Her Story
About Katryna
Katryna Lowery serves as the Marketing and Promotions Manager at Flagstar Strand Theatre. In this role, she coordinates advertising materials, develops advertising strategies, implements campaigns, and works with artist marketing teams and local media outlets on promotions and ticket giveaways. She has been involved in live entertainment since 2015 and brings a strong foundation from her BFA in Theater: Design/Technology from Southeast Missouri State University, where she focused her studies in theatrical costuming and gained experience as a stagehand. Prior to her current position, Lowery worked at Black Hills Playhouse in South Dakota, advancing from Production Coordinator to Assistant Education Director. There, she supported the Dakota Players youth touring theater in underserved communities across the region and helped develop adaptive theater programs for adults with disabilities, collaborating on productions that remove barriers for actors of all ages and abilities to participate through voice actors, stage partners, and aadaptive props/scenery. Her career path also includes earlier roles at Flagstar Strand Theatre, starting as the Guest Services Coordinator in 2023, followed by a promotion to Theatre Manager overseeing facilities, box office, and guest services. Lowery is passionate about ensuring broad access to the arts and applies this perspective to her marketing efforts by endeavoring to connect and collaborate with local schools, community groups, and youth theatre troupes.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Katryna
01What do you attribute your success to?
I believe my professional success comes from a willingness to learn. I've always had a passion to seek information about the world around me. Whether I'm learning about a colleague's hobby, enrolled in a professional development course, or following a home improvement tutorial, I enjoy staying up-to-date in an ever-changing modern world.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My parents always encouraged me to grow and reach my full potential. However, they also made sure that I knew that my value was not tied to professional or academic success. In my opinion, a work culture that encourages promotion-chasing creates an environment in which professionals who excel are repeatedly removed from their successful positions until they eventually fill a post where they stagnate. While vertical momentum is important, growth isn't always measured by ladder-climbing. The best career advice I ever received encouraged me to perform to the best of my ability because I care about the work that I do, not for the promise of a promotion. In addition to enjoying my work, it's important to enjoy my team and work culture, in order to perform my best.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
To women entering the live entertainment industry, I'd say, two things. First, don't be afraid to ask questions. Second, be open to new opportunities.
This industry has layers that aren't always discussed in classrooms. The "Human Element" of live entertainment necessitates rapid change. Everyone works differently and the shifting landscape of digital resources means the foundations of everything from scenery to marketing change rapidly. There will always be someone more informed in any given area of expertise, and the only way to become an expert yourself is to ask questions and educate yourself. In your search for information, you may discover an unexpected opportunity for yourself. Don't be afraid to pursue that change!
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge and opportunity in Live Events Marketing are one in the same: Artificial Intelligence. AI presents limitless possibilities, but balancing the ease of AI use while maintaining high-quality deliverables and ethical boundaries in a field that specifically promotes human artistry is tricky. It's more important than ever to hear both proponent and disputant arguments around generative AI and think critically about the most ethical and efficient ways to apply new technology to your work.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I believe in respect, equity, and family. This trio of values guide almost all of my decisions both personally and professionally. I will always treat others with the respect I'd expect to receive if our roles were reversed. I will always strive to break down barriers and ensure everyone has a voice at the table. And, I will always put my family first.
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