How did you get into this kind of work?
Tatiana Birenbaum: I鈥檓 an actress, and I wanted to find a job that was performance and theatre-related. I was introduced to TheatreMAMA, where you work to promote Broadway shows, and I just loved it. I have a chance to perform in Times Square, which is the place to be. You never now who鈥檚 watching you, and you get to meet a lot of people every day. It鈥檚 really fun and if you think about it, I鈥檓 performing on Broadway! It鈥檚 great.
What does it involve?
Mariana Bravo: We鈥檙e promoting different shows all the time. While we鈥檙e on the job we need to stay in character.
TB: Once we鈥檙e in costume, we are that character. If we鈥檙e promoting Chicago, for example, it鈥檚 all about being in Fosse mode and acting just like one of the girls from the show.
Flavia Sgoifo: You're also expected to know the area really well! People keep asking us for directions.
It must be fun when you can work together as a group?
MB: It鈥檚 definitely more fun because we can interact with each other, as well. But when you鈥檙e on your own, you can really focus on promoting the show and interacting with people; I like to look everyone in the eye.
TB: Making eye contact is really important.
MB: I like being able to give something to them; even if it鈥檚 just a smile.
TB: And when they smile back, you get something in return鈥攅ven if they don鈥檛 take a flyer!
Paige Espinoza: It鈥檚 my first day on the job today, and I鈥檝e noticed that some people will grab the flyer and look you in the eye, but then other people just walk on by. It鈥檚 such a weird, human thing to just walk by somebody and not acknowledge them. When you can actually make somebody stop and smile, it鈥檚 a bit of an adrenaline rush in a weird way.
What is a highlight?
FS: The kids who run up and hug me鈥攖hat鈥檚 so sweet. You feel like you鈥檙e a princess or something. Some people are so kind and polite; they say good morning, or 鈥淚 love your costume.鈥� I love that.
