Gabriela Fernandez — Podcast — Making It with Chris G.

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When running a venue of any size, it takes a team that operates as one unified front with mutual respect and empathy. Over my career, I’ve been able to work with all kinds of venues from clubs to theaters to amphitheaters and arenas. You would think there is a formula on how venues operate or some kind of standard. However, every venue runs completely different. It’s like the venue is an artist. They’re all unique and interesting in their own ways, and they all present different challenges. It’s usually the ones that are great communicators, organized, and bring that extra love and care to a show that are the most memorable and stand out. And it doesn’t matter how big or small the team running the venues are. I’ve worked with small teams that were amazing, and large teams that were horrible. One of my favorite smaller teams were working with Conny and Gaby at the Olympia Theater in Miami, FL.

Conny Quintanilla is the Production Coordinator at the Olympia, and founder and CEO of FansOnQ, a company that develops and hires casted audiences and seat fillers for major events. Gabriella Fernandez is the venues Director of Theater Operations, and founder and President for Front Yard Theatre Collective, a sketch comedy theater group. The two of them together are a dynamic duo that can outwork much larger teams. Conny and Gaby have always worn literally many hats, and are very passionate about their team, their venue, and making sure that the shows run smooth. Located in the heart of Downtown Miami and at a Historic Theater, made it one of the venues I looked forward to visiting the most during my time with AEG Presents. I look forward to the day I come back to work or see a show at the Olympia Theater.

In this conversation we talk about running a venue, how COVID-19 has affected their venue, having side hustles, working as a team, and much more.

To learn more about Conny and Gaby visit http://www.olympiatheater.org/, http://fansonq.com/, and https://www.frontyardtheatrecollective.com/.

Highlights from this Episode
[01:24] Conny and Gaby’s role at Olympia Theater
[02:50] Surviving COVID-19
[07:52] Journey before Olympia Theater & Side Hustles
[20:55] Bicycle Theater
[23:42] Courses to Prepare for Working at a Venue
[28:20] Building Authentic Relationships
[32:30] Different roles at a venue and opportunities
[35:58] Working with co-promoters and partners
[37:15] Dealing with difficult people
[43:43] Things promoters should know when working with a venue
[50:55] Surprise celebrity and special guest appearances
[01:00:14] Things to pay attention to prior to opening a venue
[01:04:30] Getting to know Conny and Gaby

Quotes from Conny and Gaby
“Taking an improv class can translate to so many areas of your life.” - Gaby
“I don’t feel production is in textbooks. Production is all about hands on experience.” - Conny
“In the entertainment industry...80% is who you know...10% is knowledge...and 10% is luck.” - Gaby
“Once you’ve experienced your first burn, you start waking up to a lot of things. You pick up that sixth sense.” - Conny
“A lot of people when they’re scamming you, the minute you ask a lot of questions, they’ll act annoyed.” - Gaby
“You kind of have to get scammed (in this industry), it’s sort of like hazing.” - Gaby
“You fall down 7, you get up 8.” - Conny
“Get everything in writing.” - Conny and Gaby
“It’s really important that you get to know who you’re working with...and when show day comes be on the same page.” - Conny
“A good way to prevent drama is to build a solid team.” - Gaby
“Make yourself a checklist of everything you need before you get to a new city.” - Gaby
“You always gotta be ahead of the game.” - Conny
“Always use common sense and common courtesy.” - Conny
“As a promoter when you get to a venue, don’t just get familiar with the stage door.” - Gaby

Links to people, places, and things mentioned
Olympia Theater
ESPY Awards
FansOnQ (Casted Audience)
Front Yard Theatre Collective (Sketch Comedy Group)
Last Podcast on the Left
Shakira
NSYNC
Guns N’ Roses in Colombia
Keto Diet

Conny & Gaby’s Definition of Making It:
“Pay your rent doing what you love.” - Gaby
“Loving what you do and being at peace with it. Loving it, and never stop learning.” - Conny

Get in touch with Conny and Gaby
http://www.olympiatheater.org/
http://fansonq.com/
https://www.frontyardtheatrecollective.com/

Keep in touch:chris.goyzueta@gmail.com

Credits:
Host: Chris Goyzueta (Chris G.)
Producer: Jason Trosclair
Executive Producer: ONElive Creative Agency
Music: Emily Kopp