M E S S AG E F R O M T H E A R T S C E N T E R D I R E C TO R No, the Lion King isn’t coming to the OAC… Over the past two years or so, I have received dozens, if not hundreds of wonderful suggestions about programs and events that patrons would like to see at the arts center. Most have been well-known, regional and national performers including Chinese acrobats, Charlie Daniels Band, the Bo Deans, Danny Gokey, Straight No Chaser, Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits and, the Lion King to name a few. All are wonderful suggestions. There’s usually one drawback, cost. Most of the suggestions are quite expensive to present. In the list above the average cost range is anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000 per performance. In the case of the Lion King, they require a minimum run of several performances often resulting in six figure commitments from the presenting venue. Frequently, this is only the performance fee which does not include housing, travel and hospitality expenses incurred by the theater, and that doesn’t include the administrative, production staff and marketing expenses required to promote the event. There is much to be done in order to bring any group or artist here to the OAC. In the end, however, I also want to make sure that we are reaching out to our lake country communities and offering programming that people want to attend and will support. If attendance continues to increase and the demand for more notable artists and events continues to be the subject of discourse, who knows, maybe the Lion King…uh, no. Keep the wonderful suggestions coming in. I value your input and will do everything I can to bring the events you want to see to the OAC. In the mean time, check out our 2011-12 season. I think you will be presently surprised. www.theoac.net Michael Duncan, Director Oconomowoc Arts Center
Oconomowoc Arts Center 1