Jonathan Zarov: Overture's working to be even more accessible to community

Jonathan Zarov  —  11/06/2008 5:34 am

Dear Editor:

Mike Ivey's recent "Business Beat: Big-ticket projects head to back burner" was an interesting reflection on Overture history.

But I take issue with his statement that there is "no reason to visit (Overture) unless you've got tickets." We do about twice as many free events as ticketed. Lots of people come for Musical Memories, Kids in the Rotunda, Overture After Work, etc.

Maybe he meant there's no reason to come in unless you want to see something here, but that would be fairly true of any venue. And we do get folks wandering in on a Farmers' Market Saturday. Parents bring their young kids to the Rotunda Stage even when there's nothing going on. During the holidays, when our lights are lit, people take family pictures here. And on and on.

There's also a museum (which Ivey acknowledges), three community galleries showcasing Dane County's artists and the James Watrous Gallery -- all non-ticketed.

This is a common misconception -- that all we do is present shows. But it was always the intention of the donors to make this a community space. And, again, it is. At least more so than the public perception.

It's partly our responsibility to right the situation. On the outside of the building on State near Fairchild are large colorful graphics that playfully tout a few shows and a funhouse mirror. That's new. And the resident organizations are recognized in signage. We've opened up the lobby during business hours, even when there's no show going on. We've put door handles back on the State Street doors toward Fairchild. If there's a trend here, it's toward openness.

I encourage readers to check out Overture for themselves. Consider coming down for Overture After Work on Thursday, Nov. 20, 5 to 7 pm in Overture Hall Lobby. Clyde Stubblefield is playing. And it's free. So you won't need a ticket.

Jonathan Zarov

Vice president of marketing and communications

Overture Center for the Arts

Jonathan Zarov  —  11/06/2008 5:34 am