How the Niswonger PAC is different

Many people find it curious to compare our Niswonger Performing Arts Center with other performance venues in the region.  Being located between two larger cities, Fort Wayne and Lima, we are often compared to the Embassy Theatre and the Civic Center. I am happy to say that many of our patrons are telling us they like our programming better than that of other performance venues.  But I think it is important to realize the differences in operation and missions of each venue.

When the NPAC was built, it was decided to form an operating body that became known as the Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation (VWAPAF). This is a supporting foundation of The Van Wert County Foundation (VWCF).  Since the VWCF was such an important financial and planning partner in the beginning stages of building and operations for the NPAC, it was only appropriate that they should exercise some amount of control on the organization. It has turned out to be a very wise move.

As the VWAPAF began planning the operations of the NPAC, it was decided to operate the programming in a seasonal manner.  This is rather typical of many performing art centers and is the map I personally felt most comfortable with coming out of my background with Community Concerts.  I think many of our local patrons also were used to this type of programming.

This means that we carefully and thoughtfully plan out an entire season (typically September-May). This also fit the seasonal pattern of musical programming with the ongoing and successful Fountain Park Summer Music Series sponsored by The Van Wert County Foundation. Planning an entire season of programming means booking events and artists as much as 14-15 months in advance. This is sometimes a challenge.  However, by operating in this manner, we are able to control who and what we bring into our performance hall.  We can also plan and budget much better.

Other performance venues that choose not to program an entire season are looking for promoters (people who buy up multiple shows and concerts) to rent their venue to. They are only interested in collecting rental money and are not as invested in the success of the show. They collect their rental money regardless of how the show succeeds.

We at the VWAPAF are sincerely invested in each and every show we choose to program.  We need to choose wisely because our success depends largely on the success of each concert and show. This is a great motivator to work hard!

We also need to keep in mind our mission of delivering an entertainment product that inspires, entertains and educates. This is why people notice such a variety in our programming.  We are not out to bring just anything in that will create revenue that will pay the bills. I like the idea of controlling what and who we bring in, as it fits our mission statement.  And based on our success with patrons who are coming from far and wide (57 percent this past year outside of Van Wert County), it seems to be working.

This week, we bring a group of singers, the American Spiritual Ensemble, to the NPAC on Saturday night as part of our Community Concert Series.  There are still some good seats available. This concert fits our mission perfectly in every way. I have personally seen and heard them and can testify that they will entertain, educate (they are giving a master class to the Lincolnview High School Choir in the afternoon) and most certainly inspire you. Nearly 30 world-class singers come together to sing and celebrate one of African-American’s most treasured gift to music, the spiritual. There is also a tremendous finale that comes to us from Broadway and the silver screen. You will have to come to see what I mean. Single tickets are available at the box office and at the door: Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.

FINÉ.