Clemson University Choral Ensembles
December 1st, 2009 at 8:00 pm - The Department of Performing Arts introduces its new choral director, Justin Durham, in a program of Learn More...
Clemson University Symphony Orchestra
December 3rd, 2009 at 8:00 pm - Popular orchestral hits fill this winter program, from the “Waltz” and “Polonaise” of Tchaikovsky’s Learn More...
The Spirit of Christmas
December 8th, 2009 at 8:00 pm - The Spirit of Christmas takes you on a magical journey to a winter wonderland of fun and festive che Learn More...
Tony DeSare, vocalist
January 14th, 2010 at 8:00 pm - Singer, pianist, and songwriter Tony DeSare has earned critical acclaim for his performances at the Learn More...
Die Fledermaus
January 21st, 2010 at 8:00 pm - Strauss’ opera "Die Fledermaus" is produced by Teatro Lirico D’Europa which presented "Tosca" during Learn More...
Performing Arts Grad Selling
Atlanta's Hottest Tickets
Cara Allen’s telephone rings off the hook. As the assistant box office manager for Atlanta’s newest performing arts venue, the Cobb Energy Centre for the Performing Arts, she is constantly answering calls about Atlanta’s hottest shows. “My primary responsibility is to field calls about our shows and serve as the central contact for our founding patrons and corporate supporters,” Cara explained. “I handle their ticket needs and special requirements.”
The Cobb Energy Centre is the first major performing arts facility built in metro Atlanta in four decades. Located in northwest Atlanta, the center hosts Broadway shows, ballet, opera, concerts, educational shows, family performances, corporate meetings, and private events. In addition to a 2750-seat main auditorium, the Cobb Energy Centre features a 10,000-square foot grand ballroom, a courtyard, and a terrace.
“We are the home of the Atlanta Opera, the Atlanta Broadway Series, and the Atlanta 
Ballet,” said Cara, who has worked there for almost a year. “Last season, we hosted more than 80 performances and sold 165,000 tickets. Among the performers coming to the center this season are singers Natalie Cole, Steven Curtis Chapman, and country music sensation Josh Turner. Special speakers include Cesar Milan, the Dog Whisperer, and comedian Jim Gaffigan. Other shows are national tours of SPAMALOT and Hairspray.
In addition to selling tickets, Cara’s other duties include managing a staff of 12 part-time box office employees and running daily and weekly ticketing reports. A 2006 Production Studies in Performing Arts graduate, her first job was at the Brook Center, working in the box office and assisting the department’s business manager. “Working at the Brooks Center definitely prepared me for this position,” Cara said. “From learning how to prepare various ticketing reports to learning how to respond to all types of customers, my time at Clemson was an excellent training opportunity.”
Cara was an active performing arts major. “I tried to make the most of my time at Clemson,” she recalled. “My concentration was music, and I took numerous music classes and violin lessons, and played violin in the symphony orchestra. But I also took time to learn about the business side of the performing arts industry by taking independent study courses in marketing and promotions, and spending hours in the box office as a student employee. I learned many valuable lessons at Clemson.”
Cara is also responsible for processing tickets for ArtsBridge, the center’s educational series. “I work closely with our education coordinator to ensure that the teachers and students who take part in the program have entertaining and educating experiences.”
When not working, Cara enjoys playing her violin, attending Atlanta Symphony Orchestra concerts, and exploring the city. She is a volunteer at the Georgia Aquarium, where her favorite sea animals are the whale sharks and penguins.
