MASTER CLASSES
MASTER CLASSES
MORE INFORMATION
Emily Hefley
Programing Director
emily@gpacweb.com
901-751-7665
GPAC CONNECTS THE COMMUNITY TO NATIONALLY RENOWNED ARTISTS THROUGH MASTER CLASSES, LECTURE DEMONSTRATIONS, AND WORKSHOPS.
Artists participate in these educational programs in conjunction with their season performance.
Creative Arts Ensemble
Creative Arts Ensemble
Creative Arts Ensemble
Creative Arts Ensemble is a multi-disciplinary experience that provides adults with disabilities the opportunity to be understood and heard, to execute self-expression, to build confidence and promote self advocacy through multimedia forms of art.
REGISTER
2025-2026 Workshops
October 3, 2025 6-8pm - Iris Collective (music)
November 14, 2025, 6-8pm - Angi Cooper (art)
February 27, 2026, 6-8pm - Iris Collective (music)
March 13, 2026, 6-8pm - Angi Cooper (art)
May 1, 2026, 6-8pm - Iris Collective (music)
Workshops are FREE thanks to the GPAC Arts Education Fund
GPAC COVID-19 CRISIS UPDATE
GPAC COVID-19 CRISIS UPDATE
April 1, 2020
GPAC Friends,
One month ago, a sell-out audience sat in the magnificent GPAC theater, enraptured and enthralled — uplifted by the songs and spirit of the late Ray Charles, the very first of many giants to perform in our space. On the verge of completing our most successful season EVER, with 11 sold-out shows and the highest number of patrons, subscribers, donors, and sponsors in our history, we were excitedly looking forward to the imminent opening of our new outdoor performance venue, The Grove. We had announced with much fanfare our 26th Season and begun a robust wave of ticket sales. Interest and participation in our arts exhibitions, dance classes, youth symphony program, and adult arts education programming were at an all-time high. GPAC and its staff delighted in our roles, bringing outstanding arts and cultural experiences to our community and planning for the next 25 years.
Much has changed since then. I would not be honest if I didn’t say that GPAC faces enormous challenges as we adapt to keep our patrons and our staff safe and do our part to help slow the spread of the Covid-19 virus. The performing arts center is closed to the public, most staff are working remotely, and all part-time staff has been temporarily laid off. Events have been postponed and canceled, ticket sales are drastically low, and we’re grappling with the critical effects of abruptly lost revenue. Everything on the schedule between now and the end of April has been scuttled, and May is very much up in the air. We are still planning for next season, but it’s one that will potentially look drastically different from what we had planned. Time will tell.
Meanwhile, ever mindful of our mission “to present the highest quality artistic endeavors to educate, engage, enrich and transform,” we are coming up with new and creative ways to connect with our patrons and students. We are now operating in ways that support social distancing but feed our collective hunger for the arts.
Staff has created online instructional and virtual dance videos for our ballet students.
Our youth symphony students are engaging in a Listening Project, in which they share music pieces that bring them peace and calm. GPAC Youth Symphony staff are developing ways to complete the season virtually, with music appreciation lessons and one-on-one rehearsals via Zoom.
We are continuing with ArtsLaunch, the City of Germantown’s public art master plan development project, which is funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. Plans for community engagement around the subject of public arts in Germantown will now move online and occur via social media.
Keenly aware of our responsibility as a leading arts organization in our region, we are also taking steps to help the artistic community.
Via social media, we are sharing tools and resources for aid to artists and musicians, as we know so many have been dreadfully hard hit.
Mindful that we are not alone in the impact the virus has had on our operations, our board and staff are also advocating at the local, state, and national levels for relief efforts that would include non-profit arts groups, theaters, and artists.
Ever amazed by the ingenuity and adaptability of the artistic community, we are sharing positive stories and arts experiences being offered virtually across the nation.
Throughout this entire season, we have stood on stage and encouraged you to join us as we embrace the challenge of growth and plan for our future. Today, although the challenges before us are significantly different, we need you to join us more than ever! We know that you share our belief that the arts inspire and heal, that you crave the creative connection we experience through the arts, and that you look forward to the day we can gather again — in The Grove and on the GPAC main stage. We do, too. Quite honestly, we are going to need your support to get there.
May you and your families stay safe and well!
Paul Chandler
Executive Director
STAFF DIRECTORY
STAFF DIRECTORY
Emily Hefley
Programming Director
901-751-7665
emily@GPACweb.com
Jenn King
Education and Engagement Coordinator
901-751-7665
jenn@GPACweb.com
Patty Cooper
Visual Arts Coordinator
901-834-2255
patty@GPACweb.com
Michael Lee
Technical Director
901-751-7500
mlee@GPACweb.com
Jasmine Hirt
Venue Director
901-751-7670
jasmine@GPACweb.com
Blaine McGee
Facility Services Coordinator
901-751-7506
blaine@GPACweb.com
Mandy McKay
Facility Services Coordinator
901-751-7502
mandy@GPACweb.com
Mac Gittinger
Venue Manager
901-751-7504
mac@GPACweb.com
Brad Pitts
Food & Beverage Manager
901-289-4927
brad@GPACweb.com
Angie Brannon
Business Manager
901-751-7614
angie@GPACweb.com
Parke Kennedy
Executive Director
901-751-7505
parke@GPACweb.com
Elizabeth Danilson
Donor Relations & Database Manager
901-751-7613
elizabeth@GPACweb.com
Nevada Presley
Marketing & Public Relations Manager
901-751-7501
nevada@GPACweb.com
Suzette Simmonds
Box Office Manager
901-751-7510
suzette@GPACweb.com
Jared Smith
Box Office Assistant Manager
901-751-7500
jared@GPACweb.com
Ellen Lemm
Marketing Coordinator
901-751-7513
ellen@GPACweb.com
Peggy Davis
Production Manager (Administrative Focus)
901-751-5712
peggy@GPACweb.com
HISTORY AND MISSION
HISTORY AND MISSION
The mission of the Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) is to serve the community by presenting the highest quality artistic endeavors to educate, engage, enrich and transform.
GPAC works to create and sustain an environment that is consciously inclusive of all races, ages, religions, sexual identities, gender expressions, and abilities. Our excellence derives from our diversity and we commit to continuously challenging ourselves as well as ideas and norms that hinder the full celebration of our collective humanity.
GPAC is located in the heart of Shelby County, serves the greater metro Memphis area of over a million people and is accessible to all members of the community.
The Highland Capital Performance Hall is an acoustically perfect, 854 seat venue featuring a sprung pine stage, an elegant patron lounge, eight spacious dressing rooms and a large lobby for entertaining and assembling; The Grove, a dynamic outdoor venue which can accommodate approximately 900 guests in a lush outdoor setting; and the Watkins Studio Theater, an intimate black box theater. Ray Charles set the bar high when he opened GPAC in 1994, immediately defining this space as a place where excellence is the norm and where the world would come to perform. Season after season, GPAC has applauded an array of artists with extraordinary talents and showcased the broadest range of performances and art forms. GPAC presents world renowned performing artists in a variety of genres, year round educational activities for all ages including the GPAC Youth Symphony Program, rotating visual art exhibits and many community events welcoming over 100,000 visitors annually. The organization benefits from the infrastructure of a professional organization that possesses a clear direction, strong financial health, professional seasoned staff and a dedicated board of directors.
SPONSORSHIP
SPONSORSHIP
GPAC SPONSORSHIPS ARE AN EXCELLENT WAY TO PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS AND CULTIVATE COMMUNITY RECOGNITION AS A SUPPORTER OF THE ARTS.
EACH SPONSORSHIP IS CUSTOMIZED TO BENEFIT THE SPONSOR AS WELL AS GPAC. TYPICALLY, BENEFITS INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):
Recognition (season program, Patrick Lawton Lobby Donor Wall, website, marketing materials, social media, pre-show PowerPoint, curtain speech) and commercial before Concerts in The Grove
Complimentary tickets to GPAC performances, plus discounts for additional tickets
Invitations to donor receptions and artist Meet & Greets
Contact Parke Kennedy, Executive Director
901-751-7505
DONATE
DONATE
WE RELY ON YOUR SUPPORT IN ORDER TO DELIVER THE KIND OF EXCELLENCE ON THE STAGE AND IN OUR MANY EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS THAT YOU AND OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY HAVE COME TO EXPECT.
GPAC is a wonderful public-private partnership. The City of Germantown built the theater and continues to maintain the building, as well as provide all salaries and benefits for City employees working at GPAC. Thanks to this generous support, GPAC donors can be confident that 99% of all donations go directly to programming and educational outreach. However, the need doesn't stop there. Contributions from Presenters Circle members, Jazz Society members and other donors including businesses, grantors and local organizations represent a very important source of income for GPAC. We rely on your support in order to deliver the kind of excellence on the stage and in our many educational programs that you and our entire community have come to expect. Your donation of any amount is truly vital to our mission and financial well-being.
SUPPORT US
Please support GPAC through individual or corporate gifts, sponsorships, gifts of stock, or bequests.
CONTACT
Parke Kennedy
Executive Director
parke@GPACweb.com
(901) 751-7505
SCHOOL MATINEES
SCHOOL MATINEES
GPAC connects children, teachers and schools across the Mid-South with the performing arts during exciting weekday performances of music, dance and theater. GPAC student matinees are specifically designed to engage students on a deeper level by exposing them to high-quality performing arts, complementing school curricula and expanding cultural awareness. Reserve your spot starting today!
Ticket Prices: $8 per student and 1 Free Teacher/Chaperone ticket per 10
Memphis Jazz Workshop presents “Zip Zap, Boom Bop”
February 11, 2026 at 10am
Grades 4-12
Zip Zap, Boom Bop is a free flowing interactive exploration of Hip-Hop and Jazz presented by the Memphis Jazz Workshop. From the beginnings with a voice and a drum to the communal break beats of the Bronx and beyond, join us as we freestyle through the history and interconnectivity of these two distinctly American genres. Huah!!
March 12, 2026 at 10am
Grades KK-6
Grammy-nominee Uncle Jumbo layers heartfelt lyrics with messages of positivity that inspire young minds to dream big and chase their passions. His concert performances include hits from his “Taste the Sky” and “Garden Groove” albums, with upbeat songs and dance-alongs that focus on joy, connection, kindness and wellbeing.
CAMPS
CAMPS
Summer Arts Camp 2025
GPAC offers opportunities for creative self-discovery through half-day summer arts camps in dance, music, and art for ages 3 and up. Camps are designed to stimulate artistic talents and provide enjoyable, enriching experiences.
Contact emily@gpacweb.com to inquire about financial assistance for our summer camps.
CONTACT
Jenn King
Education and Engagement Coordinator
jenn@gpacweb.com
(901) 751-7500
GPAC YOUTH SYMPHONY PROGRAM
The GPAC Youth Symphony Program is dedicated to the highest standards of music and is open to career-oriented students as well as those who wish to study music for the pure enjoyment, inherent benefits of and appreciation for the art form. For more information please contact Emily Hefley at emily@gpacweb.com or 901-751-7665.
GPAC YOUTH SYMPHONY PROGRAM
GPAC YOUTH SYMPHONY PROGRAM
The GPAC Youth Symphony program (GYSP) gives opportunities for young musicians across the Mid-South area to perform musical masterworks under the direction of experienced conductors and teachers, to improve upon their technique, learn basic music theory, work with an ensemble and interact with professional guest artists performing at GPAC. With four distinct ensembles, GYSP’s excellent music education fosters musical growth with an emphasis on the interconnectedness of art, music, culture, history and society. Through this program, our students are equipped with the tools to become the next generation of music advocates, educators, performers and patrons. View our past concerts on our Youtube Channel
2025-2026 Concerts
Sunday, November 23, 2025 at 4pm
Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 4pm
String Quartet Performances
TBD
Season Partners
in the news:
MOZART STRING ENSEMBLE
The Mozart String Ensemble is for students 9-14 years of age. Mozart SE is a training group under the direction of Ms. Britta Hall with beginner to intermediate level. Student placement is based on ability, talent and skill along with their age and maturity. This group meets on Tuesdays from 4:30-5:45pm. Tuition is $410 (Spring semester only $205)
MENDELSSOHN STRING ORCHESTRA
The Mendelssohn String Orchestra is for students 12-16 years of age under the direction of Mr. Alex Perry. Mendelssohn SO is a training group with an intermediate to advanced level. Designed to hone their orchestral skills and further develop their abilities, this program prepares students to advance to the Youth Symphony Orchestra. This group meets on Tuesdays from 5:45-7pm. Tuition is $410 (Spring semester only $205)
WIND ENSEMBLE (WE)
Wind Ensemble under the direction of Ms. Susan Spain is made up of woodwind, brass and percussion students ages 12-18 from across the Mid-South. The focus is to provide a high quality musical experience for its members built on fundamentals and musicianship through the great and ever-expanding concert repertoire specifically for wind ensemble. Rehearsals are held on Saturdays from 11:45-1pm. Tuition is $410 (Spring semester only $205)
GPAC YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (GYSO)
The GPAC Youth Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Jonathan Schallert is a full orchestra consisting of strings, winds, brass, percussion, harp, and keyboard. Admitted by audition, GYSO musicians are advanced students from 14-19 years of age and participate in weekly orchestra rehearsals, sectional rehearsals and weekly music appreciation class. Rehearsals are held on Saturdays from 9:30-11:30am. Tuition is $560 (Spring semester only $285).
Chamber Strings Group
The Chamber Strings group, under the direction of Dr. Sheryl Lane, is open to all GYSO string players and serves as the outreach division of the GPAC Youth Symphony. Each Saturday from 11:30 - 12:30, participating students will study and rehearse string quartet repertoire. Throughout the season, students will showcase their talents at a variety of venues, including GPAC art receptions, the Germantown Fire House, the GPAC Gala, Arts in the Loop, and the Kirby Pines Lifecare Community. Those who are interested should sign up during the first two weeks of GYSO rehearsals.
*Please note that the ages listed above only the suggested range. Students are placed into groups based on their audition results.
**A T-Shirt is included in tuition for all members.
2025-2026 SCHEDULE
2025-2026 AUDITIONS
We will audition throughout the first semester. Please fill out the registration below.
AUDITION & TUITION PAYMENT
Pay online
Payment Plan Agreement
FINANCIAL AID
GPAC believes that finances should not prevent a motivated and talented student from participating in our youth symphony program. The GPAC Arts Education Fund provides tuition assistance to families each season. Financial aid is awarded based on many factors including family size, annual income and extraordinary situations.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Sheryl Lane (Orchestra Manager)
gpacyso@gmail.com
901-299-7147
Proud Partner