when creativity means BUSINESS “WE ARE HERE TO PROVIDE THE COMMUNITY WITH WORLD CLASS ENTERTAINMENT.”
INTERVIEW WITH THE KRAVIS CENTER'S CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
by Angela Yungk
JANE MITCHELL
Situated in the hub of downtown West Palm Beach, The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts has become a prominent institution known for everything from Broadway musicals to arts education for local students. Now in its 28th year, the Kravis Center is evolving to keep up with the ever changing needs of the community by bringing to the stage a little something for everyone. From comedy engagements with the outlandish Joan Rivers, to the smash hit “Dixie’s Tupperware Party”, the Kravis Center can tickle the fancy of just about anyone. All of these diverse shows are exactly what the new Chairman of the Board, Jane Mitchell, expects. “Our goal is to preserve the significant contributions that this fine cultural institution has made. Our community, through its diverse schedule of national and international artists and its comprehensive arts education program, is serving as a home for local and regional organizations to showcase their work and acting and as an economic catalyst to increase travel and tourism in Palm Beach County.” Jane Mitchell is the first woman to become the Chairman of the Board of the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. She is the perfect fit as a previous musician herself, and with her thriving entrepreneurial spirit. Art Hive Magazine had the pleasure of sitting down with Jane to find out what exactly the new season will bring. Angela: As technology becomes more prominent in everyone’s life, how is the Kravis Center adapting to this change on a theatrical level? Jane: We want to stay in pace with what’s going on. We are active on social media and we are bringing new shows that can be for just about anyone. Children are using technology much more and I am excited about a new show coming to the stage, “Video Games Live” that will have 3 giant screens on stage. There will be lots of visuals and special effects on stage. All this will be accompanied by an orchestra that will be performing all the best known songs from video games. It’s a great springboard that can bridge the gap to the younger generation and by having an orchestra play it, it even appeals to the older generation as well. The Broadway series is another success, in its 6th season now, and it has been doing wonderfully. The ticket sales have been the highest on record this year. We want to keep pace and stay in touch with the changing times. Angela: What are your goals as the Chairmen of the Board? Jane: My goal is to hold on and preserve the quality we hold really true to. Let it evolve with the changing times and keep an eye on the cutting edge so we can bring new ideas and be willing to see what the audience will accept. The audience dictates on what we
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should have on stage. I have the same mission the founder had and we stay true to that. Our mission has always been the same, to bring world class entertainment to the community and to provide arts education to our community and its children. There is “Something for everyone”. Angela: How has the Kravis Center helped on the educational level, with arts programs being cut out of the school systems? Jane: There is a huge educational aspect we implement here. We offer different shows for children from elementary age to high school. We even offer guidance for teachers teaching the arts. We have our own pamphlets for teaching certain programs and developing curriculum. We work closely with the school districts. We want to fill in were we can when funding is cut from schools. We also have a very active arts camp over the summer where students become educated about stage craft. They write a small performance and even perform it on the stage. The Kravis Center is a mecca for arts and culture in Palm Beach County. From speaking engagements to interpretive dance and lavish Broadway productions, the statement really does hold true that at the Kravis Center, there really is “Something for everyone”.