Meet Erica Ludwig | Content & Communications Manager, Performing Arts Fort Worth

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Ludwig and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, how do you think about risk?
I used to consider myself a risk-averse person. I try to always have a plan, and while I’m typically an optimist, I like to prepare for the worst-case scenario. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in the last few years, it’s that sometimes you just have to take the jump.

I would never have found my career in the Broadway industry if I didn’t make the choice to stay in Tulsa, Oklahoma after graduating college in 2016, even though all of my family was here in DFW.

I would not be in my dream job at Performing Arts Fort Worth, working as a press rep with national Broadway tours that come to the gorgeous Bass Performance Hall if I didn’t take the leap of moving back home in February of 2021.

There are so many other things I could list as core memories in both my life and career that have all been on the other side of being scared but doing it anyway. Sure, some things don’t always pan out the way you had hoped, but I have full faith that just means, to quote The Sound of Music, that “when the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Sure! I’m the Content and Communications Manager for Performing Arts Fort Worth, the non-profit that owns and operates Bass Performance Hall. I oversee press, publicity, and most written copy for our marketing team, working exclusively with the national Broadway tours we present in the Broadway at the Bass Series presented by PNC Bank and shows on our BNSF Popular Entertainment Series. What that means is that if you see an interview on WFAA with Caroline Bowman talking about her role as Elsa in the Broadway tour of Disney’s FROZEN, get an email from us about an upcoming show, or if there’s a social post on our pages, I’ve either spearheaded the project or have had my hand in it in some way. My part focuses more on press interviews and engaging content for our patrons, but every show, from start to finish, is truly a team effort and it takes every one of us using our strengths in the marketing puzzle.

While my role is what most would call a publicist or press rep, I like to tell people that I’m a professional fan girl. I’ve always been the person who while they’re watching a movie or a TV show, will look up as much trivia as they can on IMDB, and somehow that information just gets stored into my brain like a filing system. My family can confirm this is a skill I’ve always had, and it’s something that I think sets me apart in my career. On top of that, I love people, relationships and a good story. All of these passions combined are driving forces for my job, because essentially, I want to tell the stories of these cast and crew members beyond the Broadway tours; to get people so excited about the show that they just have to come and see what it’s all about. I could go on and on about all of the amazing people I’ve met in these last six years. The saying from Annie Get Your Gun is undoubtedly true, “there’s no people like show people.”

If there’s one thing that I would want people to know, it’s to be brave enough to like what you like. I was the kid in high school who was way too into spirit week and participating in the school musical every year. But little did I know, those were two things that combined would become my dream job.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I can’t have someone come to visit without showing them Bass Performance Hall, so if I had my way, I would have them plan their trip around one of our Broadway shows so they could see it in action!

I think keeping it to Fort Worth, I would try to take them to as many Tex Mex places as possible – Joe T. Garcia’s, Los Molcajetes, Mi Cocina. I’m a foodie, so depending on what all they’re feeling, I’ll try to cram in as many local spots as possible.

For places to visit, we’d have to go over to the Stockyards, because it doesn’t get any more Texas than that! Then probably over to Magnolia, South Main, drinks at Thompson’s Bookstore downtown. If we feel like a walk, go over to the Trinity Trails and the Clearfork Farmer’s Market!

To be completely honest, I’m still finding some of my “local favorites.” Living in Tulsa for almost 9 years, I had my list of favorites narrowed in pretty well, but with there being so much in DFW, I still haven’t found all of my go-to’s that are local but am taking recommendations!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I would not be where I am today without my faith. I know a lot of people say that, but I really do mean it. I am truly a living example of God working things out for our good and while I have worked hard and had my own part to play, I would not be in the position I’m in, have had this amazing journey so far, without Him.

I want to dedicate my shoutout to my amazing friends and family. While not all of them share my passion for musical theatre, or understand why I love the things that I do, they have always supported me and trusted my instincts.

To my mom, Renee, who has always been my guiding light – thank you for everything you gave me in the short eight years I had you as my mom. I’m honored to get to tell your story.

Instagram: ericaludwig

Image Credits
Photos featuring Bass Performance Hall – Native Roots Photography LLC