Programming — It’s who we are

It’s getting to be crunch time.  In the college basketball world they call it March Madness. For those of us in performing arts, the same holds true.  We are trying to put finishing touches on a brand new season for the upcoming year.  Who and what we program each year gives us our identity for much of the next year. Programming: it’s who we are.

At the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio, we are looking at the very highest quality of musical and theatrical production that we feel we can afford, given our number of seats and what we feel the region can support and desire.  Then, the puzzle begins of trying to fit in a nine-month period of time as many performances as we feel is comfortable for our patrons.

This past season at the NPAC, we have enjoyed a very good and successful season.  We realize the marker has been set higher and that motivates us to work harder each year to match or even exceed what we have just done.  There are many, many performers who would like to perform at our venue.  For every one we book or even for every one that is suggested we book, there must be another hundred looking to be considered.  You wouldn’t believe the number of phone calls, postcards and emails I receive each day!

All this being said, we are coming close to putting the finishing touches to another season of spectacular performances.  A programming committee of 11 members has been helpful in directing us to our eventual season.  Other comments from people in the community and results from surveys are also taken into consideration.  Obviously, we can’t book everything, but I should say that most everything is considered.  We want to bring entertainment to people in the region that we feel would be accepted by the majority as well as sometimes extend our tastes in entertainment and music.

One such example of introducing people to new genres of music and entertainment is the Pirates of Penzance, which is coming to the NPAC this Friday night. A British operetta is not something you will find in every town in the Midwest.  But if you are willing to give it a try, I really think you will enjoy it.  It will be a unique and thrilling experience for entire families to enjoy.  And the production will be a New York City, first-class, top-notch performance you can enjoy right here in Van Wert this Friday night.

By April 19, at our concert with the DePue Brothers, we will be introducing our new Community Concert Series.  The following month, we will introduce our new Grand Series for 2011-12.  Then, you will know who we are for another year.

As far as the Fountain Park Summer Music Series, I have just finished putting the final piece in the puzzle and it will be announced in the media next week.  It is our 10th season (hard to believe), so you know it will be outstanding.  For our outside concerts provided for everyone by The Van Wert County Foundation, I am looking for a wide variety of fun music that everyone will enjoy on a Friday night.  This summer – our 10th – could be our best yet.  You will love the variety, the music, the comedy, and of course- the price!

Stay tuned; there is a lot to learn coming real soon!

FINÉ.