I love that statement because it really speaks to why the Herberger Theater Center was built and why we exist today. We are the place where the audience and the arts come together. One of the things that first excited me about theater was the collaborative nature of the performance. You not only have the performer on stage but there are so many other people involved. There are the people backstage moving scenery, others raising the curtains or drops, still others running lighting cues or playing music or sound effects. Plus, there are the designers and technicians that created the costumes, scenery, lighting, sound and makeup. Not to mention the director, choreographer, musicians, stage manager, and so many others.
But when everyone works together, when the music swells, the lights come on, the curtain goes up, the scenery, the costumes and make-up support the scene and the performance begins, it is the collaboration and contribution by everyone involved that makes the moment magic.
The collaboration doesn’t stop there because there is another very important participant, the Audience. It is the union between the magic on stage and the audience in the seats that makes the live performance a truly one of a kind experience.
Today, that intersection of audience, art and place doesn’t just happen on one of our three stages. So far in 2018, performance and audience have converged here in Bob’s Spot Gallery Lounge, the Art Gallery, the lobby, outside on the patio, the plaza and on the east side of our block. As we continue moving forward, you can expect to see even more of this as we expand our collaborations with our amazing Resident Companies, as well as develop new partnerships with Arizona State University, Arizona School for the Arts and many others.
All of this will create more diverse opportunities for traditional and non-traditional performances that will engage audiences in many different ways. Keep watching this website, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter so you won’t miss any of the exciting opportunities that are happening soon and in the future.
What you will find is that we have become even more active in our role in the intersection of art, audience and place. We look forward to seeing you, engaging you, and inspiring you at the Herberger Theater Center… Where Audience Meets Art.
Thank you,
Mark Mettes, President & CEO
Herberger Theater Center