Leslie McBay – Patron Services Coordinator

How long have you worked for the Young Centre and tell us a little bit about what you do.

I got my start by lightwalking for Soulpepper in 2008, and a couple years later I joined the Front of House team at the Young Centre. I’ve been in my current position for a year and a half. My job involves coordinating the day-to-day Box Office and Front of House operations, hiring and training staff, scheduling, and managing our thriving Volunteer Ushering program. Part of my job requires me to be at every show’s dress rehearsal, which is basically the best thing ever.

What has your job consisted of lately?

Subscriptions! Oh my word! It’s been a gloriously busy subscription season in the Box Office. January is the quietest month of the year for Front of House, which gives me a chance to get caught up on a few things. I’ll be reviewing our Volunteer roster, and adding some eager new faces. I’m also working on an Emergency Preparedness session for our Front of House staff; faintings, evacuations, and blackouts, oh my!

What (if any) kinds of shows/productions/events have you been involved in outside of work?

I’m an actor in my other life, so I try to squeeze in as many auditions as I can. Performing has taken me across Canada, but I am happily settled in Toronto. I’m also a singer, and aside from singing opera in the shower and working on a mouth-trumpet concerto, I’ve recorded a CD with an a cappella choir and perform at the occasional cabaret.

When you’re not at work, what are you doing?

I love having friends over, cooking them a massive feast, and getting cozy in front of the fire. (Smores!) I love all of these things even more when there is nerdy entertainment involved. Have I mentioned that Star Trek: The Next Generation is my favourite? Nearly every day, you can find me riding the Enterprise (my weathered bike) at warp speed around town, through rain, snow and sunshine. (My rain gear kind of makes me look like an astronaut, so I like to make slow-motion moon-landing entrances on stormy days!) If I manage to take a few consecutive days off, I like to take a working holiday on my brother’s farm, where I can muck about and quack at ducks.

What do you love about being a part of the staff at Soulpepper/Young Centre?

The people here have a sneaky way of worming into your heart, and making it grow bigger. For real. Like the end of The Grinch, but even more heart-warming. Also, Les Louises makes some mind-blowing chocolate pudding. If every day was Pudding Day, I would never leave the office!