About Us
We are located in the center of Downtown Saint Joseph next to the historic and majestic Missouri Theatre.
The Performing Arts Association of Saint Joseph is a non-profit corporation formed in 1979 to strengthen the performing arts in St. Joseph and support the development of the Missouri Theater into a regional center for the performing arts.
For decades, the Performing Arts Association has electrified the Missouri Theater by showcasing acclaimed artists from around the globe, infusing the region with thrilling entertainment that inspires, comforts and uplifts!
Our History
In 1962, Community Concerts initiated its classical music presentations. Fourteen years later, in 1976, Town Hall Center was established with a mission to preserve the Missouri Theater and started hosting diverse entertainment series. It was in 1979 when the merger of Community Concerts and Town Hall led to the formation of the Performing Arts Association. By 1980, a joint effort between the City of St. Joseph and the Performing Arts Association, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, commenced a capital campaign aimed at renovating the Missouri Theater.
Our Mission
We aim to serve our community by providing access to a wide range of performing arts, including various music genres, dance forms, and theater, and support the creation of new works. We offer performing arts education to youth and the broader St. Joseph area community, ensuring no barriers to access. We collaborate with local arts organizations to achieve shared objectives and manage our program cost-effectively, maintaining a balanced budget and maximizing fundraising efforts.
Our Future
Over the next decade, the Saint Joseph Performing Arts Association will continue strengthening our mission by promoting an interest in music, theatre and dance by increasing season performances and educational opportunities:
Develop a second series for a smaller venue that will feature more family and classical performances.
Enhance partnerships with other arts organizations in order to make a more cohesive arts experience for all patrons.
Create and encourage more corporate sponsorship in order to build audience and to build funding streams to offset depleted grant resources.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul Gibson | President
Patrick Dare | Vice President
Kelly Morris | Treasurer
Linda Judah | Secretary
Ruth Bireline | Drew Brown | Peyton Santana Castro | JoAnn Cobb | Lanny Ellis |
Executive Director
Paul brings over 20 years of experience in producing, writing, and directing events across Chicago, Wyoming, Alabama, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. On stage, he’s performed with Frankie Avalon, Sandy Martin, and Jeff Mauro, and toured nationwide throughout his life. Twice a year, Paul tours a comedy show throughout the Hard Rock Cafe and Casino’s. For years, he assisted in the development of the NoHo Arts District in LA. As for Saint Joe? “I love it! I love the people and the possibilities here”!
Our Partners
