The House Managers of CounterPulse

The House Managers of CounterPulse are the busy bees ensuring our Front of House is running smoothly. These dedicated individuals are seamlessly relaying information among artists and technicians, overseeing our box office ushers, and making sure all our patrons are accounted for.

So who are the Managers of The House? Take a moment to read about the dynamic trio holding down the Front of House at all our shows.

Kat Cole

What is your background?

I direct and produce film and live performance. I first got introduced to contemporary dance at the University of San Francisco, and I just graduated from CCA with my MFA in film.

What project are you currently working on? What’s in store for the future?

I’m currently helping to produce a documentary called Baghdad to the Bay, following an Iraqi refugee and former translator for the U.S. government, who now organizes events for the Queer Iraqi community in SF.

With my company detour dance, I’m also creating a new dance theater performance for December called Fugue, which starts with a walk through the streets of the Mission District, en route to a new city. detourdance.com/fugue

What are your hobbies, interests, and pass-times?

My main interests are what I do for work – film and performing arts. And cuddling my cats after a long day!

What drew you to CounterPulse?

I started working at CP as an intern during my last semester of college, and was initially drawn by their interdisciplinary and process-based focus. That turned in to 4 years working for them full time in development, production and finance.

At CP, I learned everything from creating and producing new community-based programs to the fact that you should not chill red wine (thanks, Julie! I was 21 at the time and hadn’t touched a glass of red before.)

I’ve been around CP for 7 years now, and what I love about HMing is all the people in my arts community that I get to see – past professors, old and new CP board members, and fellow artists.

Describe your favorite moment as a CounterPulse House Manager.

It’s not an HM memory, since it happened when I was a staff member. I think it was one of the evenings after our May Day fundraiser back in our old theater on 9th & Mission. After all the audience left, we had an impromptu dance party celebration on the stage with just the staff, with jamming beats, contact improv and some great moves from Patrick.

Leo Piller

What is your background?

I began studying Civil Engineering at San Jose State University but changed my focus to Economics and graduated from San Francisco State with a BA in Economics focusing on Behavioral Economics.

What project are you currently working on? What’s in store for the future?

While I am currently between projects, I enjoy restoring hand built steel bicycles from the 1980s and earlier. I recently finished restoring a Japanese racer from the early 70s.

What are your hobbies, interests, and pass-times?

I enjoy riding my bike on the weekends and cooking meals for myself and friends. In the future I would like to take my bicycle on extended rides and camp. From my background in food service I also have a passion for making and researching cocktails along with brewing my own beer.

What do you do at CounterPulse?

I am the Front of House Coordinator. I work with Justin to oversee operations from ticketing to concessions. CounterPulse has always been inviting to all members of the local community and been a venue for diverse and unique form of art.

Describe your most awkward moment as a House Manager.

My life is full of awkward moments. Lately I had difficulty figuring out how to unlock the front doors. Most people attempting to enter the theater probably thought I was trying to lock them out.

Louisa Frazier

 What is your background?

I studied Biology and Nutrition as a premed at the University of FL, but my homeschooled upbringing allowed ample explorations into writing and music. After years of studying and teaching classical piano, I eventually decided I wanted redirect my focus to the natural sciences. While my studies have an overtly analytical quality to them, I strive to upset the scales as much as possible with poetry, gardening, singing, and cooking.

What’s in store for the future?

While I hope to join up with some lady musicians in the near future, I am very excited to venture further into the medical field with my new position at Lyon-Martin Health Services. I will be working with under-served and marginalized folks to provide them body and mind healthcare in a safe space that’s just for them.

What are your hobbies, interests, and pass-times?

I enjoy biking long and hard daily, climbing when I get the opportunity, camping, regular hiking, reading several books at once, vegan cooking, fermenting food and drink, and slamming on my guitar. My current interests include impeaching the cheeto, human rights, eliminating the health and food disparities around me, minimalism, zero waste living, cutting hair, and making more time to dance.

What drew you to CounterPulse?

My partner Justin began working at CounterPulse not too long before I did. He gave me insight into the passion and grit that occurs behind the scenes to make this place successful and influential to not only the people who step foot inside, but to the neighborhood and the city’s arts activist community. When a position opened up, I didn’t think twice about applying.

Describe your favorite moment as a CounterPulse House Manager.

Dancing under disco lights after the Gala. Every time I get to witness the aftermath of an emotionally taxing, thought provoking experience. Talking with first comers before and after the event and seeing how excited they are to have found this space and community is very rewarding.

Want to work with Kat, Leo, or Louisa as a box office usher? Email Leo to sign up!