The shows must go on – and that they will. The Clark State Performing Arts Center (PAC) will welcome live – albeit modified – performances to Kuss Auditorium beginning this month.
“We have put all the health and safety protocols in place, and we are beyond excited to welcome patrons back to enjoy live performances,” says Adele Adkins, executive director of the Clark State PAC. “Although so much has changed, one thing will never change – nothing can replace the shared communal experience of live performance. We are excited to share that experience with our community again.”
The “Welcome Home” show will be a collaborative performance by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16, at the PAC.
Because of the health and safety reopening guidelines from the Ohio Governor’s office, there are a limited number of tickets available for live performances. In consideration of the limited tickets available, the SSO concert will also be live-streamed for free on Facebook Live.
“Some patrons may not yet be comfortable attending a live concert,” Adkins says. “The live stream option will still allow them to experience the performance live and in the moment.”
The PAC will also welcome The Queen's Cartoonists at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23.
Using the Golden Age of animation as their backdrop, The Queen’s Cartoonists perform jazz numbers synchronized with the cartoon projections.
All PAC patrons and staff will be required to wear face coverings. In addition:
- No concessions will be available.
- Hand sanitizing stations are placed throughout the facility.
- Entrance times will be staggered.
- Washrooms will be sanitized after each use.
- Distance and directional markers are in-place on the floors.
While the PAC staff work to prepare for reopening, the creative minds of the PAC’s own event manager Jimmy Straley and technical director Dan Hunt have been hard at work to bring a Cabaret Series to the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center, 275 South Limestone Street.
“The Show Must Go On!” is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Dec. 12. Two additional performances might be added.
Adkins says the Cabaret Series will feature an evening of songs from a multitude of genres and performers. The concerts will have up to eight singers accompanied by a live band, and tickets are $25.
“Each evening a new cast takes the stage with new performances to make you smile or touch your heart,” she says.
Patrons attending the Cabaret Series will have their own table and be spaced 8-feet apart. Groups of up to 10 are allowed, and tickets must be purchased in one transaction for each group.
“If a party is two people, they will be at a small table of their own,” Adkins says. “If a party is six people, they will be at a larger table of their own. The stage will be 20 feet from the first set of tables, exceeding the current recommendations of 12 feet.”
Adkins says safety measures will be in place and masks are required. Tables will include a dessert tray and drinks may be preordered and available at a person’s table. There will also be a cash bar and servers.
Tickets for upcoming PAC events are available through the Clark State box office by calling (937) 328-3874.
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