Backstage Pass: Half-Day Professional Development + Showcase Event

Join the Ohio Arts Professionals Network as we host our most informative and immersive Backstage Pass: Networking Event to date! This half-day professional development, showcase/pitch, happy hour, and networking experience is designed for presenters, performing artists, and industry professionals. This event combines practical learning, live performance, and in-person collaboration—all in one afternoon.

2:30 PM – Check-In
3:00–4:00 PM – Professional Development Session
4:00–5:00 PM – Artist Showcase & Pitches
5:00–7:00 PM – Happy Hour Networking

Session Topic:
Small Room, Big Impact: Building a Boutique Concert Series from the Ground Up hosted by Heather Clow (Executive Director, Marathon Center for the Performing Arts)

What happens when you step away from the main stage and invite your audience into something smaller, closer, and more personal? In this session, learn how Marathon Center for the Performing Arts developed Live @ Armes, a club-style, intimate concert series held in a secondary venue space, from a creative experiment into a fan-favorite subscription series featuring emerging and established artists spanning folk, bluegrass, indie soul, country blues, and roots music from around the world.

We'll walk through the full journey: identifying and programming the right space, building a curatorial identity, keeping ticket prices accessible, landing artists that punch above your budget, and the patience it takes to grow a loyal audience from scratch. From early nights with empty seats to sold-out shows and season subscriptions, this session offers a candid and practical look at what it really takes to build an intimate series that complements and strengthens your mainstage programming.

📍Davidson Theatre, CAPA, Studio 2 Black Box Theatre
✨ FREE for OAPN Members
✨ $50 non-member ticket OR Join OAPN today and attend for free
🥂 Light hors d’oeuvres + cash bar
👔 Business casual attire

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Backstage Pass is your invitation to network, socialize, and build relationships with fellow arts professionals—from touring artists to presenters and peers working across the industry. Network with others, learn best business practices, and get connected to the scene.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Ohio Arts Professionals Network