Instead, she parlayed a temporary receptionist job in a Broadway producer’s office into a management position, then realized a musician’s life wasn’t as fulfilling as helping bring talent to the masses.
Adkins said it was the uniqueness of the Performing Arts Center that lured her to Springfield from a 15-year stint in a similar capacity at the University of Maine.
“This facility is state-of-the-art, and the staff has been warm and welcoming,” said Adkins, adding she has yet to give the decision a second thought.
Adkins said the biggest difference she has noticed is Springfield’s more-populated demographic, which brings with it more competition for the area’s entertainment dollars. That competition comes not just from other local arts organizations, but also Dayton and Columbus.
Other challenges include incorporating social media and competing with other entertainment options.
“We don’t have to be everything to everybody. We need to find out what is our demographic, our niche,” said Adkins.
One of her immediate goals is to engage all of Clark State’s campuses, including those in Greene and Logan counties.
Adjusting to Clark State’s broader age demographic is also new to her. In Maine, Adkins said the average age range was 18-24.
“When an arts center is part of a college, it has a dual mission — to serve the college staff and students, and the community. My question is, ‘What can we do to bring the talent we have to the other campuses?’ ” she said.
“A misconception is if you just put a person on the stage, people will come. How can the arts center enrich the students, staff and faculty? We have to go into the classrooms.”
This plan will include making it easier to find events and tickets, no matter what the event, and offering opportunities to students whose skills may help with what the PAC does.
Adkins said she’s excited about working with other arts groups in town to make the most of opportunities.
“I’m collaborative to the core,” she said. “I’ve met with some of these folks and we have very similar mindsets,” she said.
Adkins was pleased to find out that all involved were focused on offering more to the community.
“An arts center exists to enrich the lives of the community, and outreach is crucial to what we do,” she said.
Adkins said her staff has been helpful with ideas and direction, and added that Clark State President Dr. Jo Alice Blondin also shares her vision.
She’s currently working on next season’s schedule and her first project will be to bring in a London, England-based theater group for a two-day residency and outreach event, which would include the performance of a popular play.
Adkins is impressed by the variety of artists Clark State draws, such as those in the Club Kuss Series. She also wants to hear what the public is interested in.
“People don’t always know what it takes to bring some of these artists in,” she said. “A lot is driven by budget. But always tell me your requests and I will have a dialogue about them.”
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