Pit Master: A Conversation with Kevin McPartlin

by Eleanor Bartsch

There’s a new face in the pit at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, but if he’s doing his job right, you won’t see or hear him during a performance. Chicagoland native Kevin McPartlin has been with Lyric since 2018 and was recently promoted to the position of pit stagehand. Kevin and the pit team are essential to every rehearsal and performance, handling the many behind-the-scenes tasks that allow the orchestra to focus on the music.

The pit is its own bustling ecosystem at Lyric with a unique set of technical needs. The musicians rely on Kevin and his colleagues to ensure everything is perfectly in place to do their jobs and to move safely in and out of the pit, often with expensive and fragile instruments. Tasks include a long list of details from arranging stands, stand lights and chairs to dealing with custom set-up requests for different conglomerations of musicians (often loading in different ballet and opera productions each day). For our current production of The Marriage of Figaro, Kevin has been working closely with our harpsichord player, who performs several feet in the air on a custom platform reached by a custom set of stairs!

Kevin is frequently on the move solving issues and responding to musician requests, but I managed to snag him for a quick conversation. Welcome, Kevin!

How would you describe your job?

I’m the pit guy. I think of my job as mostly a customer service job. I make sure everyone in the pit has everything they need and want. I’m happy when everyone else is happy!

What’s a typical day like for you?

There’s really no normal or typical schedule. Sometimes we work early mornings, sometimes late nights. I’ve become more of a morning person since I usually take an early Metra train to Lyric.

How did you get into doing behind-the-scenes work originally?

I’ve been working in the Stagehands Union since 2016, doing mostly concerts and festivals, and when I got an opportunity to work at Lyric, I jumped on it.

What do you like about your job?

I like that all the shows are different and that there are always fresh, new challenges.

What can’t you live without in your job?

My clipboard and gaffer’s tape.

What kind of music do you listen to? Are you an opera fan? Favorite band?

I’m mostly a heavy metal guy. Black Sabbath hands down, no question!

What is your favorite part of the Civic Opera House?

This is my first time having an office, so that’s nice!

What’s your least favorite or weirdest pit request?

I haven’t come across any yet! Everything is fine!

What do you like to do for fun?

I paint a little bit and I enjoy podcasts, reading, and movies.

Any coffee or lunch recommendations near the opera house?

I usually bring a lunch, but I do like La Cocina on Wells.

Deep dish, Italian beef, or Chicago-style dog?

Deep dish.

Who is your favorite famous “Kevin:” real or fictional?

I’m a movie guy, horror in particular, so I’d have to say Kevin Smith!