Flickinger Center for Performing Arts facts for kids
Flickinger Center in 2008
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| Former names | Sierra Theater |
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| Address | 1110 New York Avenue |
| Location | Alamogordo, New Mexico |
| Coordinates | 32°54′04″N 105°57′31″W / 32.9012°N 105.9587°W |
| Owner | County of Otero |
| Type | Performing arts center |
| Seating type | General admission |
| Capacity | 590 |
| Website | |
| http://www.flickingercenter.com/ | |
The Flickinger Center for Performing Arts is a special theater in Alamogordo, New Mexico. It has 590 seats, making it a great place for many people to enjoy shows. The Flickinger Center is also a non-profit group that runs the theater. They bring all sorts of fun entertainment to the community.
You can see many different kinds of shows here. These include live music concerts, exciting plays, and lively musicals. There are also dance shows and even beauty pageants. Both professional performers and local groups put on shows at the Flickinger Center.
Contents
History of the Flickinger Center
How the Theater Started
In 1983, a group called Alamogordo Civic Auditorium, Inc. was formed. Their goal was to create a place for performing arts in Alamogordo and Otero County. This group wanted to give local artists a stage.
A few years later, in 1988, something big happened. A kind person named Margaret Flickinger bought the Sierra Theater. This theater used to be a movie theater from the 1950s. She then gave it to the non-profit group.
Renaming and First Shows
After this generous gift, the theater and the group changed their names. They became the Flickinger Center for the Performing Arts. The very first show at the newly named theater was in December 1988. The New Mexico Symphony Orchestra performed, which was a big event. The first full season of shows began in October 1992.
Theater Renovations and Upgrades
The Flickinger Center has been improved two times. The first big renovation happened in 1990 and 1991. The Flickinger Center group raised $1 million for this project. This was the largest fundraising effort ever in Alamogordo at that time.
During this renovation, the old movie theater became a live performance space. Workers built a large stage, about 40 feet by 32 feet. They also added an orchestra pit for musicians. New dressing rooms, a wardrobe area, and special lighting were also installed.
A second round of improvements took place in 2007. The State of New Mexico provided another $1 million for this work. This renovation added more restrooms for visitors. A new sound booth was built for better sound control. They also created a special area for people using wheelchairs. A ramp was added to make the building easier to access for everyone. After these changes, the theater had 590 seats.
How the Flickinger Center Works
Ownership and Support
In 2003, the Flickinger Center group gave ownership of the building to Otero County. This was done so that state money could be used for renovations. In return, the group received a lease to use the property. They do not pay rent to the county. Instead, they provide services to Otero County. This includes some free performances for county residents.
Volunteer Group: The Flickinger Guild
The Flickinger Guild is a special group of volunteers. It was started in 1991. These volunteers do most of the daily work to keep the Center running smoothly. They also help raise money to support the theater. Their hard work makes many shows possible.
Programs and Performances
The Flickinger Center offers a wide range of entertainment for everyone. You can enjoy concerts, plays, musicals, and dance recitals. They also host beauty pageants. Both professional touring companies and local amateur groups perform here.
Local Performances
The Alamogordo Music Theater is a local amateur group. They have performed most of their shows at the Flickinger Center since 1989. This gives local talent a chance to shine on stage.
Summer Jazz Series
During the summer, the Flickinger Center group presents the Tailgate Summer Jazz Series. These are outdoor concerts held in the parking lot of the New Mexico Museum of Space History. It's a fun way to enjoy live jazz music under the stars.
Miss New Mexico Pageant
The Miss New Mexico Scholarship Pageant is held every June at the Flickinger Center. This event has been held in Alamogordo since 1998. It's an important event for young women in the state.
