Her Campus Clemson sat down with Tyler Berkey this week to learn more about his involvement in TigerPaw Productions, Clemson’s major entertainment organization. TigerPaw brings big-name performers to campus every year. Past performers have included Kevin Hart, Lee Brice, Kesha, and Daya. Tyler is extremely enthusiastic about this organization and gave us some insight into TigerPaw and the entertainment industry.
Hometown: Myrtle Beach, SC
Major/Minor: Mechanical Engineering
Year: Senior
Other Organization Involvement: Officer of Pi Tau Sigma, Member of Tau Beta Pi
Favorite Clemson Tradition: Solid Orange Friday
How did you first get involved in the organization?
I used to help with concerts in Myrtle Beach, SC during high school with Ground Zero. Ground Zero puts on concerts right on the beach. I helped with the recording and highlighting of the concert for promotions, too. I found out about TigerPaw Productions during Tiger Prowl and signed up during my freshmen year. In the spring of my sophomore year, I became the Assistant Director of Finance, and the following semester I became the Finance Director. I am currently the Executive Director of TigerPaw Productions for 2016.
Check out some of the highlight videos Tyler made for We the Kings and Daya!
What is your favorite part about being involved in TigerPaw? Favorite memory?
My favorite part is when the concert actually happens and we have 5,000 students enjoying a concert together with the Clemson family. My favorite memory from TigerPaw came during the We the Kings show this fall. Travis Clark had everyone crouch down and then start jumping like crazy. To see the crowd of almost 2,500 students participating was a really cool moment.
What is the #TPPfam?
The #TPPfam is everybody in TigerPaw who works together to “Build the Show. Bring the Vibe.” The TigerPaw Productions family is friendships we’ve made together. We host socials, table at marketing remotes, and attend concerts together.
Who was your favorite artist/performer that TigerPaw has brought to campus?
I have a few favorites. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see Kevin Hart in person due to my aunt’s wedding, but he is still one of my favorite performers. Another one of my favorites was the Small Pools concert. I got to go to this one, and it was awesome because they have always been one of my favorite groups. And of course Daya just rocked campus, so she has to be on this list as well. She’s a really cool girl and put on an amazing show.
Can you explain TigerPaw’s motto of “Build the Show. Bring the Vibe”?
We rebranded a few years back. The motto used to be “Get Backstage.” However, our new motto really encompasses TigerPaw Productions and what we do. The first part, “Build the Show,” includes deciding what artists come, negotiating artist contracts, doing the pre-work, and setting up for the show. The second part, “Bring the Vibe,” is included because we do tons of marketing for the shows and really get the students pumped for the show.
What can you tell us about this upcoming semester at TigerPaw? What artists can we expect to hear from and what shows are in the works? (within confidentiality parameters)
We partnered with Clemson Live for Aca-All In this semester, and we have also put on both the We the Kings and Daya shows. You can look forward to Danielle Bradberry and Demetri Martin which we have coming up in the next month. Next semester is in the works, and I can’t really say the artists. However, we are working on having 3-4 really exciting shows lined up.
How do you prep for a show in the week before? What does the day of the show look like?
As the Executive Director, my main job comes way before the day of the show. I negotiate offers and contracts with artists after getting suggestions from TigerPaw Productions and availabilities from various booking agencies. Once the show is booked, I help the other directors to organize the prep work for the show. I am at the venue usually from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. meeting with the production companies, ensuring the artist is happy, settling (paying) after the show, and helping out with anything that may come up.
Do you have any crazy experiences/stories from working the show?
Last year, we had Kesha in her dressing room after the show. She has a fan who travels around the country following her, and somehow, she found her dressing room. We still had to get Kesha to Greenville for her flight, so we sent out a decoy. After the decoy and a couple of car switches, we got her to Greenville.
What is the biggest lesson you have learned about the business?
It’s a very strange business. Sometimes you book a show that you think will do relatively okay, but it ends up exploding! It might even turn out to be one of the best shows of the semester. And sometimes, you book a show that should be extremely popular, but it ends up not doing well. So basically, this business requires a lot of foresight into the ever-changing world of pop culture. One act may be great today during booking, but no one may care about it tomorrow.
With your work experience obtained from this organization, what are your future aspirations?
I have accepted a job at Boeing in Charleston, SC as an engineer after I graduate in May. I hope to keep some hand in the concert industry either on the volunteer or booking side because it is a fun industry, and I’ve enjoyed being involved with it at Clemson.
What advice would you give for someone looking to work in the entertainment industry?
Be patient. You have to understand that not everything will work out perfectly. You need to be able to assess a situation and make it work.
How can someone get involved with TigerPaw Productions?
Every semester we have an application process. We look through the applications and offer spots. Every semester we have about 60-70 members that get involved with marketing, photography, videography, PR, and hospitality. They stay busy, but it’s fun.
Keep up with Tyler on Instagram (@tberk) Twitter (@middleberkey)
TigerPaw Productions:
Facebook: tigerpawprod
Instagram: @tigerpawprod
Twitter: @tigerpawprod
Website: http://www.tigerpawproductions.org/
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