A star-studded lineup is set for this season at Emens Auditorium. In celebration of 50 years, many well recognized names and shows are sure to delight both students and the Muncie community.
This year, there are 22 different events schedules at the auditorium and at Pruis Hall.
“There are a lot of names I recognize this year,” senior Megan Jenkins said. “I definitely want to see several shows.”
Kristi Chambers, Emens marketing assistant, said each year different acts are chosen with from familiar genres – a comedian, a country artist, a ballet and a student focused concert are always on the calendar.
“I’m really excited to see Hunter Hayes,” senior Jackie Cummins said. “I love country music in general.”
Chambers said they were fortunate this year to schedule several popular acts. Working with agencies and tours, the staff works on a show-by-show basis, utilizing university budgets and advertising to bring people to performances.
Each musician or act must fit into staging and seating arrangements, budget, scheduling and the market demographic in Muncie to be booked for the season.
“I believe in live arts experiences and I encourage people to come try things,” said Robert Myers, director of Emens. “It’s so different than watching something on screen; you can feel this palpable energy. We strive to have lots of different things for the student body to get a taste of.”
Myers said it’s a balance to choose shows each year and they strive to keep ticket prices as modest as possible.
Chambers said she likes when students are able to recognize and appreciate the art brought to Emens, not just the big names.
“The most worthwhile part of my job is having the opportunity to bring shows that students aren’t familiar with that knocks their socks off, something with that wow factor that exceeds their expectations,” Myers said.
Emens staff members work closely with university groups, including the University Program Board, to get a sense of what students would be interested in seeing on campus.
Myers said diverse events bring different outcomes and the best shows challenge intellectually and connect with the audience. He said shows can help an individual gain a deeper understanding of cultural aesthetics and open a new world.
The events cater to a different experience than they did 30 years ago, Myers said. Not only is the sound different, but he noted that tweeting, texting, using cell phones and taking digital video have all changed the way people take in a show.
“It’s a blessing to reflect back on 50 years of history, to lift up the past and people who made that possible,” Myers said.
He said Ball State is lucky to have a beautiful and timeless auditorium that will continue to offer entertainment for years to come. In the future Myers hopes to see Emens continue to grow in educating the art enthusiasts of all ages, and to offer more events and unique opportunities for students.
