Beth Sharp, Director

To serve our community by providing access to the best in all performing arts disciplines, including classical music in all its various forms, jazz, popular music, dance – both contemporary and classical, and theatre – dramatic and musical, and to the extent possible, encourage the development of new works through commissioning and artistic residencies.

To provide performing arts education programs for area youth without any access barriers, and to the extent possible to offer performing arts education programs to the general population of the greater St. Joseph area.

To provide opportunities for collaboration with other arts organizations within the greater St. Joseph area that helps meet collective goals.

To manage the program in the most cost efficient manner possible while meeting the first three objectives in this statement. This includes working within the constraints of a balanced budget and the development of maximum fundraising opportunities to support the program.

1962 – Community Concerts began presenting classical music.

1976 – Town Hall Center formed to save the Missouri Theater from demolition and began presenting an entertainment series.

1979 – Community Concerts and Town Hall merged to become the Performing Arts Association.

1980 – The City of St. Joseph and Performing Arts Association launched a capital campaign in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts to raise funds for renovation of the Missouri Theater.

1983 – Performing Arts Association began its Children’s Theatre programming designed to introduce young audiences and families to professional arts.

Over the next decade, the Saint Joseph Performing Arts Association will continue strengthening our mission by promoting an interest in music, theatre and dance by increasing season performances and educational opportunities:

• Develop a second series for a smaller venue that will feature more family and classical performances. 

• Enhance partnerships with other arts organizations in order to make a more cohesive arts experience for all patrons.

• Create and encourage more corporate sponsorship in order to build audience and to build funding streams to offset depleted grant resources.