SAEM Sophomore Works as Stage Manager for Raleigh Convention Center's Summer Events Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Meet Amber Montz
Major: Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management
Expected graduation: May 2019
College activities: Strong Women Strong Girls, The Music Association, SAEM Club, Not On My Campus and Pay it Forward Club
Scholarship from Point Park: Trustee
Hometown: Fayetteville, N.C.
High school: Terry Sanford High School
Now living in: Pittsburgh, Pa.
Hobbies/interests: Soccer, music, concerts and sports (especially the Pittsburgh Penguins)
Twitter: @ambermontz_
LinkedIn: Amber Montz
-- Rachel Rice, event producer, Raleigh Convention Center
Tell us about your experience working as a stage manager this summer.
When I got home to Fayetteville for the summer, I wanted to get involved working in live entertainment management so I contacted the general manager of Red Hat Amphitheater and Raleigh Convention Center, Taylor Traversari. I didn't know it at the time, but Taylor is the son of SAEM Associate Professor Ed Traversari. Taylor forwarded my email to Ed, who made sure Taylor connected me to some great opportunities. I ended up working as a stage manager for both the Raleigh Convention Center's Fourth of July Celebration and the Destination Dix Festival.
What were your main duties as a stage manager at these events?
My duties were to contact the bands and coordinate with their production companies, help load bands in and out of the venues, keep the performances on schedule and take care of all the bands and their production teams' needs and requests.
Why did you choose to attend Point Park?
Every other school I applied to only offered business management majors with a class or two in event or talent management, whereas the SAEM program has many classes in entertainment management.
Additionally, my dad is a big Pittsburgh sports fan so one day when we were watching the Penguins game and saw a Point Park commercial, he encouraged me to visit the school and apply. Meeting with SAEM faculty during my campus visit really sold me. I was born in Monroeville and I've always wanted to come back to the Pittsburgh area, so this has all worked out perfectly.
Describe the teaching styles of Point Park faculty.
The faculty at Point Park really focus on making sure you know what you will need to know for your future career and are always there to help. In class, they discuss their first-hand experiences working in their fields and make sure you are exposed to many different networking opportunities.
What has surprised you about Point Park?
It is super diverse here with so many international students. This is a great benefit because you get to meet many different types of people and learn from them.
What do you enjoy most about living in Downtown Pittsburgh?
Being so close to everything. Having places like Stage AE and Heinz Field right across the bridge from you and the CONSOL Energy Center being a 10-minute walk from campus is great. There are so many internship and career opportunities right here, too. You don't even need a car because everything is within walking distance.
What are your career goals?
I'd like to be a tour manager or a general manager in charge of an entertainment venue. I feel like I'm on the right path because I've already gained some experience and made many connections.
Photo by Emily Kubincanek, a sophomore creative writing major