Conversations with Andrea Garrett

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Garrett.

Hi Andrea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Steel City Theatre Company was created in 2001 by a rag-tag group of actors. Originally without a home, SCTC performed in venues across Pueblo. In 2008, the current leadership came on board, and their focus was turning SCTC into a regional performing arts hub. There’ve been many changes over the past 15 years, and it has been a steep learning curve for a group of artists now-turned entrepreneurs and nonprofit directors (they don’t prepare you for that stuff in college for a theatre degree!).

In 2010, SCTC began its acclaimed and award-winning children’s program with the first Summer Jr. Musical Production (Doo-Wop Wed Widing Hood) and followed soon after with its flagship programs, VIP Performing Arts Day Camp and the year-round Performing Arts Academy. In 2013, SCTC finally found its own space in the converted historic Patti’s Diner in downtown Pueblo. After a feverish month of all volunteer labor, the diner was converted to a 72-seat black box dinner theatre.

Steel City Theatre currently performs about 11 mainstage shows, including musicals, comedies, dramas, and children’s productions, and continues to expand VIP Camp and Performing Arts Academy to include hundreds of students each year. The next phase of SCTC begins sometime in 2023, as the company has taken on renovating the historic Chief Theatre- a 400-seat former movie theatre. With this MUCH larger space, SCTC will be able to grow exponentially as well as create amazing theatre productions in Pueblo.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Operating a theatre is a tough task in the best circumstances, but we’ve been behind the eight-ball since the beginning. The biggest challenge has always been how to effectively fundraise and find sponsors and donors. We are very committed to keeping our prices low for our community, but because of that, fundraising is essential to keep the lights on. However, most people get involved with theatre to get onstage, not to fundraise and write grants.

Working with actors can be challenging in general; there are a lot of strong personalities that walk through our doors. With passionate people around, tempers can flair and feelings can get hurt. The space issue has always been a challenge, first securing performance and classroom locations and then later, at Patti’s Diner, dealing with the problems that arise working in a 90-year-old building. Roofing, electrical, plumbing, AC- we’ve seen it all. Throw in COVID-19, and it’s been very exciting.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I (Andrea Garrett) am currently the Managing Director at Steel City Theatre and specialize in directing mainstage musicals, directing our children’s programs and writing the curriculum, and writing many of our children’s productions. I have a unique background. My degree is in Psychology with an emphasis on Child Psychology, and am highly qualified in theatre and music with a dance background. That means I know about a LOT of the areas of performance. Most people know me for my work ethic, organization, and smooth rehearsal processes.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I love listening to almost any podcast- they keep me motivated while I clean and do other mundane tasks. Some favorites include the current season of Slow Burn, and Behind the Bastards. Regarding reading, my tastes are super eclectic, and I think it’s important to read a lot as an artist. I read nonfiction, fiction, self-help, biography. . . all inspire and inform what I do.

Pricing:

• Ticket Prices: $12-$15
• Class Pricing: $5-$16.50
• VIP Camp: $100 per week
• Membership: $120

Contact Info:

• Website: www.steelcitytheatre.org