting and training entertainers, most of which I would cast from UPTAs in February. As an actor, it was definitely a different experience being on the other side of the table! I think having spent time on both sides makes me both a better actor and casting director.
Pirate Invasion!
Together with two of our incredibly talented resort entertainers, I wrote and directed an immersive theatrical show, complete with pirates, sword fights, and sea shanties! Getting to use this position as a creative outlet and work with artists that are also passionate about performing was such a blessing.
Watch the show HERE!
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Dolphin Days
Following another passion of education and working with kids, I was able to relaunch our drop-off day camp at the resort, creating my own camp programming and curriculum. One of the most popular camp days was Dolphin Day, which we did in partnership with the Dolphin Connection on resort property. Campers were able to learn about the bottlenose dolphin and the importance of ocean conservation with a dolphin expert in an immersive session on the observation deck, up close and personal with one of our resident dolphins!
Make-A-Wish
There are some memories that I’ve made that I know will always stick with me. The best experience that I was able to help with was for a little boy named James.
James was a super sweet and imaginative seven-year-old boy that loved playing pretend and dressing up like a pirate. He was also diagnosed with a life-threatening tumor that was slowly taking his sight. James and his wish to “be a pirate” was chosen and granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation in the spring of 2023. I was able to work directly with the Southern Florida Regional Coordinator for Make-A-Wish to make James’s wish come true.
I know that was a memory that James won’t ever forget, and neither will I.
(click on the picture to learn more about James!)
