Junior Caitlin Tully has assumed the role of head house manager for Rockefeller Arts Center.
Tully, a Music Education major from Colonie, NY, who joined the house management staff in 2023, began her new role in January.
Daniel Cherry, manager of Ticketing, Transportation and Audience Services for Fredonia, said Tully has demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for the position.
“We are excited to have Caitlin leading this team,” Cherry said. “She has demonstrated initiative and problem-solving strategies that made her stand out.” In addition, he said Tully handles the customer service challenges of patrons with thoughtfulness and respect.
Tully’s start with the house management team at Rockefeller came about indirectly. Her friend and now fellow house manager Ryan Packard asked her to come to an orientation session.
“Somehow, I passed by the (house management) table at activities night,” Tully explained. “Ryan had signed up for the orientation though and got a group of us to go with him.”
Liking what she learned at that session, Tully was on her way as a house manager.
“As a music major, it was almost a no-brainer,” Tully said. “You get to see events for free, work in the arts and it’s a good resume builder.”
Tully said in addition to being organized and punctual, a good house manager needs to be able to adapt to any circumstances that may arise during an event.
“You need to be the calm person and be good at working with people,” she said.
While she thinks there have been many great musical events at Fredonia, Tully said her favorite was the Department of Theatre and Dance production of “Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812” in the fall of 2023.
“The set design, the acting — everything was impressive,” she said.
A violist, Tully is a member of Fredonia’s College Symphony orchestra, and she has her own string chamber trio.
As a performer, Tully said he most memorable Fredonia experience was being part of the Spring 2025 Masterworks presentation of Carl Orff’s “Carmina Burana.”
“It was amazing to perform with that number of people and create such a powerful sound,” she said.
After graduation, Tully’s goal is to become a string teacher, whether it be a position with a school district or offering private lessons.
