What makes the arts come alive on our stage? It’s the behind-the-scenes work—the lights and gels, truss and curtains, sound boards, staging and seating charts—that helps make everything happen. While logistics and equipment are essential, our performances really come to life because people don work gloves to roll up the dance floor and tie up curtains, dress in black and white to usher in excited audiences, and welcome renowned artists with admiration. These moments offer direct connection and involvement for budding artists, technicians, and art enthusiasts in a way that has long-term impact on how they see themselves and the arts as a whole. This lively community behind the scenes of the Center Stage Series helps inspire each performer and helps each performance excel.

The 2011–12 Center Stage Series showcases how proud we are of the deep, rich, and creative Luther College environment that has cultivated such talented alumni artists—Robert Kleinendorst ’95 of Paul Taylor Dance Company, Jon Wee ’88 of the Passing Zone, and Caroline Worra ’91—all who grace our stage in this sesquicentennial year.

Our local Midwestern and Norwegian sensibility shines through with very special guest Garrison Keillor. If you’ve ever been tempted to be a Center Stage Series subscriber, this is the year to do it! It’s the one way to guarantee you’ll get great seats for your own bit of Lake Wobegon^® and great discounts to all of the performances you choose.

The effects of the Center Stage Series ripple out from each performance to impact many communities. Artists experience our warm hospitality and leave as our ambassadors to an international arts world. Students of all ages experience theatre, dance, and music they haven’t been exposed to before. Workshops make it possible for anyone to talk with professional artists personally, and we learn that the arts are relevant, possible, and important. Audience members share an experience that affirms who we are while connecting to new ideas. The arts bring us together and generate genuine benefits to create thriving lives and communities.

Whether behind the scenes, on stage, or in the audience, we want to thank everyone involved in the Center Stage Series. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our artistically minded sponsors who help make this series possible for everyone. Join me in thanking them, too.

I offer you a personal invitation to come, bring your friends, your family, and the new arrival in town for wonderful experiences that will make an impact!

     With joy,

     Tanya M.B.Gertz