Tufts Blogs

When I saw a Handshake listing for a job at Cohen Auditorium as a freshman, my first thought was “There’s no way I’m cut out for this. Stage setup? Lighting cues? Show calling.” It sounded like something out of a Broadway production, and trust me, my high school did not have a theater. But hey, I needed a job, so I applied. Two years later, I’m there practically every week and every show, loving the chaos of it. 

Working at Cohen, you learn about audio tech, house management, lights, and show calling. But one thing is for sure: we sit through long hours of rehearsal in the cold air trying to make sure everything’s perfect for showtime. Some days, I’m bored and sleepy watching a routine be perfected what feels like a million times. The stakes feel high for these shows especially because syncing every light, sound, and cue is no joke. By the time the doors open, it’s not just showtime for the performers but for us. That’s why it’s always nice to get a shoutout and a thank you to the Cohen Auditorium staff. 

Speaking of shows, working at Cohen gives you the ultimate backstage pass. Unlike many people who have to wait on Tufts Tickets, I can just work the shift. It’s having a front seat to the most hype Tufts events. Burlesque? The energy is unmatched. Tufts Dance Collective has some of the longest lines ever. Or even Spirit Of The Creative, one of my favorite dance groups on campus. My favorite event to work on by far has to be Break The Stage, an annual step competition for schools in the Boston area run by Tufts Black Student Union. Not only do we get to see amazing step teams from other schools but performances from black groups on campus - Envy Ladies Step Team, Roti and Rum Carribean Dance Group, and Cocoa Dancers African Competitive Dance Team. The audience excitement and the performances make every late night sometimes even until 11pm or 12 am, worth it. 

But the real MVPs: are my coworkers and boss. I even got to refer my friends to the job. Nothing bonds you like a collective sigh of relief when the show goes off without a hitch or talking about a really good routine. We share laughs and learn from each other. I’ve met so many amazing people on campus who have the same major as me and those who I wouldn’t have met otherwise. 

So, if you’re scrolling through Handshake unsure if you’re “qualified” for something, let me save you the mental spiral: just apply. If I can go from clueless freshman to confidently calling cues at Cohen, you can too. And who knows? You might just find yourself without a backstage pass to some of Tufts’s best moments and a job you’ll look forward to.