The roots of the Performing Arts Center can be traced back to a Sitka High student's senior project. In 2002, Katie Cavanaugh decided to investigate what it would take to get an auditorium. Her research brought together others who had noticed this need in Sitka. These meetings mobilized the support necessary to transform a paper idea into a solid weight on the discussion table. In 2003, the state had some GO bonds available for school construction. In March of 2003, Sitkans voted in favor of a 1% seasonal sales tax increase to help cover the cost of construction of both the auditorium and a school roofing project. Additional funding would eventually be secured from both foundation and corporation grants, as well as individual donations. The establishment of the center continued to be a collaborative effort, with the City allowing the community members behind the proposal to be involved with choosing the architect. According to Sue Litman, who was actively involved with the effort, community members were determined that this would serve as a multi-use space. They seem to have succeeded.

As I spoke with J on Thursday, volunteers were busily preparing the audio for the night's performance. Five hours later, Boston-based Joy Kills Sorrow would earnestly thank the many (and often, nameless) community members who had ensured their performance proceeded so smoothly. Sitka Folk is just one of many organizations hosting events here. The Youth Symphony Orchestra performs here and Mt. Edgecumbe graduates march across the stage. Owned by the Sitka School District, the auditorium is a tremendous resource for school productions, such as the 5th grade Shakespeare play, the high school drama program, and assemblies. Sitka Fine Arts Camp students are fortunate to be able to perform here each summer, and the space is also used for Performing Art Series concerts. J described community theater as developing in a "build it and they will come" fashion. During December, the Performing Arts Center will be active with events and preparations nearly every day.

The theater was built and technologically furnished with $17 million of state, community, and outside donor resources. That is by no means an inconsiderable investment. I played devil's advocate and asked J why Sitka needed a 'state of the art' theater. According to J, this island community needs it more than many larger places. He said, "You are in a pretty isolated place where you need to take more responsibility [for your community resources]. The resources end up being more concentrated. Here you can do the highest quality show, and it might be the only experience people have of that." J emphasized the value that theaters have held in societies since the ancient civilizations of Greece and Rome. Having a structure for people to assemble together is "what makes a community cohesive and whole."  J believes that even as other forms of entertainment have emerged, communities still seek that connection, and we will see it again when the Performing Arts Center fills for the Holiday Brass concert. On another level, there is the priceless value that this stage will hold for local students. For many of them, this will be the only chance they will ever have on the big stage. J said, "I think some of the most magical art that reaches the whole community has been done here."