The Grants Pass Performing Arts Center is a beloved piece of architecture at home on the beautiful campus of Grants Pass High School. It was 25 years ago that two organizations joined forces to create a building that would foster the love of community and art for years to come. However, it has come time that this beloved building, the Performing Arts Center, needs to raise money for repairs so that it can make a lasting impact for another two and a half decades. On May 18, 2024, multiple performing arts and music groups in the community will band together to bring the community a night of enjoyment, whilst fundraising for prolonging the life of the Grants Pass Performing Arts Center. 

A 25th-anniversary fundraising campaign was announced by Grants Pass School District 7 on Feb. 4 this year. They explained their re-partnership with the local non-profit Four Way Community Foundation and their pride in announcing “the launch of a 1-million-dollar fundraising campaign” to renovate and refurbish the Performing Arts Center (PAC). The school district explains that it is committed to preserving and enhancing the Performing Arts Center, and that is the reason for its goal of raising one million dollars in funds. 

The PAC has had an incredible impact on the community of Grants Pass. From band and orchestra to ballet and musicals, the building has housed a multitude of performing arts that have positively impacted the community. Some of the recent productions occurring in the Grants Pass Performing Arts Center include Stillpoint Productions' 33rd annual Nutcracker Ballet, directed by Penny King, Grants Pass High School theatre department’s musical Freaky Friday, directed by Julia Cuppy, and One Eleven Theatre’s spring musical Tuck Everlasting, directed by Erica Bury. 

Unfortunately, the PAC has been seeing the effects that 25 years can have on a building, Such as scuffed walls, ceiling leaks and the breaking down of equipment. Not only will the district be fixing these issues, but they will also be making new additions to the PAC that will allow for better accessibility and higher quality productions. NewsWatch 12’s Tim Quitadamo interviewed Wayd Drake, the Assistant Supervisor at the Grants Pass Performing Arts Center, regarding the PAC. Drake explained in Feb. 2024, “Just last night it was a heavy rain.” He continued to explain how the ceilings have leaks: “Fortunately, it hasn’t quite got on the stage.” However, it is important to fix this issue before it does. It was expressed that the PAC preservation project has three phases: “The first is to improve signage in parking lots and on surrounding light posts to help guide visitors to the center,” for which the effects can already be seen in current implementation. NewsWatch 12 explained that the second stage will be fixing the worn-down parts of the building, such as fixing leaks and replacing the old doors with new ones. An assisted hearing system is another important addition the center is looking to add. Third, the district plans to improve the technology, which would include implementing a more modernized lighting system for the stage and replacing the old backstage intercom system. 

On Sat., May 18, 2024, a myriad of Grants Pass’ best performing artists are joining together to put on the “25th Anniversary Celebration”, which will be an evening show where all proceeds, including ticket purchases, will benefit the Preserve the PAC Fund. The fundraising showcase will feature performances by the GPHS Jazz Band, Orchestra, and Theatre departments, One Eleven Theatre Company, Fusion Dance Academy, Clarion Theatre, and Stillpoint Dance Studio-- along with individual artists: Janeen McGinnis, Michele Spohn, Maggie Lieberman and Rachel O’Malley. General admission to the showcase is $30, and tickets can be bought online at GPHS PAC Ludus. The gates open to the PAC at 6:30 pm and the showcase will begin at 7:00 pm. Refreshments and light appetizers will also be served in the courtyard at Grants Pass High School.