20 Mar INTERVIEW WITH JAY SHEEHAN
Interview by Summer Armstrong
Jay Sheehan is a production and operations manager who has been in the industry for more than 20 years. Over his years of experience, he has worked with artists like Elton John and Jason Mraz. He has also worked at big-name events such as the Super Bowl.
As he continues his work in the industry, his expertise and experience that he has gathered over the years has enabled him to teach a new generation of students. He currently teaches at San Diego State University at the School of Theater, Television, and Film and owns his own production company.
As a production and operations manager, Sheehan has worked at various venues from all over the country. Finding it hard to pick just one favorite venue he eventually dwindles it down to the Coors Amphitheater.
“It was the first 20,000 seat amphitheater I ever ran. Being apart of the build and design team [like] I actually had the opportunity to look at blueprints as it was being built. The experience was really awesome” – Jay Sheehan, for FanFlex.
However, Sheehan also faced challenges as he continued to grow in the business.
“My biggest challenge was my self-confidence in the beginning” – Jay Sheehan, for FanFlex.
Being able to break through his imposter syndrome led him to overcoming and settling the noise and anxiety he had.
From breaking through his challenges, he embraces the best parts of the industry. He mentions that being able to serve people and using creative problem energies to solve challenging problems are the best parts of working in the industry.
Through his roster of venues, his advice for smaller venues is to “don’t think of yourself as being small. If you limit yourself, what are you missing? Keeping your eye on the prize, keeping your eye on your mission statement, on your purpose about trying to bring the best show to the guests possible and just doing what you’ve got to do to make that happen” – Jay Sheehan, for FanFlex.
“You have to wake up everyday with a passion for what you do” – Jay Sheehan, for FanFlex.
Right now, he is stepping into a new role as Creative Director for Jason Mraz as he and the team prepare for a big fundraiser event in February 2024.