In our “Meet the Magic” series, we give you a glimpse behind the curtain and introduce you to the people who make the Magic happen.
Rae Bittle is new to the Magic family this season, but she’s already an integral part of the patron services team. Read on to find out why the actors aren’t the only ones who need a vocal warm-up, what working with Baruch is really like, and how she almost worked for National Geographic!
Let’s start off easy. How long have you been at the Magic?
I started here in October of 2009 with “Goldfish.”
How did you get your job here?
I got the job here because Baruch was kind enough to hire me. But before that, [former Magic Development Director] Renee LeVesque told me that the Magic was hiring Patron Services Associates.
What’s a typical day like?
A typical day at the Magic for me is printing will call tickets, selling tickets at the door, and exchanging tickets upon request. But my favorite part of the job is seeing people that are happy with their purchases. Since the box office is near the exit of the theatre, I get to hear some of the after-show chatter. I love hearing when people plan to tell others about a great show at the Magic and how they are considering buying Magic tickets as a gift for someone.
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The fabulous Ms. Bittle, stuck in a box
Can you give us any trade secrets or Front of House trivia?
Warm up your voice prior to people arriving. Whether you are dealing with people at the door or on the phone, it makes it a lot easier to communicate when your voice is ready for lots of talking.
Who are the most interesting people you’ve met here?
Although not a specific story, the group of patrons I am most fond of are the ones that treat me like I am one of their grandchildren. My grandmother lives in Arkansas, so I don’t get to see her very often. It’s nice that they remind me of her.
Favorite Magic show?
Oedipus el Rey.
What advice do you have for people trying to get a job in theatre?
If you want a job in theatre, volunteer at a theatre. Volunteering is a great way to get to know people and to make connections.
If you weren’t working at the theatre, what would you be doing?
My degree is in geography and I was at one time an intern at National Geographic. If I had chosen to continue living on the East Coast, I think I would have had a good shot at a National Geographic job.
It’s hard to imagine a life on the outside, but what do you do when you’re not at the Magic?
When I am not at the Magic, I am at another theatre. I am in the professional apprenticeship program at Brava! for Women in the Arts. In this program, the apprentices get a broad overview of theatre and then are allowed to focus on their areas of interest. For me, those areas consist of the box office, marketing, and stage management.
Any funny stories about your boss, Baruch Porras-Hernandez?
During my employee orientation, Baruch told me that I should be sure to wear comfortable shoes during my shifts because I would have to take out the trash at the end of the night. He then said, “Although I don’t mind helping you, it’s 2009. Girl power!” He made it clear in a very funny way that taking out the trash is no longer just for the boys.