E N R I C H I N G L I V E S T H R O U G H I N S P I R I N G EXPERIENCES CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS @ PENN STATE ENRICHING LIVES THROUGH INSPIRINGANNUAL REPORT EXPERIENCES 2006 - 2007 DEAR FRIENDS, The Center for the Performing Arts at Penn State seeks to create life-enriching expe- riences, and in 2006–2007 that vision was realized in many ways. This report drama- tizes in words and pictures many of those experiences, which touched the lives of so many this past season, and credits those who helped us have such a successful year. Look inside for features on several projects, programs, and initiatives undertaken by the Center for the Performing Arts. From a signifi cant renovation of Eisenhower Auditorium to a week-long residency by the Actors’ Gang, from presenting the world premiere of a work co-commissioned by the Center for the Performing Arts to bringing a noted student ensemble together to perform with a world-renowned artist, from celebrating our beginnings fi fty years ago as the Artists Series to staying on the cutting edge today, it’s all here in this annual report. Many wonderful performances brought the magic of the performing arts to more than 52,000 people. A host of educational activities—complementing our presentations—connected tal- ented artists with the University and community,. All this would not happen without the many patrons, members, sponsors, and supporters who give so generously to help make the Center for the Performing Arts truly vital to the life of our community. As this report demonstrates, they have a lot for which to be proud. To all, we off er our heartfelt thanks. We also want to express our gratitude to Yvonne Gaudelius, who served with distinction as in- terim dean of the College of Arts and Architecture in 2006–2007. She led the college admirably, provided great support to the Center for the Performing Arts, and, despite her busy schedule, regularly attended our presentations. The college is better off thanks to her leadership. Great artists bring experiences that inspire us and connect us to the human spirit each time the curtain rises. We salute the wonderful artists who graced our stages this past season. Their artistry inspires all of us associated with the Center for the Performing Arts to remain committed to the work of this great organization. Sincerely, Barbara O. Korner, Dean College of Arts and Architecture George Trudeau, Director Center for the Performing Arts 1 REBOUNDED ATTENDANCE AND UPGRADES TO MAIN VENUE HIGHLIGHT SEASON Red Grammer The Center for the Performing Arts 2006–2007 season was characterized by a rebound in attendance, expanded program off erings, the completion of renovations to the main facility, special projects, continued partnerships, and increased support from a variety of people and organizations. The Center for the Performing Arts presented an array of na- development department, these activities reach an array of Busby Jeff tional and international artists complemented by engaging people from the University and surrounding communities. educational programs. Attendance rebounded to more than 52,000, a level last attained in the 2004–2005 season. Addi- The Informances for Schools series off ered four presenta- tionally, sixty education programs drew an estimated 3,160 tions—each an informative performance for targeted stu- participants. dents within a range of grades pre-kindergarten through twelve. More than 4,130 students from thirty-nine schools Center for the Performing Arts presentations brought ac- in fi ve counties were registered for informances. But a winter claimed artists and companies from around the world to the storm kept most students from making it to one of the shows, stages of Eisenhower and Schwab auditoriums. The Center for which lowered the total series attendance to 3,456. the Performing Arts off ered thirty programs with forty-one per- A highlight of the season was formances, most incorporated into various genre-based series. The Center for the Performing Arts partnered with Penn State A highlight of the season was the reintroduction of the Body and community entities to expand and enrich its program of- the reintroduction of the Language dance series and the Wide-eyed Wonders children’s ferings. Penn State partners included the schools of Music and series. The renewal of these series broadened off erings. A com- Theatre, the Palmer Museum of Art, the College of Earth and plete list of presentations is included on pages 10 and 11. Mineral Sciences, the Rock Ethics Institute, and the depart- Body Language dance series ments of Comparative Literature, English, Philosophy, and So- Student attendance—calculated as a percentage of tickets ciology. The Penn State Thespians partnered with the Center and the Wide-eyed Wonders sold—remained at 25 percent (quite strong compared to peer for the Performing Arts to purchase follow spots for Schwab. organizations). That was a drop of 4 percentage points from Community partners included Radio Park Elementary School, children’s series. the previous season, but that’s mainly attributable to the in- State College Junior Baroque Music Festival, and State College creased overall attendance. Presbyterian Church. Sydney Dance Company Season opening performances in Eisenhower introduced pa- The State College Area High School Thespians participated in trons to a refurbished facility featuring renovated seats, new several show load-ins as part of an enrichment activity. The carpet, an expanded lounge-level women’s restroom, and high school students fi lled contract-required production crew ment in 1999 to support the engagement of students with the The Center for the Performing Arts involves students in many other improvements. Read more about the improvements on positions on load-ins, then had the opportunity to see those performing arts. His endowment, along with a growing list of facets of its operations. One hundred and fi fty students learned page 5. or similar performances. other endowments, is crucial to the fulfi llment of the Center about stagecraft and assisted with other aspects of managing for the Performing Arts mission. events. The ticket center employed seventeen students. Sev- Other highlights of the season included celebration of the The Center for the Performing Arts also operated three ticket eral students served internships and graduate assistantships fi ftieth anniversary of the Artists Series (one of the two units centers and supported a diverse off ering of University, com- A performing arts center depends on many sources of sup- in areas including marketing, communications, and audience of Penn State’s College of Arts and Architecture that merged munity, and promoter presentations in the two venues it port. The Center for the Performing Arts enjoyed strong sup- development. in 1985 to become the Center for the Performing Arts), a resi- manages, plus other College of Arts and Architecture facilities. port in 2006–2007 from the many patrons who purchased dency with the Actors’ Gang, the world premiere of a work co- Six community events and three promoter rentals took place. tickets. Penn State and the College of Arts and Architecture Volunteers supported the Center for the Performing Arts in a commissioned by the Center for the Performing Arts, a collab- Support was provided for 301 academic presentations, fi fty- also continued to provide signifi cant support. The variety of number of increasingly important roles. Community Advisory oration between the School of Music’s Essence of Joy choir and eight University events, and twenty-fi ve student-sponsored presentations, complemented by the scope of educational Council members participate on committees that support the Ramsey Lewis Trio, and interaction by area string students presentations. When multiple performance runs, conferences, programs, commissioning projects, and outreach activities, membership, sponsorship, and audience development goals. with violinist Joshua Bell. and other public events are calculated, the Center for the would not be possible, though, without major contributed Council members serve as sounding boards for staff ; make Performing Arts supported 453 events. Total attendance was and in-kind support. major commitments of time, advocacy, and individual con- Many activities support the Center for the Performing Arts’ 121,539 for events in Eisenhower and Schwab. tributions; and are linchpins in connecting the Center for the lifelong learning opportunities in the arts, not only for Penn Membership and sponsorship income increased by 28 percent, Performing Arts with the community it serves. The Volunteer State students but also for central Pennsylvanians of all ages. Because endowments provide steadfast support for Center which helped to maintain the scope of programs. Grants from Event Staff Advisory Board supports the activities of the 172 They include master classes by visiting artists, school-time pre- for the Performing Arts programs and initiatives, it was fi tting foundations and other organizations provided both validation people who provided ushering services at events and assisted sentations called Informances, lectures and symposiums, spe- Richard Robert Brown received the 2007 Distinguished Ser- for the organization’s work and important fi nancial backing. staff in other tasks. cial events that often involve visiting artists, and community vice Award (see page 13). In addition to his support through Programs also benefi ted from the support of media sponsors, outreach activities. Organized and presented by the audience sponsorship and membership, Brown established an endow- hospitality partners, and in-kind contributors. 3 INCOME AND EXPENSES FOR THE 2006–2007 FISCAL YEAR $2 MILLION PROJECT FIRST MAJOR RENOVATION TO EISENHOWER AUDITORIUM The Center for the Performing Arts organizational budget for 2006–2007 totaled $3,762,500. Seventy- Eisenhower Auditorium closed its doors to public events during summer 2006 while the thirty-four-year-old six percent of revenues were earned and contributed through tickets sales and services, facility and facility underwent its fi rst major renovation.