SAEM Alumna Becomes Box Office Supervisor for World Cafe Live in Philadelphia Friday, September 18, 2015
Meet Lauren Kachmar
Job title: Box Office Supervisor
Employer: World Cafe Live
Degree earned: B.S. in Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management, 2011
Hometown and current residence: Newark, Del.
High school: Saint Mark's High School
Hobbies/interests: Wire wrapped jewelry making, going to concerts, spending time outdoors and baking
Twitter: @lauren_marie726
LinkedIn: Lauren Kachmar
Lauren (Kachmar) Shughart was promoted to ticketing and guest services manager for World Cafe Live.
How did you become the box office supervisor for World Cafe Live?
After I graduated from Point Park, I moved back home to Delaware. When someone says Delaware, the music industry is probably not something that they immediately think. But, in April 2011, a new venue opened that had the potential to change that perspective.
Before I landed my job at World Cafe Live at The Queen, I had been to a few shows there. As soon as I stepped my foot in the door, I knew it was the place where I wanted to work. After applying for a position and getting in contact with the box office manager, I landed an interview. A few weeks later, I was offered a part-time position in the box office.
After three years of working at World Cafe Live at The Queen, I was offered a full-time position as box office supervisor at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia. Being that the cities of Wilmington and Philadelphia are so close, I still work some weekends at our location in Delaware as well.
As a Delaware native, what made you choose Point Park?
When I first started researching colleges and majors, I wasn't sure about what major I wanted to pursue. What I did know was that I wanted to enjoy going to work every day and that I wanted be involved in the music industry in some way. I began looking into schools that would offer a major that would help me get there.
Also, I wanted a fresh start and a chance to meet new people. Being born and raised in Delaware, you seem to be around the same people growing up. One day when I was searching schools on the internet, I came across Point Park and the SAEM program. After a visit to Pittsburgh and a tour of Point Park, I knew it was the right school for me.
How has the SAEM program helped you in your position?
When I started at World Cafe Live, I immediately began to realize that what I was doing on a day-to-day basis was related to what I learned in my SAEM classes such as the Business of Live Entertainment and the Business of Concert Promotion and Touring. It was such a great feeling knowing that all the time spent in class was worth it!
What do you enjoy most about working for World Cafe Live?
I go into work each day with the excitement of not knowing what the day will bring. Whether I'm answering guest questions, setting up ticketing for our shows or settling contracts with bands, every day is different. I truly love my job and I look forward to coming to work.
What are your career goals?
I really enjoy the guest relations side of the industry so I would love to stay involved with that, perhaps becoming a guest services director. Though, as long as I'm around music, that's all that matters.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
I've met so many people over the past few years and I know those connections may help me in the future. I've even run into some folks that I actually shadowed during my first semester at Point Park. It really proved to me how small the music Industry is and that it's all about the connections you make!
Also, if you live in the Philadelphia area, stop by and say hi! I'd love to meet more Point Park alumni.