Behind the Mic and Behind the Scenes: Meet Katie Masterson
August 19, 2025
Shaping Audience Experiences, Driven By Passion
A performing arts event is more than what happens on stage — it’s also the behind-the-scenes work that brings each moment to life. No one understands this better than our Senior Manager of Event Services, Katie Masterson. As a dedicated arts professional and musician, Katie uses her passion for music and event planning to ensure every performance runs seamlessly. Read on to discover how her love for the arts shapes each event and inspires her both professionally and personally.
Please introduce yourself and describe your current role with us.
My name is Katie Masterson, and I am the Senior Manager of Event Services. I am a musician, aunt, and devoted patron of the arts. As the Senior Manager of Event Services, I work within the Audience Experience Department providing advanced event support to our clients. I am also responsible for ensuring all event details are communicated efficiently to the necessary Front of House departments. I manage a team of Venue Managers who focus on event support and facilities upkeep in each of our magnificent venues and I work alongside our Administrative Manager to track our billing and budgeting efficiently.
What is your favorite part about your job?
The people. I am eternally grateful for the people I get to work with and learn from here. Our staff is comprised of lovely, talented, and innovative people. Whenever I feel like I need a new direction, or I have hit a wall on a project, someone always offers a new perspective. Not to mention, I laugh everyday here.
Why did you apply for a job here?
Previously to my role here, I was working as an agent for classical musicians. A fellow agent invited me to a performance of The Philadelphia Orchestra featuring one of her artists, and as soon as I walked in, I knew I wanted to work here. The energy in the space, the beauty of Marian Anderson Hall, the kindness of the ushers, the feeling five minutes before the performance began...it reminded me of why I embarked on this career.
Describe the first experience that you had with our organization.
The first performance I experienced was Nightlife at the Kimmel Center’s Plaza a few days after I started. The soundcheck happened right outside my office, which was a nice reminder that I would get a front row seat to impeccable music while I answered my emails. The community really came out for that show; it was a beautiful evening.
Our mission statement is to share the transformative power of the performing arts and arts education with the widest possible audience. How do you personally connect with this statement?
If music had not found me at a young age, I would not be who I am today. It was the foundation for my family and for many of my friendships.
When I was a junior in college, I taught a class to freshman on the importance of art in the community. Students pursuing neuroscience, economics, philosophy, nursing etc. came to class each day and connected with one another over poetry, the latest dance showcase or their class-assigned collages. Getting to work for an organization that provides that type of connection every day is surreal. The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts offers everyone the opportunity to explore what art means to them.
How did you get involved with the arts?
I was raised by a music lover (dad) and a musician (mom). My brothers and I were always singing or learning an instrument. My parents emphasized the arts in our lives, encouraging us to pursue them. Throughout middle school and high school, I was extensively involved in choir, musical theater, and dance. I loved performing.
When I was old enough, I would go to basement shows with my brother to see his band play. I grew to love New Jersey’s DIY scene for its fast-paced environment. Blink, and you’ll just miss your next musical obsession.
Right before college, I landed an internship at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, New Jersey. I spent the summer learning from two incredible women who ran the venue. They were the first women I ever witnessed in leadership roles in the industry. They inspired me to pursue my own career in the arts. I switched my major from English to Music Business and went on to run our campus’ radio station, WRUV.
After graduation I was hired as the Operations Manager for the University’s presenting series. It was that job that catapulted my interest in artistic presentation and specifically the countless hours of planning, negotiating and executing that it takes to be successful with both the artist and the audience.
Describe your current involvement with the performing arts.
Today I am doing something I never thought I would: I am fronting a post-hardcore band called You’re Laughing. I met my bandmates through a Craigslist advertisement two years ago and since then we have recorded our first self-titled EP and just recorded our second EP earlier this summer. I always loved heavier music but never imagined myself singing (and screaming) for a band like this.
I did not realize how much of myself I was missing when I wasn’t singing. Writing music with my bandmates has offered me a platform to be creative again. I cannot wait to see where the future takes us. Support local music! Go see a friend’s band play!
What does the future look like for Katie Masterson?
If I have learned anything, it’s that I never really know what the future holds for me, but if I had some requests….
I want to play as many shows with You’re Laughing as we can and to keep creating with my bandmates.
As for my career, I still have a lot of learning and growing to do. Eventually, I would like to own my company that operates as both a record label and management company for DIY musicians. It will be a space where artists of any genre can feel safe to create without having to change who they are and where young people, with similar dreams to mine, can start their careers.
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Thank you, Katie, for taking the time to speak with us. We hope to one day see You're Laughing perform in one of our own spaces!
Interested in more behind-the-scenes stories? Read about Chuck Schultz, a longtime usher whose passion for the arts evolved into a career as a live sketch artist. Visit our website for more information on our programming (e.g.) dance, comedy, our Family Discovery Series, and more!