MIM’s theater team creates exceptional experiences for guests and performers
Theater technician Laura Smith (left) and theater production manager Nick Cecconi (right) set the stage before a concert at the MIM Music Theater.
Every year, the MIM Music Theater presents more than 360 performances by acclaimed musicians from around the world. Under the leadership of artistic director Andrew Walesch, the theater features a diverse lineup of artists spanning genres, cultures, and musical traditions. Each performance offers an outstanding experience for guests and performers alike thanks to the behind-the-scenes work of MIM’s theater team.
Once an artist is booked, theater production manager Nick Cecconi drives the technical and production aspects of the concert, communicating with artists’ managers, coordinating logistics, and overseeing technical considerations. Nick works closely with artists’ representatives to ensure that production details are addressed well before show day.
From a performer’s arrival in Phoenix until their departure after their show, hospitality is managed by artistic operations coordinator Carrie Willis. Carrie handles every detail of the artists’ accommodations, transportation, and food and beverage needs, as well as the backstage experience, ensuring that performers can focus entirely on delivering a great show.
Artistic operations coordinator Carrie Willis prepares the backstage VIP room before a performer’s arrival.
Concierges Edwin Sarratt, Jeff Insel, Jim Thornton, and Mark DePue provide artists with a friendly welcome to Phoenix and a smooth travel experience. They often transport instruments, gear, and merchandise and assist with day-of-show needs. Edwin, Jeff, and Jim also serve as day-of-show artist coordinator when Carrie is unavailable, ensuring that the performers receive attentive support throughout their time at MIM.
Theater technician Laura Smith adjusts a spotlight.
Theater technician Laura Smith is the lighting designer for most performances, taking to the catwalks to focus spotlights on performers and operating colorful LED lighting to enhance the atmosphere during each concert. Together, Nick, Laura, and the theater crew— including a rotating cast of experienced technicians—conduct sound checks and lighting rehearsals before every performance. During most concerts, Nick and Laura work behind the scenes to ensure that every aspect of the production runs smoothly and delivers a memorable experience.
“Every night is a performance that people have been looking forward to for weeks or even months, and we never take that for granted,” Nick says. “We always want to set the artist up for success.”
Theater production manager Nick Cecconi sits at the mixing console in the theater.
In the hours before a show, lead house manager Belle Winsor and house manager Victoria Schwentick, who oversee front-of-house operations, set up merchandise tables and lead pre-show meetings for the volunteer team members who run the merch table and serve as ushers. Belle and Victoria also coordinate show starts, playing chimes to announce showtime to guests enjoying drinks and snacks from the concert bar in North El Río, and they help the VTM ushers guide guests to their seats.
Lead house manager Belle Winsor (center left) and house manager Victoria Schwentick (center right) hold a pre-show meeting with volunteer team members.
Like the musicians it supports, MIM’s theater team works in concert to create memorable experiences for artists and audiences.
“The room is extraordinary, but it’s the people who make it sing,” Walesch says. “Artists feel it the moment they walk in the door—a whole team that treats their show like it’s the only one that matters. When you approach each night with that level of intention, you give artists the freedom to take the music somewhere extraordinary. That’s when a concert becomes an experience that stays with people.”
