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Cynthia Baker
Born in Topeka, Kan., Cynthia Baker grew up there and in Englewood, Colo. She earned a B.S. in theater from Kansas State University before moving to New York.
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| Cynthia Baker working at the 2004 Tony Awards presentation. |
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How long have you worked at Juilliard, and what do you remember about your first day? I came to Juilliard as a stage manager in the Internship Program during the 1986-87 school year. A year later, I became production manager for the Dance Division, and stayed in that position until 1993. After several years of freelancing, I returned to Juilliard in 1999 in my current job.What job at Juilliard would you like to try out for a day and why?Although it's not really an "at Juilliard" job, I would like to spend a day with Mary Rodgers Guettel. She has been so inspirational here, and I respect and admire her wealth of experience in the theater. It would be interesting to see the business from her point of view.What is the strangest job you've ever had and what made it so?I also work in the world of televised special events (the Grammys, the Tonys, Michael Jackson's television special, etc.), so I've had a number of strange and memorable experiences. But I'm not going to put anything in print!If out of the blue your boss said to take the day off, what would you do with your free time?I'd spend the day with my partner, Evelyn. We'd probably go to the movies or a museum, or just spend the day with our "kids"—a 13-year-old cat named Floozie and a 6-month-old Australian shepherd named Patches.Do you have artistic or professional activities outside Juilliard?I freelance as a professional stage manager and stagehand. One of the great things about Juilliard is that it encourages administrative staff and technical people to continue practicing their art or craft. I believe the students and interns at Juilliard benefit from interacting with professionals on all levels. And when I'm out working on an event and a former Juilliard student is performing in the show, it feels like it all comes full circle.What kind of performances do you prefer to attend and why?I enjoy all types, but I have to admit a soft spot for musicals. Perhaps it's because they are a combination of theater, music, and dance.What other pursuits are you passionate about?I love the outdoors. Fall is my favorite time of year, and I love to go hiking or work out in my garden. When it's time to be indoors, I like to cook.Where would you most like to travel?I spent of lot of time hiking in the Rockies growing up, so I love the mountains. But living on the Great Plains taught me to appreciate the different types of terrain this planet has to offer. I hope to visit many more places—especially Alaska, before it's completely spoiled by oil wells and fast food outlets. I've always wanted to see the aurora borealis.What is your proudest accomplishment in life?It's hard for me to pick "est" moments (proudest, happiest). There are things in my life that I am proud of: my relationship, my house, and my career. I'm also proud of my nieces and nephews, but I really can't take any credit for them.What might people be surprised to know about you?As a kid, I used to fly and do aerobatics with my dad. We had a small plane that my dad actually remade the wings on. I thought it was great fun, but my mom and my sister usually chose to stay on the ground.What is your favorite thing about New York City?I love the exhilaration of being a part of the city. It's contagious, like the arts—once it's in your bloodstream, it is hard to get rid of. As much as I love being in the country, I can't bring myself to leave the city.What book are you reading right now? Or what CD are you listening to?I commute from Pawling on Metro North, so I do a lot of reading and word puzzles. Right now I'm reading through the Cadfael books by Ellis Peters.What is your dream job?In many ways, this is my dream job. Working here at Juilliard allows me to stay connected to all types of performance and all aspects of production. I'm proud to be connected to such a fine institution, and still have the flexibility to be part of the mainstream of popular culture. Outside of Juilliard, I have done more than I ever imagined (i.e. being a stage manager for Carly Simon; working on President Clinton's birthday party). I look forward to what dreams may come.
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