MANAGING DIRECTOR’S REPORT

It’s been a vibrant 2022-23 season here at the Performing Arts Center, filled with transition, a return to normalcy, phenomenal shows, and hard work in setting the foundation for exciting things to come.

As I o icially take on this new role, I first want to thank my predecessor, Chris Miller, for his 6+ years of service and work here at the PAC. We honored Chris and celebrated his retirement in October and wish him the very best in this next chapter. It was pleasure to work with him during his tenure, and we truly owe him our thanks for his e orts and leadership shepherding the PAC and our sta through the pandemic and preparing us all for the future.

This season finally felt like a return to normal here at the PAC. While we had live events return last year, we were still unable to have students in-person for School Matinees, a program essential to our mission. A er nearly two and a half years, we were incredibly thankful to have roughly 6,500 students join us in-person this year, many for the first time ever, to experience the excitement, joy, and power of live performing arts.

We were also thrilled to support the successes of our local arts organizations, as they had an amazing year showcasing their talents and passion on our stage. We’re immensely lucky to have so many dedicated and talented people in our community and seeing them share their work has been one of my many highlights this season.

I am very thankful to be here at the PAC and for the opportunity to lead this organization into the future. I have an amazing team that puts in so much time and energy into their work. They truly care about this space, what it stands for, and the place it has within our community. From transitioning ticketing systems and websites to a successful three-day run of The Book of Mormon, our team at the PAC had an unbelievable year.

We’re endlessly grateful for the support of this community and thankful to be given the opportunity to serve you. We hope to see you again in the 2023-24 season and can’t wait to show you some of the exciting things we have been working on.

Ryan Gruss Managing Director Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo