Have you ever wished you could meet a celebrity? Well one of our Weidner Center staff members has been given that opportunity with her job. Stephanie Maufort is the Weidner Center Program Manager who coordinates the education series, venue scheduling, booking of education shows and assists with planning the performing arts series. Along with all that, Stephanie also coordinates the publication of the program books, does website updates, and graphic design work including some for print ads, online graphics and other marketing pieces. She is quite a busy lady.
Stephanie has been with the Weidner Center for 16 years all together, where she started in 1999 as a marketing intern and was then hired as the Development Associate. In 2006 Stephanie continued her work as an employee of Weidner Center Presents, Inc. Board of Directors and in 2011, with the Weidner’s revitalization plan, she continued her roll, but as a University employee once again.
Three words that describe you: Loyal, Dedicated and Resourceful
Random facts/interests: I studied technical theatre in college at St. Norbert and I’ve been able to apply that knowledge in the administrative side of the performing arts industry.
If you had to eat one meal, every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Popcorn
Motto or personal mantra? Nothing worth doing is ever easy
People would be surprised if they knew: Most venues the size of the Weidner Center have a staff of 25+ employees, but we operate with a small fraction of that number. Our staff is an amazing team that I’m honored to work with every day.
Tell us something about yourself that would surprise us? I have a twin sister and my brother also works on campus
What are three career lessons you’ve learned thus far? Building good relationships with people in the entertainment industry and professionals at other venues is very important. Patience and determination can help weather any storm. Never schedule a show on a Packers game day unless it’s the Oak Ridge Boys – surprisingly they always sell well even during a home game!
What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most? When I give tours of the building the reactions people have just walking on stage is amazing. Even artists that have played venues all over the world are impressed.
What do you like most about your job? There’s never a dull moment and no two days are ever the same. It’s rewarding to see a full house and know people take away lasting memories from their experiences at the Weidner. I love seeing kids excited to be in a theatre like the Weidner for the first time.
What TV show/movie are you ashamed to admit you love? Anything on the Bravo network.
What would people never guess you do in your role? There’s always something new coming up! I’ve searched for lost baby teeth in the theatre, called every store in town for Cheeseheads at 8:00pm at night, wrapped up “smelly” shrimp for a famous R&B singer that still wanted to take it on a plane and stepped in as a bodyguard for a number of celebrities like John Tesh (who happens to be a full foot taller than me).