Carmen Gomez (transcript)

Item

Title
Carmen Gomez (transcript)
Description
Carmen Gomez serves as the production manager for the School of the Arts of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, a position she has held since January of 2017. Her job entails the management and coordination of about 150 events every year. Some of her responsibilities can include overseeing her 30+ student employees, working with producers, planning timelines and staffing, she plays a major role despite it being behind the scenes. In her work, Gomez also facilitates multiple on-campus events including diversity-based graduation ceremonies.
In this interview, Gomez touched on her childhood in Texas, and how the start of her academic career in music ultimately led to a career in theatre arts. Despite the fact that most people in a similar field prefer the glitz and glamour of being on stage, Gomez found productivity and joy in the work done behind the scenes. She quickly understood a love in the lighting and scenic aspects of the theatre. This led her to pursue a career in technical theatre, also earning a master’s degree. The work done ultimately led her to multiple different roles including teaching in Florida and working in Washington D.C.
In speaking on social justice and equity, Gomez shared stories of how she has been impacted by the many lives of the students she works with and how all of their stories have grown to be a part of her story. She expresses that the standards of social justice and equity in theatre have improved but still have room to grow and change. One thought she made was to encourage those in management in the theatre to not back away from doing shows that focus on more difficult themes, but rather opening the circle to include those who can adequately tell the story and grow from it as a company.
Gomez continues to inspire others and expresses her full spirit in this interview with all components that make up her personality. She expresses the sass that most Chico State students have come to know her for and tells her story candidly and honestly; which is sure to inspire all in the theatre industry and Chico State.
Interviewee
Carmen Gomez
Date Created
October 24, 2024
Document Format
pdf
File size
169 KB