The Music Center: Those who make it all work

From managers and security personnel to engineers and directors, Times photographer Jay L. Clendenin goes behind the scenes to capture the uncredited cast of characters behind all of those shows.

Jose Quintaro, who has been a gardener at the Music Center for 23 years, is photographed in the fountain of the Mark Taper Forum. He starts early - 4:30 a.m. - to get the grounds ready when the curtain rises each day.

(Christy Khoshaba)

Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times

JOSE QUINTARO, who has been a gardener at the Music Center for 23 years, is photographed in the fountain of the Mark Taper Forum. He starts early - 4:30 a.m. - to get the grounds ready when the curtain rises each day.

Rosa Bautista, Founders’ Room co-manager at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Her mission for the last 12 years: Make sure everyone has a good time.

(Christy Khoshaba)

Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times

ROSA BAUTISTA, Founders' Room co-manager at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Her mission for the last 12 years: Make sure everyone has a good time. "I get energized in these rooms; I love to talk to everyone and make sure they are having a great experience. This makes me feel good."

Evangeline Santos, usher and tour guide, primarily at Disney Hall. She likes talking with visitors in English, Spanish and American Sign Language.

(Christy Khoshaba)

Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times

EVANGELINE SANTOS, usher and tour guide, primarily at Disney Hall. She likes talking with visitors in English, Spanish and American Sign Language. "Both my parents are profoundly deaf, so communication is very important to me."

Dale Bridges, second assistant treasurer, in the Chandler box office. She’s been at the center for 45 years. “The amount of detailed work involved makes the job enjoyable and I like that fact that I’m helping people have a good and positive experience at The Music Center.”

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times

DALE BRIDGES, second assistant treasurer, in the Chandler box office. She's been at the center for 45 years. "The amount of detailed work involved makes the job enjoyable."

Francisco Loayza, lead engineer in building services, has worked at the Music Center for nine years. “I love coming to work because I don’t know what the day will bring.”

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times

FRANCISCO LOAYZA, lead engineer in building services, has worked at the Music Center for nine years. "I love coming to work because I don't know what the day will bring."

Linda Walker, house manager of the Taper. She has worked at the Music Center for 38 years. “Over the years I have met subscribers who are now wonderful friends.”

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times

LINDA WALKER, house manager of the Taper. She has worked at the Music Center for 38 years. "Over the years I have met subscribers who are now wonderful friends."

Janine Allen, head of wardrobe, L.A. Opera. Years of service: 23. Number of performances: hundreds. Count of costumes to pass through her hands: thousands.

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times

JANINE ALLEN, head of wardrobe, L.A. Opera. Years of service: 23. Number of performances: hundreds. Count of costumes to pass through her hands: thousands.

Jeff Kleeman, L.A. Opera technical director, photographed from backstage at the Dorothy Chandler. He has worked over 28 years with the opera company. “A small army of talented humans working with old world traditional methods, alongside sophisticated new equipment and technology, makes for fulfilling work and satisfying world class spectacle.”

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times

JEFF KLEEMAN, L.A. Opera technical director, photographed from backstage at the Dorothy Chandler. He has worked over 28 years with the opera company. "A small army of talented humans working with old world traditional methods, alongside sophisticated new equipment and technology, makes for fulfilling work and satisfying world class spectacle."

The Conroys, 90 total years of service: Timothy, left, house head carpenter at the Chandler; dad Thomas, assistant production carpenter with the L.A. Opera; Timothy’s uncle, Harold “Butch” Conroy, head production carpenter with the opera.

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times

THE CONROYS, 90 total years of service: Timothy, left, house head carpenter at the Chandler; dad Thomas, assistant production carpenter with the L.A. Opera; Timothy's uncle, Harold "Butch" Conroy, head production carpenter with the opera.

Scott Pollack, captain of security, at the Chandler’s backstage door. Duties include security for A-list celebrities and coordination with Secret Service.

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times

SCOTT POLLACK, captain of security, at the Chandler's backstage door. Duties include security for A-list celebrities and coordination with Secret Service.

FULL COVERAGE: The Music Center at 50