No issue on the Arts in Brevard would be complete without talking to Steve Janicki, the executive director for The King Center. The King Center is one of Brevard’s premier showcases for our local performing arts and a driver behind their growth and visibility.
SCL: How does The King Center support local arts initiatives?
STEVE: The King Center has always been supportive of the many local arts organizations that make our community a great place to live. Brevard County is rich with culture, and we do everything we can to help the arts thrive locally. The Cultural Arts Showcase is a great example. Along with the Brevard Symphony Orchestra, the King Center presents the annual event that celebrates the performing arts and culture in Brevard County. Held at the King Center, the festival showcases the work of various arts groups across Brevard and includes the BSO’s free family concert among many other performances. This year marks the fifth anniversary of Cultural Arts Showcase. The event takes place on October 29 and is free to the public. More information is available at culturalartsshowcase.com.
The King Center presents multiple in-house productions throughout the year. We can’t reveal the shows that have not been announced yet, but a great way to stay up-to-date on our events is to join our email list.
SCL: Who are your regular partners?
STEVE: The King Center partners with many local arts organizations. We are pleased to announce the Space Coast Ballet Company will be presenting The Nutcracker at the King Center this December, which marks the company’s 15-year anniversary. The Nutcracker is such a wonderful holiday tradition for our community. The Brevard Symphony Orchestra is the King Center’s resident orchestra and offers season subscriptions for its concerts. If you have never been to a BSO concert, I encourage you
to attend.
Additionally, the King Center partners with the Historic Cocoa Village Playhouse each year to present our Summer Musical Theatre Project. This program gives children and young adults the opportunity to act, sing and dance under the direction of industry professionals. The program culminates with performances on the King Center stage. It’s such a rewarding experience to see our kids learning and performing at the King Center.
SCL: How has that support grown over the last few years?
STEVE: We have definitely seen an increase in attendance in our events, including the Cultural Arts Showcase and the various performances by local arts organizations that take place at the King Center. We take pride in being able to partner with the local organizations that share our passion for the
performing arts.
SCL: What’s next for The King Center in regards to the local arts scene?
STEVE: The Cultural Arts Showcase would be our next big event. I’d encourage everyone to come check it out to get a taste of what ALL the local arts organizations are doing. It is October 29th, noon to 5 p.m.
SCL: What are the challenges going forward?
STEVE: Like many arts organizations, the King Center faces the challenge of attracting new (millennial) audiences while retaining current audience members. Becoming a King Center member, donating personally, or becoming a corporate sponsor is a great way to participate in your community, and of course, buy tickets to our events!