She’s a Believer! Meet New Producer Hilary Burcell

It’s tech week for PYT’s Shrek the Musical, so, Spotlight thought it would be fun to interview first time producer, Hilary Burcell.

Spotlight: Hilary, tell us a little bit about you! 😀 What do you do, any hobbies, your favorite musical – things like that! 

When I’m not at PYT or working as a product consultant, you’re likely to find me at the baseball field watching my twelve year old do his thing. In addition to that I am on the board of a fabulous organization called Playworks, which has programs to help schools make recess and the playground a safe, fun and healthy environment for all children.

I really love to go to the theater with my daughter Chloe. This past year we have seen a bunch of musicals including Les Mis, Miss Saigon, Waitress (In New York with Sarah Bareilles!!), Something Rotten, and (finally!!) Hamilton.

Our family loves to travel too. We can be hard core tourists, but sometimes we really get into sitting on a warm beach!

Spotlight: What motivated you to be a PYT producer? 

In past shows, I really enjoyed working backstage during performances – it made me feel like I was part of the show. When  I was asked to be a producer, I was excited to learn more about how PYT puts these amazing shows together, with the added benefit that it was an opportunity to spend more time with Chloe, and to get to know the amazing PYT community a little bit better.

Spotlight: You’re about to go into tech week, so I’m sure you’ll have a lot of stories to tell after tech, but, is there anything you’d like to share about your experience to date that sums up why you like producing, or what makes the experience worthwhile?

I knew going into this role that the kids are terrific, and so is the staff. What I didn’t fully understand is what an incredible community they are together. The kids come from different cities, schools and grades, but at PYT they are a family. It is great to see them hanging out together during rehearsal breaks, and welcoming new kids in.

Spotlight: Other parents may think it’s too hard to be a producer. What does it take to be a producer for PYT?

Producing at PYT takes time, organization and people skills. It is less time than people probably think, but there is no question that I’ve spent more time at PYT on Shrek than I have in previous productions. The work itself is very similar to the types of things many parents do at their children’s school – organizing volunteers, sending out communications, answering questions, and, of course, working with other parents and kids! If you enjoy that, you would be a great PYT Producer candidate.

Spotlight: Anything else you’d like to add about producing for PYT?

Producing is a nice way to get to know more PYT parents better! Working behind the counter at the studio has given me a chance to chat with quite a few parents, and now I can match many of their faces and names to their kids. Thanks for saying hi when you drop off and pick up! 😀

Break-a-leg Hilary! Have a great tech week and run of show!

Tickets for Shrek The Musical are on sale now! Shrek performs March 9 – 17 at the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, 500 Castro Street.

By: Barbie Koch