Performing Arts Series Since 1990, Johnson County Community College has offered one of the largest multidiscipline Performing Arts Series (PAS) in mid-America. From Broadway blockbusters to classical and chamber music ensembles, the variety of events programmed as part of the PAS attracts a wide demographic, mirroring the changes in Johnson County itself. The Carlsen Center is Johnson County’s only professional performing arts center and a regional cultural asset. An event in the Carlsen Center is often an introduction to Johnson County Community College, and an impressive one at that. Audiences consistently tell us they enjoy attending events at JCCC because of the quality programming, easy access and reasonable ticket prices. During 2015-2016, the 25th anniversary season of the PAS, celebrities such as The Blue Man Group, Arlo Guthrie, Jim Brickman and Jane Lynch were favorites. In fact, the 25th anniversary season was marked by high ticket sales numbers throughout the year. Season ticket packages increased 25 percent to 1,082 (vs. 809 for 2014-2015). Generally, ticket sales for all shows were up 24 percent over last year, with 25,807 tickets sold, compared to 20,815 a year ago. Ticket revenues increased substantially by 44 percent, $870,733 vs. $603,757 in 2014-2015. For six years now, season ticket packages have been sold a la carte: patrons choose any five (or more) events to include in their package and receive 10 percent off. Season packages are on sale all year, as long as there are at least five events to buy. This has allowed greater flexibility for patrons and ongoing sales throughout the season. The Blue Man Group performed five shows in January 2016. This spectacular rock show featuring blue aliens was a big winner with the PAS audience and sold 5,866 tickets, more than $324,000 in sales. A show this large is a big risk for the PAS, but it paid off. Aside from the money, audience surveys show around 38 percent of all tickets buyers attended a show at JCCC for the first time. Building a new audience makes the risk well worth it. Other innovative programming in 2015-2016 included a first-time collaboration with the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, where choreographer 28
Jonah Bokaer and his dance company staged a work in the museum lobby. The event was attended by more than 100 patrons (limited due to space) and the week wrapped up with an additional performance in Polsky Theatre. Cross-discipline collaborations such as this mark the uniqueness of the PAS as a community partner and its support of the college’s mission of ongoing learning. During 2015-2016, improvements to marketing and promotional efforts included a redesigned website that is more user- and mobile-friendly and a new mobile app through Instant Encore from which to share events and information for the Performing Arts Series. All scheduled shows, dinners, lectures, concerts, etc., are detailed on the app, with links to the PAS website for donations to the Friends of the Performing Arts Series and to the ticketing vendor for tickets to any show.