It was with a tremendous sense of anticipation that the leadership of San Antonio’s Tobin Center for the Performing Arts announced the performance calendar for their inaugural 2014-15 season: 33 productions representing a breadth of performing groups and individuals (a total of 73 performances), many appearing in San Antonio for the first time ever.
This list is exclusive of the previously announced performances by Tobin resident companies AtticRep, Ballet San Antonio, and SOLI Chamber Ensemble. To date, 243 total performances are scheduled in the first year of operations (including The Tobin and its 10 resident companies) with another 127 performance rehearsals and private events booked.
Tobin Center President and CEO Michael Fresher points out that as currently scheduled, “The new facility will be utilized 370 times in 299 days, representing a capacity use of 125 percent. In October 2014 alone, there will be 64 uses in 31 days with 52 performances.”
That is some number crunching. If the logistics appear to be mind-boggling, they are. This is accomplished only with advanced design features such as the mechanical floor that changes the traditional raked auditorium configuration to a level floor in 23 minutes flat, at the push of a button.
To the tune of jackhammers, beeping safety horns, and construction booming just outside, there was no pause in the juggernaut as J. Bruce Bugg, Jr., Chairman of the Bexar County Performing Arts Foundation, reminded us of the challenges and successes that the group has faced on this building odyssey.
The project was announced in 2007 as a public/private initiative, at the time heralded by Mayor Phillip Hardberger and Bexar County Commissioner Nelson Wolff. The Tobin is a $203 million project, funded by Bexar County bond proceeds, a contribution of land and buildings from the City of San Antonio and private donations.
“On Track and On Time”
With obvious satisfaction, Bugg announced, “When we open, we will be on time in our fulfillment of the promises we made to the tax payers when the bond issue was passed in 2008. This project would not have been possible without a public and private partnership with the county and city. The Foundation was initially asked to raise $20 million in private donations. We fulfilled that goal years ago, and we are within striking distance of our elevated ask of $54 million.”
The project is “on track and on time,” and the keys to the facility will be handed over on May 31, 2014. Ownership and management of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts will remain in the hands of the Bexar County Performing Arts Foundation.
“We are working very hard to live up to our motto of ‘something for everyone’ as we book dates for our first season,” CEO Fresher said, “and we will be adding even more dates as opportunities surface in the coming months. As performers and producers finalize schedules for 2014-15, we will see availability for even more bookings.”
Fresher reiterates, “This is going to be a remarkable season. We are going to put this building on the map showing the performing arts world that we are for real. And, we will offer a four show season ticket package starting under $125.” Tickets for The Tobin Signature Series will be offered through the in-house ticketing system, TOBi, beginning April 26 at 10 a.m. by going to www.tobincenter.org or by calling 210-223-8624.
“Putting this first season together has been like playing chess, as we have sought variety with popular performers and productions while working around the schedules of our 10 resident companies, galas and other events.” said Aaron Zimmerman, Tobin Center senior director for programming and marketing. “We are looking forward to seeing everyone here in the fall, and grateful for the support.”
Dynamic Facilities and Tenants
This facility is the most up-to-date in every way, with world-class acoustics infinitely adjustable and capable of staging performances and events of every kind – musicals, rock concerts, classical, spoken word, dance, private events for you and 2,000 of your closest friends – you name it. The Tobin promises to be the crown jewel of South Texas when it comes to superior performance art complexes.
Attired in the appropriate safety gear, our small group was toured through the construction by Senior Marketing Manager Christopher Novosad (previously with Houston Grand Opera) and Brian Clark, senior operations manager. The transformation since we last toured The Tobin in August 2013 is quite remarkable.
Gone is the 18’ wall that once separated The Tobin Plaza and the River Walk. This will permit a beautiful flow from The Veterans’ Memorial Plaza, providing a wonderful pedestrian experience through The Tobin grounds down to the River Walk, also allowing for access to the river’s system of water taxis.
Novosad shares that The Tobin Plaza will boast a 18 foot tall by 30 foot wide LED screen capable of simulcasting performances from inside the theater and a seating capacity of approximately 600.
Like most other aspects of The Tobin, this will be a flexible space. “Of course we have never done something like this before, so we are still figuring it out as we go,” he said.
And yes, the outdoor simulcast performances will be free to the public.
“The idea is that people can get a taste of what’s going on at the Center and then maybe like to explore coming inside for a performance experience. We are very excited by this aspect of our programming,” Novosad said.
What’s in a Name?
All you titans of industry out there, listen up – naming rights to the plaza are still available. As well, only eight of the original 37 Founders Bridge Box Seats. The center twelve seats, best in the house, can be yours. Again, this is another illustration of The Tobin’s desire to be “something for everyone,” appealing to a broad range of financial capabilities, tastes, and lifestyles.
Inside, we find the Alvarez Family Studio Theater. A “black box” style configuration that is, again, infinitely customizable to fit the needs of those utilizing the space. And then, of course, the real jewel, the H-E-B Performance Hall, soaring to four levels.
The scaffolding that existed back in the summer is replaced by the coming together of seating, acoustical, and decorative elements that will make the space the best destination for seeing live performance in this part of the world. I am reminded of Fresher’s statement from August 2013, “It will be the best in the country on the day we open… the day after, I can’t speak for.”
This was said in jest at the time, but actually, this guy isn’t kidding.
Bringing all this technical bravura to bear takes a world-class talent, which we will have in Stefan De Wilde, in the role of Technical Director. His previous engagements have included Cirque du Soleil, The New World Symphony, and Disney. He will have his work cut out for him on this ambitious new outing, but it seems we are in good hands. So far, it all sounds pitch perfect.
The citizens of Bexar County and beyond should look forward to the public roll-out, with a sense of accomplishment and excitement. The Tobin’s “Opening Nights Celebration” will run from September 4 – 22, 2014, in honor of the milestone event, with the grand opening to follow on September 24.
You’ll want to be there.
*Featured/top image: Construction continues at a relentless pace at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Page Graham.
