UC Theatres Concert Career Pathways Celebrates 10th Graduation with Mayor Adena Ishii Proclamation

On Friday, June 26, the UC Theatre’s Taube Family Music Hall became the stage for a milestone: the 10th graduation of the Concert Career Pathways (CCP) program. The ceremony was punctuated by a proclamation from Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii, honoring the theatre’s decade‑long anniversary and the CCP’s decade‑long contribution to workforce development in the live‑music sector.

The CCP is a nine‑month, free, nonprofit initiative run by the Berkeley Music Group (BMG). It targets young adults aged 17‑25, many of whom face barriers to entry in the entertainment industry. Program data show that 77 % of graduates identify as BIPOC, and 80 % secure career‑track employment within three to six months of graduation. The cohort that finished on June 26 comprised 30 students who completed hands‑on training in talent scouting, lighting, sound design, marketing, venue production, front‑of‑house and back‑of‑house operations, and fundraising.

Founder and CEO David Mayeri, who converted the former movie theatre into a live‑music venue a decade ago, explained the program’s philosophy. “I wanted to create a level playing field like I had when I was in high school,” he said. Mayeri noted that the industry often depends on who you know, so the CCP places a strong emphasis on networking. Students receive introductions to professionals through workshops and a paid internship that takes place either at the UC Theatre or with community partners such as Ninth Street Opus, an independent record label.

Education Director Marcello Magaña highlighted the broader support structure the program offers. “It’s not just the job they need,” he said. “They need stability, mental‑health services, childcare, and other resources that can limit people from getting a job and holding a job.” Magaña described the CCP’s partner network as an ecosystem that addresses these factors.

Alumni and participants shared their experiences during the ceremony. Sharleen Jove Esico, a former cohort‑six student, said the program helped her find a professional identity by balancing mentorship with realistic industry expectations. Jayden Davis, who celebrated his graduation with his mother and sisters, described the experience as “eye‑opening,” adding that it exposed him to the many roles that make up the music business.

The event also featured speeches from alumni. Nicholas Soriano Smith recounted his recent work mixing audio at the Chase Center arena and running sound for a documentary on Cleve Jones, the AIDS Memorial Quilt founder. Glenna Harris, a recent participant in BMG Presents—a CCP initiative that promotes emerging artists—shared how the program taught her talent‑scouting techniques and how she plans to apply that knowledge in future projects.

Mayor Ishii’s proclamation underscored the CCP’s impact on the local community. The mayor noted that the program aligns with Berkeley’s broader goals of equity and inclusion in the arts. City Councilmember Igor Tregub and former mayor turned state senator Jesse Arreguín also spoke, emphasizing the program’s role in building a skilled workforce for the city’s growing live‑music scene.

The UC Theatre, which reopened in 2016 after a 15‑year closure, has hosted acts such as Green Day, Kehlani, Sabrina Carpenter, and Chappell Roan. The CCP’s success is part of BMG’s mission to transform the venue into an educational hub. The theatre’s 10th anniversary celebration also highlighted the nonprofit’s broader outreach, including the BMG Presents program and partnerships with local organizations.

As the CCP enters its next decade, the program continues to expand its curriculum and support services. Current students are already completing internships, and the program’s alumni network is growing. The UC Theatre remains a central venue for both performances and training, reinforcing its role as a catalyst for equitable opportunity in the live‑music industry.

For more information about the Concert Career Pathways program, visit the UC Theatre website at theuctheatre.org/concert-career-pathways.