Kate Auslen and Justin McMillan dance for dollars to support building a performing arts center in Atascadero

The arts are for everyone. They inspire, lift up, encourage and motivate us to be more than we thought we could be. They open our hearts and souls to express and experience our deepest feelings. Neighborhoods and communities with arts-based educational opportunities help our youth thrive into adulthood, provide cultural enrichment and entertainment, and enhance economic vitality. That’s why the Atascadero Performing Arts Center Committee (APACC) is striving to plan, build, and sustain a performing arts theatre in the city of Atascadero. 

The journey of the Atascadero Performing Arts Center Committee (APACC) began as a dream in 2004 when a small group of citizens envisioned a performing arts theatre that would provide a place for the youth and adults in our community to express and experience the performing arts. Over the years, many possible locations for the theatre were explored and APACC hosted performances and events at various venues, such as the Community Church, Best Western Colony Inn, Pavilion on the Lake. An audience of benefactors grew to become founders of the project and Cal Poly architecture students assisted with imagining and proposing 20 possible designs for the center. In 2018, a collaboration with the Printery Foundation set in motion the plan for the permanent home of a new theatre for the youth and adults of our community to enjoy. 

Together with the Atascadero Printery Foundation, APACC  “has the opportunity to fulfill E.G Lewis’ vision for the City and community, creating a site for the arts, relational programs for all ages, affordable space for community groups, a draw to the community, including local businesses, and the opportunity to touch every life, especially those most in need of support, such as youth and seniors.

The possibilities of the Printery serving as a common venue for the arts, fostering involvement and offering the ability for creativity and expression in the community is an exciting and fulfilling vision, becoming a clearer reality each day.

Achieving this goal means harnessing the generosity of our wonderful community. APACC’s upcoming fundraisers include a Mardi Gras Party that will be held on Saturday, Feb. 22 at Fellowship Hall, Community Church, 5850 Rosario Avenue, Atascadero, from 6–10 p.m. Tickets are $50 each and include a New Orleans inspired dinner prepared by Chef Charlie, two glasses of beer or wine, live rock and roll music by The Martin Paris Band, a silent auction and a dance preview by Kate Auslen and Justin McMillan, who are performing in the 2020 Atascadero’s Dancing With Our Stars. Buy your tickets at apaccmardigras.bpt.me. 

Another upcoming fundraiser is a Craft Cocktailing class to be held at Central Coast Distillery on March 7 from 3-5 p.m. Tickets are $60 each and include cocktail tastings, small bites, and a chance to win a three-bottle gift box of locally made Forager Spirits. Buy your tickets at foragerspirits.net/classes-and-events.

With every passing day and every new supporter, the mission of APACC is closer to being realized.  Our motto is “Believing the Dream, Building the Legacy.”  Help us bring this treasure to Atascadero. Visit our website www.atascaderopacc.org for more information and to learn how you can help. Follow us on facebook (Atascadero Performing Arts Center Committee-NonProfit) for the latest news and updates.