Theatre Statement

We are excited to let everyone know that in the next few days we will be announcing the start of our 2022-2023 season.  In the meantime, we wanted to provide you with an update about our progress and explain what we’ve been up to over the past several months.

Many of you have sent us emails and messages asking about our programming. What is going on? Why aren’t we open all the time? When will we see movies? What kinds of entertainment are we planning?  Why aren’t we doing what other performing arts facilities in our region are doing? Many of you have also sent friendly suggestions about artists and activities you’d like to see perform and happen in our facility. We take your questions and comments seriously and would like to use this opportunity to respond to your inquiries.

Almost a year ago, The Spinners performed as the inaugural act at the Dowd Opening Gala. Since that time, believe it or not, we have hosted over forty public events, including national musical acts, symphony concerts, film premieres, City of Monroe functions, children’s theatre and musicals, dance recitals, local and regional civic gatherings, and private as well as corporate parties and meetings.  Even so, we are less than a year into business operations, and we’re facing all of the challenges that any new performing arts start-up must deal with. These have led to two pauses in scheduling and bookings.  And, we still face all of the post-pandemic adversity that everyone knows all too well, including hiring and equipment shortages necessary for business operations. Yes, we are still waiting for equipment ordered two years ago that has not yet arrived.

Opening up a performing arts facility from scratch involves more than flipping a switch — it’s a process. The single most important fact that we can pass along is that we are committed to a very deliberate and strategic three-to-five-year business plan that includes incremental growth in our programming, marketing, and community engagement from year to year. Most of all, we are committed to bringing you the highest quality of diverse and inclusive local, regional, and national entertainment and cultural events. So, this will take time. There might be more pauses or bumps along the way.  But we want you to know that we appreciate your investment in our future and your patience in seeing this remarkable restoration project through to years of success.

Be sure to check out our upcoming programming online soon at www.dowdcentertheatre.com, or find us on Facebook and Instagram.  Thank you, and see you soon at the Dowd!

All the best,
The Dowd Center Theatre Staff