Business Students Land Opportunities to Work at Cher Concert and Derek Hough Live Show Wednesday, April 24, 2019
“Professor Traversari knows my appreciation for the entertainment industry and my love for music. Having professors who offer these opportunities and want to see you succeed are part of the many reasons why I love my major.”
Several Rowland School of Business students worked behind the scenes at renowned singer Cher’s concert at PPG Paints Arena, as well as the live performance of Derek Hough, six-time champion of ABC’s Dancing With The Stars, at the Benedum Center.
Samantha Exler, a senior sports, arts and entertainment management major from Moon Area High School in Moon Township, Pa., gained the opportunity to work at the Cher concert based on the connections she made working with the VIP coordinator at the Lady Gaga concert in November 2017.
Georgia Fowkes and Derek Hough
“With VIP assistant jobs, the main work is to prep and execute the VIP packages that tours offer. Cher had a pre-party for her VIPs so we helped set up the room and check in the attendees before doors opened,” explained Exler, whose career goal is to work at Madison Square Garden, where she did a co-op last fall.
“My favorite part of working these shows is that we get to stay for the show after we're done working. It's always fun to meet and see all of the super fans who buy the VIP packages. Also, we get to attend the show with fabulous seats while wearing costumes for the show,” Exler added.
“I love seeing how happy the fans are when they enter the arena, get their wristbands and are taken into the VIP room. It’s always important to make sure the fans are happy with their experience so they will continue to come back,” said Sarah Balkey, a junior SAEM major from North Allegheny High School in Wexford, Pa.
Senior SAEM major Georgia Fowkes and senior business management major Julie Bowser, both from Montour High School in McKees Rocks, Pa., worked in VIP and production at the Derek Hough show.
“I love working the VIP department for shows! This was a great chance to be a part of Pittsburgh’s entertainment events, network with industry professionals and meet Derek Hough! He is so talented,” Fowkes said.
Bowser added: “Working a show at the Benedum is an opportunity to make great connections. The most important thing in this industry is networking, which is something I always keep in mind.”
Although senior SAEM major Morgan Day, a graduate of Big Spring High School in Newville, Pa., is focusing on sports management, she appreciates the opportunities Associate Professor Ed Traversari, MBA, provides her to work in live entertainment.
Day said: “Professor Traversari knows my appreciation for the entertainment industry and my love for music. Having professors who offer these opportunities and want to see you succeed are part of the many reasons why I love my major.”
Learn More
Point Park University Rowland School of Business students and alumni have worked at many concerts, events and shows in Pittsburgh within the past couple of years, including those listed below.
Read about their experiences:
- Beyoncé
- Blake Shelton
- Bon Jovi
- Bruce Springsteen
- Carol Burnett
- Cher
- Chris Tomlin
- Coldplay
- Justin Timberlake, Def Leppard/Journey and Kenny Chesney
- Maroon 5
- Metallica
- Panic! At The Disco
- Patrizio Buanne
- Pioneer Records Gabe Reed Release Party at Stage AE
- Raleigh Convention Center's Fourth of July Celebration
- Shania Twain and Vans Warped Tour
- Stanley Cup VIP Party
- Taylor Swift
- The Price is Right Show and Thrival Festival
- The Who
- Women Who Rock show at iHeart Media
- WWE Monday Night Raw