July 14, 2000
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THE UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA July 14, 2000 |
by Kirsten Rodenhizer
Mike Figursky is tap dancing as fast as he can. As the University Centre Farquhar Auditorium’s new technical director, he’s responsible for everything from staff scheduling to sound checks and general maintenance in a facility that averaged 2.5 bookings per day in his first month. “There’s a steep learning curve here,” says Figursky, who took over the position in March. “Basically, I’m trying to survive the transition period without any of the clients feeling it. Everyone has been very understanding and very patient.” Since the auditorium is often used at night, he rarely works 9 to 5 at his new job. “One of the hardest parts of this job is trying to fit everything into the allotted hours,” he says. “I go home every night and make a list of what I need to get done the next day. There’s always more to do and another phone call to make or return.” Figursky came to UVic with an impressive résumé. He has worked as production manager of the Arctic Winter Games, the First Night Festivals in Victoria, the Victoria JazzFest and Blues Bash and the Victoria Harbour Festival. Last fall, he served as the technical director for both the Royal Theatre and the McPherson Playhouse. He was also general manager and production manager for Stages Performing Arts School for seven years. He says he considers himself lucky to be working at the auditorium, not only because the facility is reputed to be one of the best acoustic rooms in North America, but because it offers one of the few full-time positions in his field in the Victoria area. “I’ve also been lucky to have two guardian angels throughout my years in Victoria. Lawrence Eastick (former technical director of the Royal and McPherson Theatres Society) and Marnie Crowe (UVic theatre department) have always quietly looked out for me both professionally and sometimes personally. I can’t begin to thank them enough for their kindness.” When Figursky first arrived at the auditorium, he sat down with former technical director Scott Summerfeldt and went through the facility. “That day ended with us sitting here in the office giggling,” he says. “There was so much information to transfer.” Figursky, who completed his master’s in theatre at UVic 10 years ago, has lived in Victoria since 1983. He’s never felt the need to move away. “I made the decision when I graduated that I wanted to live in Lotus Land,” he says. “To move to Vancouver would open up a myriad of possibilities, but who wants to move to Vancouver when you can live and work in paradise?” |