Traci Gaydos ’02
Lights, curtains, action! Traci Gaydos ’02 came to Lewis University to study Theatre and Music. While pursuing her BA in Theatre, she stumbled upon Stage Management. Stage Management was the springboard for her successful career in event production because it provided her with a transferable skillset. “My Lewis Experience was exactly what I needed for that time in my life: highly connected instructors who met my individual learning style and needs, and a department full of folks cheering each other on to success on and off the stage,” explains Gaydos. After graduating from Lewis and interning at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, Traci applied to the University of Illinois’ MFA program in Stage Management. After completing her MFA, she continued in opera and theatre production roles until she landed the Production Manager and Marketing Director role for the University of Northern Iowa’s Theatre Department. Traci stayed in Cedar Rapids for three years before being selected to serv...