News
BEST OF 2018
Our Staff picks their favorite shows this year at AT&T Performing Arts Center
Babel by Cry Havoc Theater Company stopped me in my tracks this year. Part of the Elevator Project, the production, alongside The Cenotaph art installation, explored gun ownership, gun control and gun-enabled crimes in America. The main sides of the argument, for increased control of firearms, collided with harrowing tales of families torn apart. The production, performed by local teens, gave me hope that change is possible through honest, frank discussion.
– GREG ROBERTSON, Sales & Sponsorship Manager
There have been so many special Center moments this year, but my favorite has to be the big surprise during our first Young Women’s Leadership Conference. We invited 150 students from area high schools to come to the Center for a day of leadership training. Little did they know that a very special guest would show up. During one of our smaller breakout sessions where a group of students were discussing Michelle Obama’s new book, Mrs. Obama walked in unannounced. The reaction in the room was absolutely priceless. She spent an hour talking to that group of young women about her personal story, answering their questions, and encouraging them to tap into their own greatness.
– AUTUMN GARRISON, Director of Education
My favorite moment of the year came recently when we welcomed 150 young women on our campus for our inaugural Young Women’s Leadership Conference. The diverse group of future leaders heard from experts on how to apply lessons in the arts to leadership development. Our expert panelists spoke truth, wisdom, and encouragement to the girls and it was clear we helped change lives that day! Oh, and the girls were given the surprise of a lifetime – a visit from the leader of all leaders, Michelle Obama! While her presence was exciting, it was her words that really made the difference. We are so grateful for her passion for developing young women into the leaders and difference makers they were meant to be! BEST. DAY. EVER.
– KATHRYN COX, Director of Sales & Sponsorship
Ladysmith Black Mambazo were some of the sweetest and most joyous performers! They were all so full of life and love that it radiated throughout the audience. I felt so uplifted when I went home that evening! Not only were they sweet, but they were funny too! They would joke with one another on stage, and it was hilarious to watch.
– NATASHA PORZIKOVA, Digital Marketing Manager
Itzhak Perlman, one of the greatest violinists of all time, requested the audience stand and dance around. I didn’t think it would happen but then one person got up and then the next and before we knew it, we were all doing the Hora around the audience like it was a Jewish wedding! Strangers holding hands and dancing in the Winspear – I loved it! I was smiling ear to ear!
– NATASHA PORZIKOVA, Digital Marketing Manager
Reliant Lights your Holidays. I love seeing the campus active with people from all backgrounds and walks of life celebrating the start of the holiday season. Each year, this community-minded event just gets bigger and better. The production and operations teams always do such an outstanding job in the execution. Even though it is challenging to sell tickets at the event due to the numerous activities and performances taking place, I always enjoy working this event and having fun with my coworkers and the volunteers.
– CURTIS MEEK, Director of Ticket Services
The Ticket Services Department sure knows how to have a Halloween party and potluck! The enthusiasm by the team for Halloween is infectious and the potluck was a great way for the department to enjoy some great food and relax before the holiday season kicked into full gear. The costumes are always on point and this year was no exception, with both Pooh Bear and Kathy Griffin making an appearance.
– CURTIS MEEK, Director of Ticket Services
One of the reasons why I love the Center so much is that we host such a wide variety of arts and entertainment. Broadway shows, incredible speakers, comedy, dance, and also we get to host some of the titans of the music industry such as when we had David Byrne at the Winspear Opera House in April. Touring in support of his first proper solo album in nearly 15 years, Byrne put on an unforgettable performance that was equal parts arena rock show and art project. Dressed in matching grey suits and bare feet, Byrne and his band ripped through Talking Head classics before closing with a powerful cover of “Hell You Talmbout.” Perfume Genius put on a great opening set (very cool seeing Mike Hadreas on a big stage in an opera house) and all-in-all this was my favorite night at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in 2018.
– CHRIS MCDONALD, Senior Marketing Manager
My time with the AT&T Performing Arts Center has been fantastic. From day one, the entire organization welcomed me with open arms, and quickly made me a part of their everyday routine. I’ve honestly loved being an intern here!
Reliant Lights Your Holidays was an amazing experience. I was part of marketing the entire event, from beginning to end. It was exciting to be part of an event that so clearly relied on all departments of the organization working closely together. Moreover, working on an event from initiation, development and all the way through to execution, was incredible. And to top it all off: it was clear that every person who attended had a blast!
Another exciting event was Tom Papa’s Baked Off. This event was based off a crazy idea, which we somehow made into reality. It was fun to see how any idea, silly or not, can work! It was also exciting to plan the strategic aspect, such as finding a location, promoting the event and finding partnerships. But it still allowed me to be creative and think outside the box. Everyone involved: participants, partnerships and the location, had a blast!
– SIGNE PEDERSEN, Marketing Intern