Adam Ghan wants to be a venue manager one day. After chatting with the junior Entertainment Management student about his experience in service-learning with The Gillioz Theatre, there’s every reason to believe he will. Level-headed, driven, and refreshingly chill about the whole future thing, Adam seems to understand that it won’t just fall into place magically. He’s strategically taking on meaningful opportunities and building relationships that will set him up for success. Service-learning has been a significant step on his path, and he’s excited to talk about how it can even lead to helping run a classic theatre during a Rocky Horror Picture Show viewing.  

“That’s the most beneficial part of service-learning for me – it’s just to see management, see why they make the decisions they make and see how deep it really goes”

Adam makes a really good first impression. He’s got a rhythmic brand of confidence that seems to be uniquely prone to people who play the drums – which he does. He ducks into the office dressed in dark, casually styled clothes with jaw-length hair and a few visible tattoos, all adding up to an unexplainably professional look perfect for his chosen field. Yet, nothing about him appears to be a cynical construct aimed at playing a part. In fact, some of his earliest remarks in the interview suggest the opposite: a genuine, gregarious learner enjoying the moment who is passionate about what he wants to do and the culture around it. Transferring from Ozark Technical Community College (OTC), Adam came to Missouri State ready to push forward with his career goals, but also seeking a deeper experience. “OTC was nice, but it’s just a lot more community-based here,” he says with a nod.  

Shortly into the conversation, it became apparent he understands the nuances of getting what he wants in a competitive and complicated industry: it’s not just about working hard, it’s about getting involved. He described all the ways he goes above and beyond to ensure he’s preparing himself for a career. For instance, tons of participation in class, like joining the Entertainment Management Association club via his program, which he refers to as “like a family.” That, and paying close attention to instructors, in his case, Dr. Philip Rothschild. 

Adam has nothing but kind words for Dr. Rothschild – or, as he refers to him “Doctor R.” Rothschild earns his students’ respect with opportunity and challenge. The professor even took a group of students to the International Entertainment Buyers Association conference. Adam’s eyes light up as he recalls the trip, “Bad Bunny’s agent was there.” Then his eyebrows scrunch as he ponders a moment: “And some guy named ‘Chubby Chase’ – did something called the ‘twist?’ It was just nice to be in a place with other professionals in the field.” 

He also recalls a day in class at the beginning of the semester that “Doctor R” showed one of our videos about service-learning and the opportunities it provides while doing something good in the community. Dr. Rothschild has long embraced service-learning and continues to make sure it’s connected as a component credit to his course. Students can elect to work with our office and find a “learning site” – a placement at a community partner organization in the area. Meanwhile, Dr. Rothschild gets to stay focused on his course and pedagogy while students like Adam have a chance to “level-up” their learning. When Adam saw our video in class, to him it felt like a no-brainer.  

There are generally a few placement options that could work for each student, but we always try to take the time to learn about what the student is really looking for and what might really benefit them. In Adam’s case, Dr. Nordyke knew there was one organization that has prime placements and internships, but as such, is in high demand: The Gillioz. Adam was excited about it from the start, “It almost sounded like a mini-internship where I could get some hands-on experience in my industry.” 

While we’ve had an incredible partnership with The Gillioz over the years, placements naturally had to pause during COVID-19 lockdowns. They’re picking up speed again lately, but it continues to be a competitive position. The Gillioz only permits a few internships at a time, let alone additional service-learning spots. Fortunately, Adam approached us early and was able to get in. Dr. Nordyke has an otherworldly skill at recognizing motivated, talented students. She felt confident in Adam’s ability to represent Missouri State and service-learning. 

“Something that goes along with my major was really big for me – because I didn’t expect it”

“Somewhere that was in my area of interest, something that goes along with my major was really big for me – because I didn’t expect it. When you think of service-learning, I just didn’t think they’d have something with entertainment management… So, it’s really cool that [service-learning] has something for a lot of majors and interests.” Adam still acts a bit surprised that the opportunity was even available. It seems like he simply didn’t think there would be an option that fit his specific needs. “It’s hard to see behind the curtain, you know, with things like this, and what really goes on and how it’s all put together,” he shrugs and shakes his head. “How they created these experiences and how deep it really goes really interested me.” 

The Gillioz is a fascinating theatre. Officially designated as a Historic Place by the U.S. National register, it has been a staple in Springfield since the 1920’s. It has both been host to Springfield’s early embrace of broadcast, music and movies and experienced complete closure during the 80’s before renovations finished in 2006. Now, it brings all kinds of entertainment options to downtown Springfield under a 501c-3 status.  

He describes a range of work while serving there – all of which he considers valuable. Could be anything. One night: stationed at the merch tables while swarms of people dressed as characters from “Rocky Horror Picture Show” mull around him. The next? How about tending to guests for an opera? Another night: working the merch table for “Princess and the Bride,” strategizing logistics for products and their display. Or, perhaps the most exciting thing for Adam: just sitting in a staff meeting with The Gillioz team.  

He’s quick to anticipate some skepticism here. Sitting in a staff meeting? Adam insists, “Attending staff meetings are really helpful! Seeing what kind of key decisions they are making on who they wanna bring in, what movies they want to show, what they don’t want to show, what kind of food trucks they want to bring in.” He leans forward his chair, “That’s the most beneficial part of service-learning for me – it’s just to see management, see why they make the decisions they make and see how deep it really goes.” 

Adam goes on to explain the details. He prepares food and snacks for guests during film showings, gets experience with ticketing, beverages and food, VIP packages – the works. Some of it would not be most people’s cup of tea, but Adam loves it all. He already has a clear image in his mind of his future and he wants to taste every part of what goes into successfully running a venue. He assures me that learning is an emphasis in all activities. Referring to what it feels like to be at The Gillioz, he describes it as a family. Most important for him: they want to help because they know how passionate he is.  

Adam is aiming for an official internship at The Gillioz through Missouri State’s Management 494 course as a next step. His chances are very solid due to his service-learning experience that introduced him to The Gillioz staff. He already can’t wait to spend more time at Springfield’s classic venue. “I love being there. It doesn’t feel like work for me.”

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