Lee College PAC Unveils Robust Programming for 2022-23
The Lee College Performing Arts Center (PAC) is launching its 2022-23 season with a new mission: to connect the Baytown community to the world through collaboration, education, social engagement, and the transformative power of live performing arts.
"A Season of New Beginnings," will kick off at 7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 22 with a sneak preview of performances taking center stage throughout the year. The PAC is located at 805 W. Texas Ave., Baytown, TX 77520. (Map and directions) The public is invited to attend. Admission and parking are free.
Taylor Dobbs, a Baytown native, who was recently named the PAC's new director, has developed a new mission and vision that involves offering a wide range of artistic and cultural programming, offering season ticket packages and increasing the number of community partners through aggressive marketing and fundraising.
"It's about creating a space where people can be authentic; where diversity, equity and inclusion are embraced and encouraged," explained Dobbs. "Not only do we want performers and patrons to feel like the PAC is their home away from home, but we also want to establish the Center as an arts and culture leader in Baytown and its surrounding communities."
In addition to the Sept. 22 opener, "A Season of New Beginnings" will showcase a variety of programming throughout 2022-23 that includes:
- 7 p.m., Sat., Sept. 24 — Fiesta Fest: Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
- 8 p.m., Sa., Oct. 22 — "The Revival": Staged performance by local playwright Bobby Britton Jr.
- 8 p.m., Thu.-Sat., Nov. 10-12 — "Clue the Musical"
- 7:30 p.m., Sat., Dec. 3 — Baytown Symphony Orchestra concert
"This robust vision for the Performing Arts Center isn't about the bottom line. Our goal is to make sure the PAC is always filled with an event, whether that's a musical, concert, competition in the main hall or black box, or an art show in the Art Gallery," said Dr. Lynda Villanueva, Lee College president. "It's a chance for the community to see great work and for our students to deliver great work."
Dobbs says audiences will not pay more than $25 for a ticket to any of the shows this season. Visitors will be asked to provide feedback of what they saw and give input on what types of performances/shows they would like to see in the future.
This new plan for the PAC is a true labor of love for Dobbs, who grew up with the Baytown Little Theater and attended Lee College and then went on to further his education at Stephen F. Austin State University for a bachelor's degree and Boston University, where he received a master of fine arts.
"I am the first person in my family to go to college, and being in theater changed my life," Dobbs shared. "There are so many wildly talented people in this community, they just don't know the opportunities exist. I believe Lee College has the power to change that."
You can see more information on the Performing Arts Center and view the schedule of events and showtimes for the 2022-23 season on the PAC's webpage.