Los Angeles native Claire Friday comes from an extensive production background with credentials as an entertainment industry administrator and involvement in the staging and production of televised events, corporate events, live stage performances, and operas. Ms. Friday’s impressive resume encompasses over 15 years of experience in production for theatre, opera, dance, television, and live events while working with some of the top talent, producers, clients, and directors in the entertainment business.
Claire’s impeccable attention to detail and management skills come from administrative experience in the business end of the arts, as well as the production side in the staging of performances for opera, live theatre, and television. She has contributed her work to many high profile venues including the Dolby Theatre, Warner Brothers Studios, The LA Music Center, The Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and The Kennedy Center. She has also traveled to various locations throughout the United States and Canada to production manage and produce live theatrical and corporate events.
Friday’s comprehensive portfolio of support services and resources include career diversification, networking skills enhancement, and training in project management. She has become an expert in these areas and helps others carve their own path no matter their area of expertise. As her muses began with competitive traditional Irish step dance as a teenager and now take her to theatrical and event producing, Claire knows no boundaries to living the life you desire.
Ms. Friday has been honored by The Kennedy Center and was a fellow in the Opera America Leadership Intensive program in 2012. She owned and operated an artist management firm that represented classical artists.
In 2015, Claire held a position on the board of the National Association of Women Business Owners, as networking chair for the Los Angeles Chapter. Ms. Friday was also a featured guest on the weekly podcast, Living With A Genius. She was recently voted as one of the Top 40 Under 40 in Las Vegas by MyVegas Magazine.
She holds a Master of Fine Arts Degree in stage management from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and lectures at various universities including Pepperdine University and Azusa Pacific University.
Claire is currently the Founder and Executive Producer of Done By Friday, a producing entity and project management advisement company that trains its clients on how to work and collaborate more efficiently; leading to more personal time on the weekends. She is also in the process of writing a blog that goes behind-the-scenes of live entertainment production.
Apart from her jet-setting lifestyle, Claire considers herself a gym rat and fashionista with a high appreciation for music.
Ms. Friday currently resides in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada and is a member of The International Live Events Association and the Las Vegas Hospitality Association.
How long has your company been producing events? What is your main focus?
I have personally been producing events for over 7 years. Done By Friday was conceived in January of 2017 when someone said to me, “Hey, you could be Done By Friday!” It was meant as a joke because of my last name, but it stuck as my company name.
The main focus of the company is to provide efficient and effective communication with our clients and make sure each event runs like a well-oiled machine. Done By Friday provides a creative experience for a client’s event that not only checks all of the needs boxes but also gives them and their guests experiences they will never forget. We also pride ourselves on not working too hard on the weekends, hence Done By Friday.
What do you enjoy most about your role in corporate event planning?
I love to work with the client in creating their vision and create the execution plan to bring that vision to life. I get to use my logistical brain and my creative brain. There is also a joy in having no two days that are exactly the same. It’s the variety that keeps me going and the fact that you learn something new each day.
How do you keep up with the constant change in the industry?
You have to be open to reinventing yourself and your business. That’s the only way to survive. You have to be able to be open to learning about new trends, pop culture, and figuring out what people want. I always try to put myself in someone else’s shoes and ask myself, “If I were them, what I would I want? What makes them get excited, and what do they want their guests/customers/partners to see/learn/hear?”
What do you see as the corporate event industry’s greatest challenge, currently?
The industry needs to get more creative with music and entertainment at events. I come from a substantial theatre and live entertainment production background. There are so many ways to incorporate music at events other than throwing a band or singer on stage. Put your audience in the middle of the entertainment, give them a variety, or show them something they’ve never seen before. Think outside the box. Budget shouldn’t limit the imagination in this way. There are so many things you can dream up with music! It’s the ultimate language and messaging vehicle.
What is your favorite city for events and why?
Las Vegas is my favorite city for events. There is so much here, and it’s a vast playground. The resources, the people, and creativity are endless. It’s no longer about creating an event at a resort or casino. You can go off the strip and do something unique that still makes you feel like you’re in the heart of the city. Las Vegas is truly a special place, and it is the new entertainment capital of the world.
How do you measure the success of an event?
You measure the success of an event by positive feedback and referrals. If the client comes back pleased, books you for their next big event, and even says that they will send other clients your way, you know that it was a hit. Success is also measured in how well your team performed. Nothing great was ever accomplished solo. There is always a team of people behind the success of an event or business, and it starts with making sure that the team is performing their best and having a good time. A happy team makes a happy event.
