2024-2025 SEASON
A Stage for Every Story
Since 1968, the Pioneer Center has provided northern Nevada with an iconic theater space to experience the best of live performance together. From Tony-winning Broadway musicals to classical music and dance, motivational speakers and stand-up comedians to cultural performances rooted in lands far from Reno, our mainstage has seen a versatile range of artistic stories across the last 58 years. As we continue to achieve our vision of a community that is connected, enriched, and inspired through the power of the performing arts, we aim to share experiences that meet the needs and the desires of the people in our region.
This Annual Report highlights our programming and engagement from September 2024 through August 2025. In addition to facts and figures, you’ll hear from individuals in our community eager to share their stories of the impact made by our nonprofit work, extending well beyond our mainstage.
The success of the Pioneer Center is directly tied to the people we serve, and we are thankful for the opportunity to touch the lives of our friends, families, and neighbors through the arts. I wish to extend heartfelt gratitude to our partner arts organizations, sponsors, donors, community business collaborators, patrons, Board of Directors and incredible team of volunteers who contribute to our nonprofit’s regional impact.
We hope to see you all at the Pioneer Center again soon!
Sincerely,
Dennyse Sewell, CEO of the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts
The Arts are for Everyone
About the Organization
Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that owns and operates the historic Pioneer Center in downtown Reno.
Our mission is to cultivate exceptional performing arts experiences in our historic venue and throughout the region. We envision a community that is connected, enriched, and inspired through the power of live performance.
As stewards of a cultural treasure, we believe that we are all stronger together, education is fundamental to a thriving community, and the arts are for everyone.
Memberships & Listings
League of Historic American Theatres
The Broadway League
Americans for the Arts
International Association of Venue Managers
National Register of Historic Places
Nevada State Register of Historic Places
City of Reno Register of Historic Places
Our History
The Pioneer Center opened for business January 7, 1968, as a joint venture between the City of Reno, City of Sparks, and the Washoe County Fair & Recreation Board (now the RSCVA). The facility was designed by Bozalis, Dickinson, & Roloff of Oklahoma City, with geodesic dome design by California-based firm Temcor.
Early performances included the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Vincent Price, and the Broadway National Tour of Neil Simon’s Star-Spangled Girl. Our first resident company, the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, premiered on our stage the following year in 1969.
Our nonprofit was formed in 1988 to manage the venue and programming. The land and facility were deeded fully to our nonprofit in 2012 allowing us to both own and operate the Pioneer Center in perpetuity for the benefit of the community.
Years Ago on Our Stage
RAGTIME, MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET, IRA GLASS, DAVID SEDARIS, AND MORE
Ago on Our Stage 10 20
Years
THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE, CATS, HAIRSPRAY, AND MORE
EXECUTIVE
Dennyse Sewell CEO
Chisa Oros-Harry Executive Assistant
Liz O’Donnell
Development Director DEVELOPMENT
ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE
Devenney Leijon
Managing Director
Korona Phelps Comptroller
Shelby Kaae
Bookkeeper
Anette Christensen Theatre Administrator
EDUCATION, ENGAGEMENT, & SPECIAL INITIATIVES
Adam Cates
Director of Community Engagement
Heather Boni Lemmons
Education Manager
Jordyn Mahoney
Marketing & Communications Manager
THEATRICAL PRODUCTION & FACILITY OPERATIONS
Italo Crocco
Technical Director
Eric Skye
Assistant Technical Director
Ivy Llewelyn
Assistant Technical Director
Derek Smith
Facilities Supervisor
Chuck Short
Facilities Assistant
Mark Robinson
Spruce Custodial
PROGRAMMING & PATRON SERVICES
Breana Edgerton
Events Director
Clark Demeritt
Box Office Manager
Sadie Hart
Assistant Box Office Manager
Dianna Krueger House Manager
Olivia Huerta
Assistant House Manager
Demerey Grant
Concessions Manager
Tom Clark Chair
Bonnie Drinkwater
Vice Chair
Final 2024-2025 SEASON NUMBERS
160,647
TOTAL PATRON ATTENDANCE
319
TOTAL PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS
TOTAL GENERAL OPERATING EXPENSES $4.38 MILLION
Maxine Harmatta
Treasurer
George Wade
Secretary
Britton Griffith
Cony Linarez
Debra Moddelmog
Kyle Rea
Samantha Reveley
Outgoing Members: Alicia Barber, Jennifer Rogers Markwell Board OF DIRECTORS
Broadway Comes to Reno celebrated 30 years of bringing the “Best of Broadway” direct from New York City to our downtown Reno stage. This series is presented in partnership with Nederlander National Markets, a subsidiary of The Nederlander Organization. Special thanks to our 30th Anniversary Season title sponsor First Independent Bank.
The Broadway Comes to Reno series began in August 1995 with the national tour of CATS, followed by Les Misérables 42nd Street, She Loves Me, STOMP, and The Who’s Tommy Over 170 touring Broadway musicals have followed since. Our loyal season subscribers continue to help make this series possible, year after year.
71,676
TOTAL BROADWAY COMES TO RENO 2024-2025 ATTENDANCE
Broadway Visits the Reno Aces
American Idol winner and “Young Neil Diamond” star Nick Fradiani performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Sweet Caroline” at the Reno Aces Fourth of July home game.
Photo by Matthew Murphy
Photo by Julieta Cervantes
Photo by Joan Marcus
Photo by David Calvert
30 th Anniversary Season
*DENOTES NORTHERN NEVADA PREMIERE
Mrs. Doubtfire*
September 2024 | 8 Performances
Beetlejuice*
The Book of Mormon
January 2025 | 5 Performances
The WIZ*
March 2025 | 8 Performances
December 2024 | 8 Performances
Some Like It Hot*
February 2025 | 8 Performances
Mamma Mia!
June 2025 | 8 Performances
Our thanks and a warm welcome to our incoming 2025-2026 Broadway Comes to Reno corporate sponsors: Western Alliance Bank and Tolles Development
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical*
July 2025 | 8 Performances
Photo by Joan Marcus
Photo by Matthew Murphy
Photo by Joan Marcus
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
Photo by Matthew Murphy
Photo by Julieta Cervantes
Touring Productions
The Pioneer Center presented and/or hosted 13 performances created by 11 additional touring artists and productions. These events were attended by a combined total of 13,594 patrons.
Alton Brown
Eddie Izzard Benise
Local Arts Programming
The Pioneer Center serves as an annual performance home to a variety of local arts organizations.
RESIDENT COMPANIES
The Pioneer Center was proud to host 41 performances presented by our three Reno-based Resident Companies. Total combined Resident Company performance attendance: 41,129 patrons.
Philharmonic Orchestra
Classix Series 1-6
Free Family Concert
Youth Orchestra
Young Peoples’ Concerts
Mariachi Cobre
The Beatles: Revolution Spirit of the Season
Nutcracker
LOCAL ARTS ORGANIZATIONS
The Pioneer Center hosted 22 performances and events created by 9 additional local organizations. Total combined attendance: 14,152 patrons
Photo by Brian Pollock
Photo by Brian Pollock
Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival
Created and produced by the Pioneer Center, this three-night dance concert series is presented free to the public on our outdoor plaza stage.
Photos by Andy Barron
Dog Days of Summer Dance Festival serves as a spotlight benefit for SPCA of Northern Nevada. The 4th Annual festival featured 12 local companies with 275 total dancers onstage and was attended by over 1,600 patrons.
A variety of dance artists shared their stories through movement styles that included Afro-Cuban, Aztec Ceremonial, Bachata, Ballet Folklórico, Bollywood, Classical Ballet, Contemporary, Fire Dance, Hip Hop, Jazz & Jazz Funk, Modern, Pop & Lock, Salsa, Tap, and more.
2025 FESTIVAL GUEST ARTISTS
Ina Okun - Giselle Soto & David Gervais
HEADLINING COMPANIES
Danza Azteca Aztlán y Ballet Folklórico Internacional de Reno
Entity Movement
Heart and Sole Dance Academy
Nevada Dance Company
Western Nevada Performing Arts Center
White Light Bollywood
FEATURED COMPANIES
Ballet Folklórico Pueblo Nuevo
The Ballroom of Reno
Controlled Burn
Convergence Dance Collective
Note-Able Music Therapy Services
“Each year, we have seen a notable increase in both donations and community engagement from the Dog Days event, and we couldn’t be more grateful to the Pioneer Center for their continued commitment to our cause. Their generous support has allowed us to expand our reach and further our efforts to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome pets in need.”
Sydney Denham, Communications Supervisor SPCA of Northern Nevada
“My best memory is the audience engagement throughout the show.”
Chhavi Bhalla, Director, White Light Bollywood
Thank you to festival sponsors and supporters: Bloch Inc., City of Reno Arts & Culture, Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust, Design on Edge, and Healthy Performers Nevada.
Thank you to our food truck vendors: Dipdee Stix, Zucker’s Donuts, Silver Rush Grille, Doggy Style, Hello Tacos, and Battle Born Smokers.
Benjamin Browder
FESTIVAL STAGE MANAGER
Benjamin Browder has stage managed Dog Days for three consecutive years, overseeing logistics for multiple dance companies, coordinating tech rehearsals, and managing complex transitions. He describes the experience as a “playground” for learning, one that pushes him to apply everything he’s learned and anticipate every variable.
Festival Director Adam Cates first met Benjamin while he was still a student at Sage Ridge School and participated in Pioneer Center Behind the Curtain educational opportunities with Broadway shows. Adam said:
“From the moment I met him, I knew Benjamin was poised to achieve a brilliant theater career. It isn’t often I hire a high school student for professional work – but recognizing exceptional talent is one thing I’m good at! We are lucky to work with Ben so early in his career.”
Now a sophomore at Emerson College in Boston, Benjamin is pursuing a BFA in Stage and Production Management. His career goals include touring professionally and working in regional theater. When asked about the Pioneer Center’s impact on his journey, Benjamin said:
“The Pioneer Center, Dog Days of Summer, and the Behind the Curtain program gave me insight into the profession that truly solidified my decision to pursue theater—not just as a hobby, but as a career. It’s something I love, and I’m genuinely excited about everything I see and hear in this field.”
Pioneer Center Youth Programs
Pioneer Center Youth Programs (PCYP), our flagship outreach series for K-5 students, brings educational performance programming to elementary schools, public libraries, and community spaces across 9 northern Nevada counties and Lake Tahoe, CA with free admission for individual patrons. We present local arts groups and touring artists whom we bring to the area for residencies.
F inal 2024-2025
PCYP NUMBERS
100
TOTAL PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS
23,906
TOTAL PATRON ATTENDANCE
27
TOTAL FREE PROGRAMS TO TITLE 1 SCHOOLS
Kantu Inka (Carson City, Nevada & Cuzco, Peru)
Larry Wilson (Reno, Nevada)
The Note-Ables (Reno, Nevada)
“I loved learning about instruments I have never heard of before. It was amazing how instruments from all over the world can come together to make such beautiful music. We loved clapping along to the beat and felt so alive. This is my FAVORITE band ever!”
3rd grader, Agnes Risley Elementary (Reno) on House of Waters
“La artista tiene talento y me encantó su baile. ¡Esta actuación fue divertida y emocionante!”
5th grader, Mariposa Language & Learning Academy (Reno) on Cascada de Flores
2024-2025 C ommunities
SERVED BY PIONEER CENTER YOUTH PROGRAMS
Winnemucca
Gerlach Fernley
Palisades
Incline Village
Carson City Dayton
Minden/Gardnerville North Valleys
Zephyr Cove
Hawthorne
PCYP receives grant support from The Arthur & Mae Orvis Foundation, City of Reno Arts & Culture, Creative West, Cynthia Lake Charitable Trust, National Endowment for the Arts, Nevada Arts Council, Nell J. Redfield Foundation, Susanne & Gloria Young Foundation, and Thelma & Thomas Hart Foundation.
Kantu Inka
CARLOS OCAMPO & JULIE LOZADA OCAMPO
Carlos Ocampo and Julie Lozada Ocampo, performing as Kantu Inka, first joined the Pioneer Center’s artist roster in the 2022-2023 season. They are based in Carson City, splitting their time between Nevada and Cuzco, Peru each year. Using traditional instruments and attire, Kantu Inka share Peruvian culture in their bilingual performances.
“What makes Kantu Inka’s PCYP program so meaningful to us is that it brings together our two biggest passions—music and teaching. Carlos, a proud Peruvian, has always wanted to share the beauty and richness of his homeland with the world. Through this platform and Andean music, he brings Peruvian culture to life for our audiences. As for me, while I truly enjoy playing Andean music, my heart has always been in teaching.
Thanks to PCYP, I get to keep doing what I love, even in retirement. And the best part? Carlos and I get to share this journey together, performing as a couple and doing what we both love most.”
- Julie Lozada Ocampo, Kantu Inka
Lovelock
Pioneer Center Golden Encore
Launched in 2023, Golden Encore is the Pioneer Center’s lifelong learning entertainment outreach program for seniors. Golden Encore brings the power of live performance to nursing homes, memory care facilities, public libraries, assisted living, senior centers, and more across our region. Educational performances are presented with free admission and are designed with the health needs of seniors in mind.
Golden Encore was made possible with support from Renown Health and Washoe County Community Reinvestment Program.
“This performance definitely rekindled memories from my past. I thought about my mother, her father, and my father’s mother who all loved these songs and composers. Thank you for this!”
Patron, Osher of Lifelong Learning Institute (Reno, NV)
“I could have sat here all day – this performance picked me up and made me feel better. The musicians sing so well together. I just love to hear them play and it makes me happy.
Joanne T. Farris MS, CTRS, ACC/MC, CGFI
“The Golden Encore program stands as one of the most impactful therapeutic and cultural offerings for Veterans at the VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System, consistently drawing high levels of engagement, enthusiasm, and emotional connection from Veteran residents.
Veteran attendance at Golden Encore events is 50% higher compared to other offerings, reflecting the program’s exceptional ability to motivate and uplift. Veterans frequently express excitement and anticipation, often calling family and friends to join them.
The artists’ professional talent, paired with their interactive and welcoming approach, creates a therapeutic environment that stimulates memory, emotion, and conversation. The mood-enhancing effects are long-lasting— many Veterans experience elevated spirits for days or even weeks following each performance.
During special Memorial Day and Veterans Day performances, the program reaches even deeper emotional levels. These events have instilled a profound sense of patriotism and reflection—emotions only a Veteran can express so fully. The music, tribute, and ceremony evoke shared memories and pride, reinforcing identity, honor, and connection to service.”
- Joanne Farris, VA Sierra Nevada
Aria 51
Kantu Inka
Heather Boni Lemmons
Retro Radio Dolls
Erika Paul & David Aller
Karen Burns
In-Tune Tales with Scot Marshall
Free Family Series
Sponsored by New York Life
Produced by the Pioneer Center, Free Family Series brings exceptional touring artists to our mainstage for educational performances made for young patrons. Admission is free and performances are presented as relaxed for better accessibility. Launched in 2023, touring artists who perform in the Free Family Series also serve as PCYP outreach artists and provide master class workshops for high school or college students during their residencies.
Free Family Series featured 3 performances that were attended by 689 patrons.
House of Waters
Cascada De Flores
F-Rock Crew
From New York, NY | 2025 Grammy Nominee: Best Contemporary Instrumental Album
From San Francisco, California
From Seattle, Washington
Behind the Curtain
Sponsored by Customer’s Bank
Pioneer Center’s Behind the Curtain education program provides opportunities for local performing arts students to engage directly with Broadway touring professionals and Pioneer Center staff.
F inal 2024-2025 BEHIND THE CURTAIN NUMBERS
9
TOTAL BEHIND THE CURTAIN EVENTS
370
TOTAL STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
McKenna Pickett
UNR THEATER MAJOR
“Watching the stage manager Andrew calling cues was also incredibly helpful for me. The way he formatted his calling script made it super easy to read and kept everything very organized. It was also super cool to see him using the colored warning switch system. I still don’t know how he was able to count music while talking to the deck about their standbys. It was like his mouth was separate from his brain which was separate from his hands (because all while he was counting and calling standbys, his hands were busy flipping switches)!
Overall, this was a truly wonderful experience, and I felt giddy the whole time. Everything seemed so big and professional, and it made me excited for a future career where I could possibly be a part of a production of this size. I am extremely grateful for his opportunity, and I will carry this experience with me for the rest of my life.”
- McKenna Pickett, UNR Theater Major
“I am currently a theatre tech major. Learning about the history of the Pioneer Center and seeing how much the local theatre crew works to set up these shows made me realize I might want to work in the theater as well. This experience has made me interested in learning more about lighting and sound.”
College Student, TMCC
“Our favorite part of the Behind the Curtain load-in experience was hearing first-hand from the technical theatre professionals – both local folks and those on tour. This is so valuable for my students! Many came away with the experience of feeling like working in a theatre is viable.”
Rod Hearn, Damonte Ranch High School Drama Teacher
“The Some Like It Hot dance workshop was so upbeat and full of life! It was a great mix of age and cultures, mixing levels of talent and experience together for all to enjoy. We also loved the Q&A session and being able to get to know the artist and learn more about her experiences. Everyone felt so welcomed and included.”
Adult Student, age 67
Pioneer Center Volunteers
Our pool of 250+ local volunteers serve as ushers and event staff at every Pioneer Center performance. Thank you to all who donate their time and talents in service to the community.
TOTAL HOURS VOLUNTEERED THIS SEASON 18,466 HOURS
FINANCIAL EQUIVALENT OF DONATED HOURS $549,548
Gary Gurling
LONGTIME PIONEER CENTER
Gary Gurling joined the Pioneer Center’s team of volunteers in 2014. Since that time, he has donated over 3,606 hours of service to our nonprofit organization.
“Growing up my parents took us to the Starlight Opera in San Diego every summer to see their series of Broadway musicals. In middle school and high school, I was in band/orchestra. When I moved to Reno, I found that the Pioneer Center had both Broadway musicals and an orchestra, and I learned that they were looking for volunteers. It seemed like a good way to get involved with the community as well as an opportunity to meet interesting volunteers and patrons. I have enjoyed being a part of the Pioneer Center family.”
- Gary Gurling, Pioneer Center Volunteer
Photo by Andy Barron
Photo by Marie Claire Boucher
VOLUNTEER
Photo by Dianna Krueger
ARTS COMMUNITY IMPACT
Our Box Office sells tickets to the performance events at the Pioneer Center. The funds collected are held and dispersed to the arts organizations that rent our facility upon completion and settlement of their performance. $21.6
Estimate by The Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry.
Photo by Andy Barron
Photo by Jeremy Daniel
Community Collaborations
WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES
ENGAGEMENT EVENTS GIVING BACK
BROADWAY AT THE BARS
with Wild River Grille, Old Granite Street Eatery, The Club at Rancharrah, Honey Bar, The Refuge Spa, The Depot, Dubbs Sports Bar, The Lodge, Axe Bar, Birdeez, Shim’s Tavern, Black Rabbit Meade, Ole Bridge Pub, Sierra Tap House, Grafted, BeerNV, and Schussboom
BROADWAY KARAOKE
education fundraiser with Dubs Sports Bar
BROADWAY TRIVIA NIGHT
education fundraiser and Pioneer Center Spotlight Kolsch collaboration with Pigeon Head Brewery
CURTAIN UP: BROADWAY CELEBRATION EVENT
announcing the 2025-2026 Broadway Season
Accessibility & Inclusion
In August 2025, the Pioneer Center brought national Accessibility & Inclusion in the Arts expert, and Kennedy Center “Excellence in Accessibility Leadership” awardee, Roger Ideishi to Reno. Ideishi led our full team through several workshops and seminars on current best practices in accessibility and inclusion.
ARTS SUBSIDIES
totaling $145K+ provided to all local arts organizations that rented our facility
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHTS
to raise awareness and collect item donations for: The Eddy House, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, STEP 2, and SPCA of Northern Nevada
FINANCIAL SPONSORSHIPS
for local events: Diwaliwood, Reno Dance Festival, Sierra Arts Foundation, The Reno Phil Pops, and Northern Nevada Pride
TICKET DONATIONS
to raise funds for 45 local school and nonprofit organizations
A workshop was also provided at the Pioneer Center for our board members, volunteers, community partners, and contracted artists that explored ways to better incorporate accessible, inclusive practices into their own work.
Photo by Andy Barron
Partners & Supporters
Thank you to our key community partners who work with us on all events at the Pioneer Center
DESIGN ON EDGE
Courtney & Chris Meredith, Owners/Creative Directors
IATSE LOCAL 363 STAGEHANDS UNION
John Olszewski, Chapter President
MARTIN ROSS SECURITY
Jason Patterson, President & CEO
Pioneer Center Supporters
The Pioneer Center Board of Directors and staff wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the individual donors, in-kind donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors who provided general operating, renovation, and program support throughout the season.
ARTHUR & MAE ORVIS FOUNDATION