The Performing Arts Association of Saint Joseph is a non-profit corporation formed in 1979 to strengthen the performing arts in St. Joseph and support the development of the Missouri Theater into a regional center for the performing arts.
For decades, the Performing Arts Association has electrified the Missouri Theater by showcasing acclaimed artists from around the globe, infusing the region with thrilling entertainment that inspires, comforts and uplifts!
Our History
In 1962, Community Concerts initiated its classical music presentations. Fourteen years later, in 1976, Town Hall Center was established with a mission to preserve the Missouri Theater and started hosting diverse entertainment series. It was in 1979 when the merger of Community Concerts and Town Hall led to the formation of the Performing Arts Association. By 1980, a joint effort between the City of St. Joseph and the Performing Arts Association, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, commenced a capital campaign aimed at renovating the Missouri Theater.
In 2025, a fresh stage name was introduced to the public, 816 LIVE!, while proudly maintaining Performing Arts Association of Saint Joseph, Inc. as the organizations official legal name.
Our Mission
We aim to serve our community by providing access to a wide range of performing arts, including various music genres, dance forms, and theater, and support the creation of new works. We offer performing arts education to youth and the broader St. Joseph area community, ensuring no barriers to access. We collaborate with local arts organizations to achieve shared objectives and manage our program cost-effectively, maintaining a balanced budget and maximizing fundraising efforts.
Our Future
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.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul Gibson | President
Patrick Dare | Vice President
Kelly Morris | Treasurer
Linda Judah | Secretary
Ruth Bireline | Drew Brown | Peyton Santana Castro | JoAnn Cobb | Lanny Ellis |
Executive Director
Paul joined the Performing Arts Association in April 2024, bringing with him over 20 years of experience producing, writing, and directing events across Chicago, Wyoming, Alabama, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. He also managed theatre venues in Los Angeles for 16 years. As a performer, he’s shared the stage with talents like Frankie Avalon, Sandy Martin, and Jeff Mauro. Outside of work, Paul keeps audiences laughing at the Hard Rock Cafe in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (the iconic Guitar Hotel). Since arriving in St. Joe, he’s launched a seasonal improv class and a popular line dancing class for PAA.
Our Partners
