The announcement of the direction of the new Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater and the unveiling of their new logo was held at a reception in January for a select group of theater supporters and community leaders. Attendees were entertained by American Canyon High School Chorale, an ensemble from the Napa Valley Youth Symphony and VOENA. NVPAC Executive Director Michael Madden explained the theater’s new concept to a receptive audience. M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 1 3 57 added Madden. “Among the first ways for the community to show their support of our efforts, is simply to buy tickets to our shows. Our first Affiliate event—Justin-Siena’s production of “Footloose”—begins March 1, and our Grand Opening Celebration, a performing arts showcase featuring all the best Napa Valley has to offer, is March 23.” A little background for any of you who may not know or might have forgotten: The Lincoln Theater, which is owned by the CDVA, was originally built in 1957 as a central performance and meeting facility for the residents of the Veterans Home. In 2005, after undergoing a $22-million renovation totally from private funds amassed by Friends of Lincoln Theater, the run-down auditorium was transformed into a 1200-seat, state-of-the-art world-class venue poised “to bring culture and arts to the Napa Valley” and suitable for a symphony. Unfortunately, after five years of operation, the Lincoln Theater was closed, and remained so until the Lincoln Theater Foundation, a nonprofit public benefit 501(c)(3) corporation, was formed as a successor to Friends of Lincoln Theater. So what’s the difference between the old Lincoln Theater and the new Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, besides a very long name? “We are much more than four walls and a stage,” said Madden. “And, while the Lincoln Theater’s founders built a magnificent venue and had the noblest of intentions, we have the incredible opportunity to set new benchmarks, take a more innovative approach, establish new priorities and broaden our scope.” Madden explained his plan in more detail. “The cornerstones to building a multi-disciplinary performing arts center are: community-based affiliate relationships; meaningful performing arts education programs accessible to all; venue utilization; and offering a full gamut of first-class local, national and international entertainment (including a symphonic orchestra).” The Affiliate Alliance performance home and all kinds of support for performing arts organizations (Resident Affiliates); serves as a vehicle for philanthropic organizations to use professional performances as a means to raise funds and awareness for their missions (Co- Presenting Affiliates), and offers a helping handtype program that makes it possible for schools, churches and other small performing arts groups to utilize the venue (Goodwill Affiliate). Charter Resident Affiliates include Napa Valley Festival del Sole, Justin-Siena and Napa Valley Youth Symphony. At a recent open house for the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater hosted by the five mayors of the Napa Valley, Yountville mayor John Dunbar noted that valley-wide support will be key to its success. “This theater is a jewel of the whole Napa Valley, and we are committed to doing whatever we can to ensure its vibrant and sustainable future,” Dunbar said. “Community collaboration will play a critical role.“ Dunbar was among a small group of concerned citizens working behind the scenes with Madden to devise and execute a plan that could avert having the theater remain shuttered forever. The cadre of advocates also included Festival del Sole’s Rick Walker, retired Warner Bros. Executive Vice President and pr strategist Barbara Brogliatti, Broadway producer and financial strategist Timothy Laczynski, attorney Stan Blyth, chef Bob Hurley, performing arts activist Robin Dunbar, and the principals at IMG Artists. These folks are now actively involved in transforming the Lincoln Theater into a comprehensive performing arts center. Napa Valley Festival del Sole is the first Charter Affiliate; Brogliatti (President), Laczynski, Blyth, Hurley and Dunbar are among the Board of Directors of the Lincoln Theater Foundation (under whose aegis NVPAC operates); IMG Artists principals have been consulting on various matters. And, leading the transformation effort is the executive staff of the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater—Executive Director Michael Madden, Foundation Director Robin Hampton, General Manager Patricia Moskowite, and Music and Education Director Ming Luke. Matt Eisenberg, T Beller, Holly Krassner, Kristi Shepherd Tori Ann, Tim, Trish, Barbara, Jim, Rebekah, Robbie Robert Jordan and Sean Demsey Tom Orlando and Michael Madden Richard Walker and Colby Smith Tom and Kellie Fuller Jan Fechter and Cynthia Hurley Jack Morgan and Marcella Mc Cormack
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