Mary Gray
Mary Gray was director of admissions at the Interlochen Arts
Academy for nine years before she headed to New York in 1987—to
work in the same capacity for the Professional Children's School.
She spent five years there before coming to Juilliard.
Mary Gray with her husband and daughter. |
What do you remember about your first day at Juilliard?
My first day of work was May 27, 1993. I distinctly remember
wishing I could close my eyes and open them a year later. In other
words, I wanted a year's worth of learning instantly, so that I could
feel as if I knew what the heck I was doing! I had to hire a new staff,
so there weren't many "teachers" around—but, as things tend to do,
it all came together.
What job at Juilliard would you like to try out for a day
and why?
I admire many things that people do here, but I would especially
love to direct a play. (I know: Get in line!) It would be thrilling
to interpret the intention of a great playwright and create a production
that comes to life intellectually, as well as technically and creatively.
What is the strangest job you've ever had and what made
it strange?
In college, several girlfriends and I moved to Minneapolis for a
summer and found jobs convincing business owners to repaint the
parking stripes in their parking lots. We spent the summer driving
around in search of parking lots whose stripes looked woefully neglected
and going inside the business to sell the idea. It was a humbling
experience; it certainly helped me decide what I didn't want
to do for a living! It was fascinating, however, because I had never
given a thought to the origin of the painted parking stripe—and
I have a good appreciation, to this day, of a freshly painted parking
lot.
If, out of the blue, you were given the day off, what would
you do with your free time?
I would rush off to the Bronx Zoo with my 10-year-old daughter and
spend the day watching the gorillas in the Congo Forest exhibit.
An equally compelling choice would be a bike trip from the lighthouse
just under the George Washington Bridge to the bottom of Manhattan,
along the Hudson River, which we've done in bits and pieces but
never completed.
Do you have a background in music, dance, or drama?
I have a degree in piano performance from the University of North
Dakota, but I have always preferred being an audience member. I
love all kinds of music, and in addition to the wonderful things
at Juilliard and around New York, I get to enjoy a lot of creative
music through the performances of my husband, Jamey Haddad, a drummer
and percussionist in several groups ranging from pop to world music
to jazz.
What kind of performances do you prefer to attend and why?
My tastes are truly eclectic: I can be thrilled by a great performance
of a Brahms symphony or an evening with Alanis Morissette. I love
new, creative music and world music—especially some of the groups
now emerging from Africa and the Middle East.
What other pursuits are you passionate about?
I love the outdoors and would be happy hiking for months in the
mountains of any country—but on a daily basis, my greatest passions
are cooking and reading. My favorite way to spend a Sunday is preparing
and serving a fantastic meal.
What was the best vacation you've had and what made it
special?
My first trip to Paris convinced me that I must have spent at least
one former life in France. I fell completely in love with the architecture,
the lifestyle, and the food. I grew up in North Dakota, where buildings
were never more than 30 or 40 years old (or so it seemed) and architecture
was primarily ranch-style. People always finished dinner by 5 p.m.,
which irritated me from the time I was young. Finally seeing a country
in which all the good things in life are celebrated was eye-opening
for me.
What is your proudest accomplishment in life?
Without question, my daughter, Georgia. She amazes me every day
and I am so grateful to have her in my life. Although I can't take
credit for who she is, I certainly make parenting my top priority.
What might people be surprised to know about you?
That I love novels by Anthony Trollope, and I know a lot of songs
about North Dakota.
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Angel Ricardo Rosario, security officer. |
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