Mark Nicolella: #WeAreArgus
We love getting to know more about our Argus Team Members and why they love their jobs. Today we chatted with Mark Nicolella, General Manager for Denver Performing Arts Center (DPAC) and the McNichols Building. Mark loves to be a part of the amazing arts and cultural events held at DPAC year-round. Here is a little more about Mark and why he is a proud Argus team member.
Q: Hi Mark, tell us a bit about yourself:
A: I moved to Colorado from Philadelphia in 2001 and live in Lafayette with my wife and two kids. I started working with Argus in February 2017. Before Argus, I was a house manager at the Boulder Theater and the Fox Theater in Boulder. I was also the Tour Manager for Yonder Mountain String Band and occasionally filled in as a tour manager for Greensky Bluegrass as well.
Q: What is your position?
A: I started out at Argus as the Event Director for DPAC and now have taken on the role of general manager for DPAC and the McNichols Building. My office is in the Buell Theater where I represent Argus for the City and County of Denver. I make sure all shows at DPAC run smoothly, are appropriately staffed, all folks have what they need for a successful show, and, of course, make sure the patrons have a fun and happy experience.
Q: What is the coolest event (sporting/music/etc.) that you have ever worked with Argus?
A: I love working at DPAC because you get to see a very diverse range of events. We have everything from the symphony, to the ballet, to rock concerts, to theater, to speaking events. This summer we did a really cool event in the Sculpture Park with Rancid & Dropkick Murphys. This concert was a little outside the ordinary for DPAC and the event went really well. The talent was very happy, our Argus team members did a great job, and the City and County of Denver was happy with the overall execution. This fall at DPAC we had the world debut of Disney’s Frozen. Frozen is a very special event for Denver as it is debuting here before it even hits Broadway. The producers built the set from scratch, the Disney creative minds have been in town directing and working on the show for months, and we had the actual Broadway cast members (as opposed to the touring show) here for the debut. After the show closes in Denver it will move to New York.
Q: You’ve probably met some memorable fans along the way, any special stories you’d like to share?
A: I have a little girl, so I love seeing all the little girls dressed in princess outfits for Disney shows, or fancy dresses to see the ballet; they are all really cute. In general, we see such enthusiasm for all the shows at DPAC from all age groups. For some of our events, like the symphony, people get so dressed up and it’s really a positive experience to be a part of what is clearly a special night for all the patrons at DPAC.
Q: What do you love most about working for Argus?
A: From day to day, venue to venue, there are so many different and interesting shows happening at DPAC. I am in a facilitation role and I get to help our team members be part of something they are proud of. Many ushers have been part of DPAC longer than Argus has been around, some have been at the Buell Theatre or Boettcher Concert Hall for 10 or 15 years. It is an honor to be a part of that legacy and work with these dedicated team members.
Q: What are you most proud of in your work as an Argus Team Member?
A: In an events job, you work to bring people together to share an amazing experience. At DPAC specifically, I am proud to be part of something worth being proud of. I think it is really amazing to be involved with Broadway shows, the symphony, theater. All the events at DPAC represent long-standing traditions in arts; I work at a very special place.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Mark! The next time you visit DPAC for a Broadway show, the ballet, the symphony, or perhaps to see a favorite play, be sure to give Mark a wave!