July 1, 2008 - VenuWorks to manage Iowa arts, convention center
For Immediate Release: July 1, 2008
Contact: Tammy Koolbeck 319-929-5755
VenuWorks has received a contract to manage the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center, including the Stephen Sondheim Center for the Performing Arts, Convention Center and Arts Gallery, it was announced today.
The Fairfield Arts and Convention Center (FACC) opened in December 2007 in the southeast Iowa community of Fairfield. It is a 32,000 square-foot facility designed to host performing arts, convention, meeting, visual arts, and arts education events and includes a 522-seat proscenium theatre, a 7,000 square-foot business pavilion, several meeting rooms, an executive conference suite, an art gallery, several informal meeting and performance areas, a full commercial kitchen, administrative support spaces, and an outdoor plaza.
One of VenuWorks' first assignments is to find an executive director for the FACC .
"As we began our search for an executive director, we found an Iowa-based company who has been successful in managing theatres in the Midwest," FACC Board President Pat Hurley said of VenuWorks. "We feel fortunate to have the opportunity to bring a full team committed to overseeing changes that will facilitate the success of the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center as a performing arts business enterprise."
According to its mission statement, the Sondheim Center "will strive to mix the very best in Broadway and Hollywood talent with the most gifted regional talent while training local talent." High production standards and the creative process are stressed.
Among upcoming scheduled shows are Way Off Broadway's Production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Banjo Boy, the Broadway musical performance of Our Story Goes On, the Shakespeare Ensemble's production of The Lion in Winter, the one-man play Churchill, comedienne Lynn Trefzger, and the Ahn Trio.
"This is a small theatre with large ambitions and we are proud to be a part of its vision," VenuWorks President Steve Peters said.
VenuWorks will begin managing the building immediately.
BACKGROUND
VenuWorks is well known for its success in providing full management services for arenas, theaters, and convention centers, which are primarily under the governance of municipalities, counties, colleges, and universities. VenuWorks, headquartered in Ames, Iowa, serves 27 facilities in 16 communities throughout the US. It also manages food and beverage operations and provides event booking and promotion services. VenuWorks also performs feasibility studies and consulting work for clients with existing and prospective public assembly facilities.
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