From Stage Management to Event Coordination at Pensacola State College

November 19, 2025 | By Aimee Farmer, Student Intern, Department of English | Edited by Karen Tibbals, CASSH Communications Coordinator

Emily Spears, a 2021 graduate of the University of West Florida (UWF), has found her passion at the intersection of theatre, administration, and communication. Earning a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Humanities with a concentration in Arts Administration, along with minors in theatre and communication, Spears’ educational journey at UWF has shaped her successful career as the Foundation Event Coordinator at Pensacola State College (PSC).

Spears's passion for theatre began in third grade after attending a Pensacola Children’s Chorus production. She went on to audition, perform, and eventually assist with stagecraft, costumes, props, and lights throughout her school years. Her love for the behind-the-scenes work led her to discover her natural aptitude for administration, which would become the cornerstone of her career.

Attending a Pensacola Children’s Chorus production was the first time I felt a true passion for something. I love the details, so administration comes naturally to me. - Emily Spears, Foundation Event Coordinator

Initially, Spears began her studies at UWF with an undeclared major, unsure how to merge her artistic interests with a career. A chance meeting with a friend in the Arts Administration program helped her discover the perfect fit. “It couldn’t have been a more perfect fit for me,” Spears says of her eventual decision to pursue Arts Administration.

The coursework at CASSH, particularly in communication, played a crucial role in preparing Spears for her career. Her communication classes, focused on interpersonal communication, public relations, and media, taught her how to effectively cultivate and maintain relationships with donors and community partners. “Perception is reality,” she says, emphasizing the importance of understanding people in her role at PSC’s Foundation.

Spears singles out three communication courses for their impact on her career. The Advertising Graphics course, which taught her branding and the Adobe Creative Suite; the Advertising and PR course, which emphasized the importance of public relations and advertising; and Mass Communication, which explored the impact of social media and television on communication. “I took bits and pieces from all of these courses and applied them in my career,” Spears says.

Her favorite course, however, was Writing Critical Reviews, where she combined her passion for theatre with academic exploration. “It gave me a chance to review theatrical productions, something I already loved, and learn through it at the same time,” she says.

Stage Management, taught by Jerre Brisky, also had a lasting impact on Spears’ career. The skills she honed in this class helped her land her first job post-graduation as an Administrative Assistant at Pensacola State College. “Jerre’s experience and enthusiasm for stage management and arts administration helped me engage with everything I could during my time in the program,” she recalls. After graduation, Spears referred to her Stage Management notebook and prompt book to refresh her skills for her first job. She has since been promoted to Foundation Event Coordinator at PSC, where she manages over 40 events each year, coordinating all event logistics, including décor, volunteers, catering, room layout, and IT support.

Brisky, who taught Spears in Stage Management, expresses his pride in her accomplishments.

Stage Management and Arts Administration teach practical skills that can be used in professional theatres but are also applicable in many other fields. Watching students like Emily find their place within the field and use those skills professionally warms my heart. - Jerre Brisky, Director of Center for Fine and Performing Arts and Instructor

For those considering a career in Arts Administration, Spears offers advice: “If you’ve ever felt like you’re too creative for administration or too administrative for the creative world, Arts Administration might be for you!” She emphasizes the program's versatility, noting that it not only prepares students for careers in the arts but also equips them with skills applicable across a variety of industries. “The program makes you marketable and well-rounded for whatever you decide to do in life,” she concludes.

Spears credits her time at UWF for providing a well-rounded education that combined the theatre world with the foundations of business and communication. “I didn’t know that such a program existed until I explored CASSH, and it has set me on course for an exciting future. I am very grateful for the time I spent in CASSH!” 

Learn more about opportunities to begin or enhance your career with Stage Management or Arts Administration at UWF’s Department of Theatre and Department of Art and Design.