October 2, 2024
We’re thrilled to introduce Mike Gerts, the Egyptian Theatre’s new Facility Director, in this engaging interview conducted by our Marketing Intern, Tori Smith. Mike shares insights about his journey from warehouse worker and CDL driver to facility management, his passion for preserving historic spaces like the Egyptian Theatre, and his excitement about becoming part of the DeKalb community. Get to know more about Mike’s vision for the Theatre, his personal hobbies, and what drives his commitment to this iconic venue.
TORI: Can you tell me about your background and any experiences that shaped who you are today?
MIKE: I’ve aspired to be involved in entertainment since I was a kid; film, live performances and events and even professional sports. I’ve always tried to keep myself within arms reach of those aspirations while working a lot of laborious and sometimes boring jobs to pay the bills. I was a warehouse worker while writing some of my first screenplays to break into the screenwriting field with. I was a CDL Class B driver while attending film school for direction and editing. I was facility manager and coach for several indoor baseball facilities, while also training to realize my dreams of playing professionally. All of those things were keystones in my career journey; Stories to tell and lessons to learn from. All of those skills learned along the way are tools to use in maintaining and preserving this beautiful place.
T: What excites you most about working at the Egyptian Theatre, given its rich history?
M: In a way, I grew up on vaudeville. Reruns of The Three Stooges. The films of Mel Brooks. Stand Up comedy. From a young age, they formed a lot of my world perspectives (for better or worse). But they also gave me an appreciation of the free expression theatres like the Egyptian offer to society. Having the opportunity to work with such a committed staff, employees and corp of volunteers at the Egyptian Theatre feels like a privilege. Preserving this form of communal entertainment and expression feels more like a public service than a job.
T: Outside of the office, what are some of your passions and hobbies?
M: Being a Dad is definitely my Number 1 passion, even with a daughter who’s 8, going on 18. We like to take trips to local nature preserves, walking and bike paths around our community. We love to fish and observe nature. And in between all that, we like to go geek out at ComicCons and try not to be the last ones to see new movie releases.
T: The Egyptian Theatre has a strong connection to the local community; how do you see your role in strengthening that bond and bringing people together in the theatre?
M: The support the Egyptian Theatre receives from the DeKalb community feels very Americana. From my perspective as a Dekalb-outsider, it is very clearly a beacon of inclusion for all, inside and outside of its immediate community. In my role as Facility Director, making this place feel safe, secure and comfortable for all is my top priority.
T: What is one thing you want the community to know about you, either professionally or personally, as you begin this new role?
M: DeKalb isn’t home, but it’s done a really good job fooling me so far. It’s a beautiful cross section of the Midwest that’s simultaneously preserving its history and looking to its future.
