Liz ParkerTaking the helm as the business manager of the UCA Theatre was a second career for Liz Parker.
After 20 years working for an ophthalmologist, she decided it was time for a change.
“I felt like there had to be something else out there for me,” Parker recalled.
Parker always had a love for the stage, but knew she could contribute more behind the scenes. She decided to go back to school in 1990 to obtain her degree in theatre and a minor in marketing.
A position for business manger became open at the UCA Theatre shortly after she finished her degree at UCA in 1995.
“I have never regretted the move,” she said. “Getting my degree was the best thing, regardless whether I ended up here or not.”
Parker was able to make the position her own.
“I didn’t have to follow in anyone’s footsteps,” she explained. “We knew basically what needed to be done. We needed someone to handle scheduling, fund raising, and clerical stuff as well as advertising and audience development.”
For the first few years, Parker also designed costumes along with her other duties.
“It’s been really fun to get to this point,” she said. “Everything is in place.”
Parker would like to see the program continue to grow with more classes and a new building. The theatre is housed in the Snow Fine Arts Center, which was built in the 1960s.
“People realize that UCA Theatre has a good reputation in the state. Our students are well trained, well educated and go on to do wonderful things,” she said. “I am just very proud to be a part of that.”
There have been occasions where Parker has taken center stage. She has done some professional theatre in the past. Currently, she sings with the group, “Vintage.” The group consists of Parker and some of her friends. The women perform songs from the 1930’s through the 1960’s.
“We have a great time doing it,” Parker said.