Larry Gawronski Named as the Executive Director for Topeka Performing Arts Center

Topeka, KS – Larry Gawronski has been named as the new Executive Director for the Topeka Performing Arts Center. VenuWorks, the company that manages the venue, initially brought Gawronski in to be the Acting Director in August, as well as continue his corporate role as the National Director of Sales and Sponsorship.

“Larry has done a great job as Acting Director in Topeka and with managing other venues for us in the past. We are confident he is the right person for TPAC” said Steve Peters, President of VenuWorks.

Gawronski brings vast experience to this role. Originally from Buffalo, NY, he served as the Director of Operations and subsequently Sales and Marketing Director for the Buffalo Convention Center. Larry worked at the Riverside Convention Center in Rochester, NY followed by the Danville Civic Center in Danville, IL. He joined VenuWorks in 2000 and has served as Executive Director for the Vicksburg Convention Center in Vicksburg, MS and the Bridge View Center in Ottumwa, IA. Most recently he served as the National Director of Sales and Sponsorship for VenuWorks.

“The TPAC Board of Trustees is ecstatic about naming Larry as our permanent Executive Director,” said Sue Buckley, recent President of the TPAC Board of Trustees. “With all his varied experiences, Shawnee County can count on a rebirth of TPAC as we celebrate our 25th Anniversary this year. Larry has the vision to lead our organization with enthusiasm and the skills to contract exciting events in our venue. Please welcome him in our community and invite him to your civic meetings.”

VenuWorks and the TPAC Board of Trustees recently finalized a new agreement for VenuWorks to continue to manage the venue moving forward. Originally called Compass Facility Management, VenuWorks has managed the Topeka Performing Arts Center since 2002.

“I’m looking forward to working with Larry and VenuWorks in the coming year,” said Jim Wempe, President of the TPAC Board of Trustees. “I am looking forward to an exciting year of shows.”

“I am thrilled to accept the position of Executive Director for this venerable theater”, said Gawronski. “We are coming upon the 25th year commemorating when the facility was repurposed to an art deco performing arts center. We are planning a special Silver Anniversary Season of programming. Look for shows that reflect our marketing mantra – Excitement Returns”.

About Topeka Performing Arts Center
Initially opened as the Municipal Auditorium in 1940, the Topeka Performing Arts Center has hosted a variety of events including sporting events, circuses, trade shows and Broadway. In the mid-1980’s the venue underwent a renovation that transformed the venue into a state-of-the art theatre. In 1991 the venue reopened as the Topeka Performing Arts Center.

With a total seating capacity of 2,417, the main auditorium of the Topeka Performing Arts Center continues to bring in a variety of live-entertainment performances. Aside from performing arts, on the venue’s Lower Level, Hill’s Festival Hall can also be used to accommodate banquets and meetings with 6,500 square feet of usable space.