Hard work and generosity are community values in Templeton and the evidence is on display at the Templeton Performing Arts Center. Many people volunteered their time for several years and many others donated funds in order to complete the inside of the theatre, while Templeton Unified School District and a state grant paid for the construction of the exterior. This beautiful facility is on the campus of Templeton High School at 1200 S. Main St. and is managed and maintained by TUSD.
Since opening in 2003, it has become part of the community. It has also become apparent that a theatre like this requires an ongoing commitment-far beyond completing the construction, and far beyond the commitment required by standard school facilities. The TPAC is used by many different groups for many types of activities, from dance recitals and performances to orchestra and band; school assemblies, plays and musicals, to community events. In all this time, the facility has not had any significant updates (or in some cases, even standard theatre maintenance).
The Templeton Performing Arts Center Foundation formed this year with the specific purpose to create additional support and funding for the TPAC, beyond the usual budget provided by TUSD. The non-profit organization’s mission is to increase the utilization of the facility by underwriting, sponsoring, promoting, and/or assisting in performing arts programs, cultural projects, and educational and civic events that take place in this facility.
The foundation also supports and assists in the operation of the building to ensure it reaches its maximum potential as a venue for the performing arts, learning, entertainment, and community-building, for both TUSD and the community.
The TPAC is one of North County’s premier venues for world-class, professional performing arts in a small, intimate setting of 330 seats, each with an unobstructed view of the stage due to the steep angle of construction. It has a full orchestra pit, green room, full curtains, lighting, and sound systems.
The TPAC is a hub for cultural events serving all the people of the North SLO County and their families, as well as providing an institution for career and vocational technical education for Templeton High School Theatre Marketing and Management students.
You can join the newly formed board of parents, teachers, counselors, current and retired administrators, business owners, and citizens who want to help promote the field of fine and performing arts. The foundation is seeking individuals and organizations to help in the following ways:
- Become a member of the foundation board — planning and working events, organizational issues, donation solicitation, etc.
- Become a donor
- Support the foundation as a consultant on specific items, i.e. sound systems, electrical, planning events, stage production, video, sound, etc.
- Donate goods & services to be used at fundraising events
- Participate and attend future fundraising functions
There are several events already planned to benefit the foundation including a performance by the John Jorgensen Quartet on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m. The first in a series of fundraiser concerts planned by the foundation. It will feature John Jorgensen, best known for his guitar work with bands such as the Desert Rose Band and The Hellecasters. He is also proficient on the mandolin, mandocello, Dobro, pedal steel guitar, piano, upright bass, clarinet, bassoon, and saxophone. While a member of the Desert Rose Band, he won the Academy of Country Music’s “Guitarist of the Year” award three consecutive years.
Jorgenson has recorded and or toured with Elton John, The Byrds, Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams Jr., Barbra Streisand, Luciano Pavarotti, Roy Orbison, Patty Loveless, Michael Nesmith, and Bonnie Raitt.
Tickets: $30 for adults and $15 for students. Buy your tickets at jjquartet.bpt.me, or call 805-391-7003.
