South Bend Venues Parks And Arts: Dirty Jobs

South Bend IN

26 April, 2022

2:11 PM

Description

Press release from the City of South Bend Venues Parks and Arts: April 25, 2022 When I arrive at the Morris Performing Arts Center on a Tuesday morning, there's a semi just outside the front under the marquee, unloading road cases of merchandise for a two-night run of the popular kids show: Trolls Live! In a few short hours, the sidewalks will fill with eager kids, ready to make their first memories at the theater. Over the years, The Morris has seen a variety of shows on its historic stage from comedic stars to music legends, with sell out crowds (2,564 to be exact) and worldwide recognition in Pollstar Magazine. I've been in one of those seats and can speak to the magical space the Morris can be on a show night. As I make my way backstage to meet with Seyhan Kilic, Event Technician for the Morris, I feel out of place and quite frankly, in the way. The rush of a load-in is seen beyond the stage curtain and it's almost as if the first act of a show has already begun. There's a seamless dance the stagehands routinely execute as they maneuver around in their unofficial uniform – a sea of black. "Sorry it's a little crazy back here," Kilic said, in her cool, calm, and collected demeanor. Show day or not, she exudes zero signs of stress. Answering three phone calls in the first few minutes, I can barely keep up with her as she power-walks through many corridors I didn't know existed deep beneath the Morris main floor. We finally make our way to her office, a shared space suspended above the backstage dock area overlooking the controlled chaos. Kilic is one of three full-timers that work behind-the-scenes, all having important roles in the care and maintenance of the building. Celebrating its 100th birthday this year, the Morris Performing Arts Center has seen its fair share of struggles with deteriorating infrastructure, most of which are typical with a 100-year old building. It's soon to see upgrades with the Morris 100 Capital Campaign raising over $30M for upgrades and additions. Nonetheless Kilic wears many hats, as technical point-of-contact on a show day to tending to the underground sewage pipes during a backup. There isn't a thing Kilic wouldn't do to keep the Morris looking its best. "There's always something to be done, especially on a non-show day," Kilic said. "It's an old building, so there's always something we need to stay on top of. I don't mind any of it, it keeps the job interesting." Beyond the confines of the main level is a lower basement that I could easily get lost in. It winds around with white cement block hallways and various unmarked doors, each having an important purpose to the functionality of the theater. "There's a lot of dirty jobs…but this can get pretty bad." She's referring to the water pipes and sewage pumps that wind their way in a small, dark room. Despite describing the overflows that can occur, and having to clean, sanitize and bleach mop the floor, she doesn't flinch. "It's not too bad," she said, smiling. It takes a passionate person to take on these kinds of jobs. After spending 30 years in community theater, Kilic found her home at the Morris and never looked back. "It was complete fate and I've loved every minute of being here. It's literally my dream job." This press release was produced by the City of South Bend Venues Parks and Arts. The views expressed here are the author's own.