Whatever is a creative outlet, that's where Greg Medlin will be found.
"I've always wanted to be an artist," he said.
The technical events manager at Jefferson City's Miller Performing Arts Center started early as a vocalist and instrumentalist, then moved into the visual arts in college. He styles hair, loves costuming and knows his way around the theater, including lights, sounds and rigging. He's also curious about culinary arts, interior design and architecture.
"If someone will let me try it, I'll do it," Medlin said.
He moved from his hometown in the Bootheel to earn a bachelor of arts in fine arts degree from the University of Missouri, Columbia, in 2000. Later, he earned a master of arts in teaching degree from Lindenwood University, St. Charles, in 2007.
Medlin taught fine arts four years at Belair Elementary and two years at Jefferson City High School. And for the last four years, he has been co-owner of the Haute Salon.
Since January, he's brought his broad skill set to the Jefferson City Public Schools and the Miller Center stage.
The center's 10th anniversary of its doors opening is Monday. But it will be celebrated at 4 p.m. Oct. 18 with the unveiling of a 14-by-15-foot mural by local artist Katherine Hajaved, as well as individual portraits of benefactors Etta and Joseph Miller.
"I think education is of utmost importance, but I want to make education exciting for the student," Medlin said. "Kids today - you can't tell them the value of something, you have to show them."
So, his applied arts class is hands on.
Similar to previous stagecraft class, students learn about using lights and sounds and building sets for drama performances. But Medlin adds the elements and principles of art in the theatrical setting.
The first-time class has five students from the Jefferson City Academic Center and may be opened to Jefferson City High School students in the future. They will create the set for the Nov. 5-7 operetta "Addams Family Musical," with help from the art club.
As the center's manager, Medlin deals with all of the other entities and events that use the center.
No two weeks are the same.
Medlin said his role to be available to the groups in whatever they need.
"You have to be absolutely flexible," Medlin said. "You have to alter your capabilities and effort for what they need from you."
Increasingly, the requested assistance is IT-related, he said.
He would like to see the theater upgrade to the industry lighting standards by using LED bulbs.
Since the public schools cannot make money from the center, a newly-formed Miller Performing Arts Center Council hopes to raise funds to improve the facility, like the LED lighting.
"We want to tie the facility back to the community," Medlin said.