We’re excited for you to meet our new Production Manager, Jonathan Katzias. Recently we sat down with him and asked him some questions about his role here at Tuacahn and what he’s most looking forward to as the newest member of the team. See his answers below.
What is your role at Tuacahn?
Katzias: I’m the production manager here at Tuacahn. The production manager is one of the key roles that really brings all of the departments together and makes sure that the many gears of Tuacahn are oiled and running as they should. The production manager is a problem solver that is constantly on their feet and making sure all the departments have what they need at any given moment.
“My Grandfather taught me how to do woodworking and my Grandmother taught me how to sew.”
~ Jonathan Katzias
What are you most looking forward to as the Production Manager at Tuacahn?
Katzias: I’m most looking forward to meeting all of these amazing designers that we’ve chosen for this year and getting to work with new creative people. One of the amazing things about theater is that you’re always going to meet people that have these amazing perspectives on life. Their creative journey through their personal life is sometimes what shapes their design aspects and the way they look at things. As you collaborate with these individuals you gain new perspectives and ways of thinking just by being around them.
What led you to a career in theater?
Katzias: I’ve been in theater since I was young. I was always in the school plays and church productions. I would spend weekends with my Grandparents where they taught me many great skills. My Grandfather taught me how to do woodworking and my Grandmother taught me how to sew.
I was always interested in how things worked. As much as I enjoyed being in shows, I was always thinking how I could make things better and how I could improve upon how things were done. That all culminated with me becoming a problem solver that’s always trying to look at the bigger picture.
I started out my career mostly concentrating on the scenery aspect of things. I did an internship at Julliard for technical direction and then right after college I worked at a
couple of small theaters doing technical direction. I ultimately ended up at ShowMotion which is a large scene shop in Milford, Connecticut where they build scenery for
Broadway and national tours. I had worked there learning everything that goes into fabricating scenery for shows.
I wanted to get out of the East coast and see what the West was all about and Tuacahn is an amazing little gem here in Utah. It has really great potential to continue to grow and I’m excited to see what the future brings.
“There’s nothing like being down here in the canyon and looking up at the amazing rock structure that Tuacahn is nestled into.”
~ Jonathan Katzias
What was your first impression coming to Southern Utah?
Katzias: When you’re working in New York there’s no shortage of things to look up at. You’ve got all the marquees, video screens, the Time Square ball and skyscrapers. What’s amazing here is that you’re still in awe and your jaw is on the floor when you’re looking up at everything, but you’re looking up at gigantic mountains that have been created eons ago. The skyline here is no short of incredible. There’s nothing like being down here in the canyon and looking up at the amazing rock structure that Tuacahn is nestled into.
Who has inspried you throughout your career?
Katzias: Over the past several years I have been very fortunate to work closely with many very talented creatives; most notably Tony award-winning Scenic and Costume Designer Santo Loquasto. Mr. Loquasto’s ability to communicate and develop ideas/concepts has consistently inspired me to elevate the level of my work, my communication, and my way of thinking. He has always been one to search for excellence and that is something that I will never stop striving for. Without fail – theater is creating and collaborating on something that has never quite existed before. It is difficult and it is demanding. Endeavor to make good art and know that it will be worth it and it will change lives.
What is one of your funniest experiences?
Katzias: I couldn’t possibly pick just one, but some of my funniest memories are centered around working in the world of huge budgets and expensive professional NY theater all while solving complex technical challenges with stuff you find at the dollar store or something off the shelf at Home Depot. Sometimes the solution is better solved with creative thinking and a keen eye. Seeing the show later and remembering that all I spent was $20 on an effect that created true magic onstage makes me giggle.
Welcome to Tuacahn, Jonathan!