We were lucky to catch up with Eric Fliss recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Eric thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

The story is not a risk taken by me, but rather risks taken by others on my behalf. One of my first professional jobs was that of Production Manager for a theater that played a very important role in the revitalization of Miami Beach. Practically fresh out of college, I interviewed (with less-than-ideal credentials) along with some other highly qualified candidates for the position of Production Manager of the historic and newly renovated Colony Theater.

Although possibly not the most qualified candidate, President David Black saw something in me not on paper and took great risk in offering me the job. This led to a 17-year career running one of the most interesting and eclectic theaters in Miami, and afforded me the opportunity to work closely alongside great artists such as Trish Brown, Bill T. Jones, Susan Marshal, David Dorfman, Spalding Grey, Ann Bogart, Donald Byron, Marianne Faithfull, Ellie Wiesel and many more.

Additionally, I take pride that, during my 17-year tenure, many of the individuals who worked under my tutelage have gone on to be accomplished technicians, administrators, and artists at some of the premier theaters in the country.

I am forever grateful for those who took risks on me, and I continue to look to pay it forward.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Born and raised in New York, my parents introduced me to art and culture from a young age. My father was a commercial visual artist, and my mother was a performing arts enthusiast. We often drove into Manhattan on the weekend to take in a Broadway production.

A graduate of Florida State University with a performance degree in theater and technical experience, I moved to Miami in the mid-’80s to explore what might be possible in this exciting city. Within a few years, I co-founded the Acme Acting Company, a cutting-edge Rock and Roll theater company in Miami dedicated to contemporary work. This company gave a platform to many new young artists who in turn, created their own theater companies in Miami, contributing to the development of a significant regional theater community.

I also discovered a group of emerging dance artists who were creating interesting work, and as a Lighting Designer, I began to collaborate and further develop my lighting skills. This provided me the opportunity to discover some culturally specific dance that academic environments did not provide. I worked with exceptional Flamenco artists, Brazilian contemporary artists that used Capoeira and other contemporary influences, and a host of Caribbean artists who looked to Orishas for influence and inspiration.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of working in a creative environment is witnessing the response of patrons and guests to the artistic choices we provide for their pleasure. You hope that guests will be entertained, but more than that, you want them to have a visceral experience.

We can entertain, but we can also open doors to new experiences, cultures, and perspectives through our making of art, and we can create a broader sense of community.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Our reputation was built on providing quality entertainment and our respect for our audience. We also have deconstructed the image of the large performing arts center and created programming that gives ease of access. This allows everyone to understand that the arts — and this facility — are there for them.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Ericflissx
• Linkedin: Eric Fliss
• Twitter: @TheatreGM

Image Credits
Building: Robin Tower Momix: Botanica Eric Fliss and John Batiste SMDCAC Friends and Families (3 ladies)