Clark State College will hold a virtual Community Forum on Tuesday, August 2, 2022 at 5 p.m. to discuss the Clark State Performing Arts Center (PAC) located at 300 South Fountain Avenue in Springfield.
Built in 1993, the award-winning Clark State Performing Arts Center is situated on 5.5 acres in downtown Springfield, Ohio. The 86,000 square foot facility houses rental space that is designed and equipped to accommodate musical performances, theatre presentations, conferences, business meetings and other activities.
Clark State is in the process of updating the Master plan, during this process an operational and market assessment is being conducted of the PAC. This assessment will assist with developing a strategic plan for both centers.
“Clark State is looking for ways to maximize the PAC’s value to our students and the community, and we sought out the services of Keen and Associates for their strong background in arts and venue management,” said Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, president of Clark State.
Consultant Alex Keen, Associate Principal with Keen Independent, conducted site visits, interviews with Clark State leadership, arts organizations, performing arts center staff and community stakeholders.
Keen’s driving goal throughout his career is to help organizations do great things. As
Associate Principal, he believes that providing independent, credible and data-driven advice is crucial to inform decision makers and the public. Keen recognizes that every project, no matter the size, is meaningful and has an impact. He strives to make every process collaborative and targeted to solve the questions at hand. Keen believes that through strong quantitative and qualitative research, thoughtful project management, and open and public dialogue, every question can be answered.
In 2018 the PAC introduced an array of capital fund improvements including a new roof and new carpet. Facility upgrades were also made behind the scenes including the installation of a new dimmer rack which controls theater lighting.
“This summer we are replacing all of the theatrical curtains in the Kuss auditorium and the Turner Studio Theater…that were original to the building,” said Dan Hunt, interim executive director of the Clark State PAC. “It’s about a $138,000 project.”
The PAC will raise the curtain on live performances for the 2022-23 season beginning on Friday, October 7, with a mix of theatre, live music, magic, and multi-media experiences. Tickets to the 2022-2023 season will be available at pac.clarkstate.edu in August.
The final phase of the pre-season market assessment includes the virtual forum to engage with the community as a whole. This virtual forum will grant the community the opportunity to listen and engage with Keen who will present his findings to the community for feedback and questions.
Those interested in attending the virtual Community Forum regarding the PAC can register online at: https://clarkstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtf--urjwvEteeXVkwS0VluADCROAFQPAp
Upon registering, a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting will be sent. There is no cost to attend.