2007-2008 Annual Report of Service - Shippensburg University

22 Shippensburg University
H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center
Experience the Excitement!
Leslie Folmer Clinton, Ed. D., Associate VP for
Student Affairs and Director of the Luhrs
Center
Jill Heberlig, Staff Assistant
Robin Dolbin, Ticket Services & Sales
Manager
Robert Shirk, Technical Director
Daniel Stine, Assistant Technical Director
Jeffrey Sommer, Director of Marketing and
Administrative Services
Deb Taylor, Front of House Manager
Overview
The H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts
Center at Shippensburg University, a 1,500-
seat, state-of-the-art facility, is an entertainment
destination for the Shippensburg community,
the region and beyond. Among its
many benefits to the region include: the presentation
of a wide range of cultural programming,
internationally-known performers and
speakers, Broadway musicals, comedians, orchestras
and dance companies. In the words of
Bill Johnson of The Beach Boys, “This place
is like finding a Mercedes in the middle of the
dessert.”
2007/08 Season Recap
The H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts
Center at Shippensburg University is the premier
performing arts center in Central PA.
The Center has hosted numerous star performers
since its opening in 2005 including:
Wynton Marsalis, The Charlie Daniels Band,
Dionne Warwick, Olivia Newton-John and
Jeff Dunham. The 2007/08 line-up continued
the tradition with more stars, great musicals,
and unique performances. A complete list of
all the past performances is available by accessing
the Events & Ticket section of the Luhrs
Center web site (www.luhrscenter.com).
The 2007/08 season boasted star performers
such as Michael Bolton (Nov. 8), Marie
Osmond (Nov. 30) and Anne Murray (Feb.
14) as well as groups like The Oak Ridge Boys
(Sept. 26) and Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby
with Kentucky Thunder (Oct. 27). There was
also some brass, some gospel, Motown and
jazz. Some exceptional performances included
Sweet Honey In the Rock ( Jan. 22), Boston
Brass ( Jan. 31), Harlem Gospel Choir (Feb. 7)
and Vanguard Jazz Orchestra (Apr. 25).
The Luhrs Center was also the location
for all-star comedy. Jeff Dunham (Mar. 29)
and his cast of characters including Peanut,
Walter, Jose Jalapeno, and Achmed the Dead
Terrorist returned to the Luhrs Center for
two sold out shows of belly-busting laughs.
As a prequel to the presidential election, the
Capitol Steps (Mar. 1) provided some political
comedy.
Broadway musicals included “Gypsy”
(Oct. 3) and “Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash
Musical” (Apr. 3). In addition, two spectacular
stage shows, Yamato: The Drummers of Japan
(Nov. 13) and Golden Dragon Acrobats (Apr.
8), left audiences breathless and amazed. Paul
Taylor Dance Company (Apr. 22) also graced
the stage as part of their PA tour.
The Luhrs Center was also the place
for family entertainment. The Luhrs Center
presented “A Year With Frog & Toad” (Nov.
3), based on the popular children’s book by
Aaron Leipbold. Children also loved Flat
Stanley’s new stage production: “The Musical
Adventures of Flat Stanley” (Apr.18).
Luhrs Center Visitors
While the Luhrs Center is located on the
campus of Shippensburg University, it is truly
a regional performing arts center. Although
many patrons come from the Shippensburg,
Carlisle and Chambersburg communities,
many people travel from Philadelphia,
Harrisburg, Lancaster, Hagerstown, MD,
and Martinsburg, WV and points in between
to the Luhrs Center because of the quality of
programs offered, The Center’s unique acoustics,
state-of-the-art theatre technology, ease
of access and ample free parking.
Overall, the Luhrs Performing Arts
Center has held 71 professional performances
and over 65,000 patrons have attended performances
since the grand opening in 2006. The
Luhrs Center has had 14 sell-out performances
since its opening. Another 50,000 people
from University-sponsored events and conferences
have used the Center. Approximately
1,100 people have toured the facility. In total
to date, nearly 110,000 people have visited or
attended functions or performances.
Facility Rentals
During the 2007/08 season, several
weddings and receptions were held in the
Orrstown Bank Lobby (Upper Lobby of the
Luhrs Center) and several more are planned
during the 2008/09 season. This very elegant
and sophisticated space is available for receptions,
banquets and meetings and is catered
by the University’s food service company. In
addition, the theatre is available for rental by
outside performing groups, area organizations
and corporations for performances and meetings.
The state-of-the-art technology makes
any meeting or reception a special experience.
Virtual tours of the facility are available at
www.luhrscenter.com.
Contributions to Local and
Regional Economy
The region is experiencing an increase
in restaurant, hotel, shops and service station
business. Over ninety community and
regional businesses advertised in the season
program and ticket fronts and backs. In addition,
performance tickets include coupons
and advertisements of area businesses. These
advertising sales produced additional income
for the Center to assist in program support.
In May of 2008, a special VIP Advertisers’
Reception was held in appreciation for their
support. This event included an exclusive back
stage tour and an on stage.
Luhrs Center Circle of Friends
Annual Donor Program
Members of the Luhrs Center Circle of
Friends are truly stakeholders in the success
of the Luhrs Center and partners in bringing
high-quality programming to the Central
Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland region.
Luhrs Circle of Friends Members:
❚ Help to nurture an arts-oriented lifestyle
in the Cumberland Valley;