Dowagiac Union Schools December Starfish Story: Lincoln Clark, performing arts center technician
Published 9:28 am Tuesday, December 19, 2017
Lincoln Clark has served as the performing arts center technician for Dowagiac Union Schools since 2005.
His talents have been instrumental in organizing and coordinating the countless district assemblies, plays, concerts and speaking engagements that have occurred over the past 12 years.
His responsibilities include setting up the stage, as well as coordinating the lighting and sound for each event. This is no small task for the Dowagiac native. However, he does it with zeal and professionalism, and even on a moment’s notice.
Mr. Clark learned many of skills needed to manage this profession through the hands-on training he received doing similar positions on a volunteer and contracted basis. He has worked at the South Bend Convention Center, Elkhart Lerner Concert Hall, as well as the performing arts centers at Notre Dame and Southwestern Michigan College.
Lincoln Clark
In addition to providing his services to the district, he also shares his theater stagecraft knowledge with students in the community. Some of the students he has had the opportunity to mentor share their appreciation.
“Mr. Clark has taught me everything I know about the behind the scenes work in the theater,” said Kyler Kinyon, a junior attending Dowagiac Union High School. “He is an inspiration to me because he has helped me so much.”
Nick Saltzman, a senior at Dowagiac Union High School, shares similar viewpoint.
“Mr. Clark is a good person to talk to, and, when he teaches me how to work with the equipment, he simplifies things so it‘s easy to understand and he always has a positive attitude,” Saltzman said.
Past Dowagiac graduate Ethan Pasternak agrees with what others have shared.
“Mr. Clark has become a good friend and has helped me grow up,” Pasternak said. “He is dedicated to the schools and community and always acts professional, even when faced with challenges.”
Starfish heroes make an impact, both big and small, in the lives of our students and families every day. Mr. Clark has certainly made a difference in helping “set the stage” and mood for our students’ concerts, plays and events so the parents and members of the community can enjoy them to their fullest.
So, when you come to your next event located at the Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center, remember Mr. Clark is always there early to ensure things look spectacular and run smoothly.
Dr. Sean H. Wightman
Principal, Dowagiac Middle School
