Enriching young lives through the arts

The Forbes Center for the Performing Arts serves as the premier destination for the arts in the Shenandoah Valley. It not only enhances the area culturally but also supports economic growth and social interaction within the community. The Forbes Center is dedicated to ensuring that all community members, especially young people, have access to enriching cultural experiences through free performances for local K-8 schools.

This mission is realized through a dynamic collaboration with Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley and various other initiatives. Established over ten years ago, this partnership exemplifies the Forbes Center's commitment to fostering equitable access to the arts for K-8 students in Harrisonburg City and Rockingham County Schools.

As the lead performance partner of Any Given Child, the Forbes Center, under the leadership of Executive Director, Regan Byrne, plays a pivotal role in extending the transformative power of the arts to the community and serves on the Any Given Child Board of Directors. A cornerstone of this collaboration is the commitment to present up to three free “Forbes Family Fun” student matinees each year, which have impacted over 10,000 students to date.

The acclaimed “Forbes Family Fun” Series also reinforces the Center's commitment to family engagement. It features captivating and affordable performances designed for young audiences and their families, providing both entertainment and opportunities for interaction with artists through question-and-answer sessions and meet-and-greets.

One of the largest annual events and having occurred for over 14 years, is the JMU Symphony Orchestra Discovery Concert, which brings over 2,000 fourth-grade students from local and surrounding counties to experience a live performance. Since 2020, JMU Symphony Orchestra Discovery Concerts have reached over 6,800 students. Previous concerts have featured the dynamic two-man percussion sensation Collision of Rhythm and the JMU Orchestra in "The Conductor's Spellbook," one of the most frequently performed orchestral works for young audiences. This year, on February 21, the JMU Symphony Orchestra will perform an engaging, educational, and interactive set filled with a mix of pop, film music, fun, upbeat tunes, and a hip-hop piece. Students will get to conduct alongside JMU's Director of Orchestral Studies, Dr. Kira Omelchenko, and even sing along. The JMU School of Theatre and Dance also presents two interactive dance programs for elementary students each season to enhance their appreciation of contemporary dance and movement.

In addition to its collaboration with Any Given Child, the Forbes Center extends outreach to various community organizations, including Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg-Rockingham County, and more. Within local schools, the Center offers in-school presentations by renowned guest artists, master classes, and workshops from James Madison University’s School of Music and School of Theatre and Dance.

“One of my greatest joys is watching our student matinee and family audiences share the magic of live performance at the Forbes Center. It is critical to the future of the arts that we educate future generations about the importance of the arts and creativity in their lives. We are committed to providing exceptionally life-changing performances designed to encourage broader participation among young audiences and their families,” said Byrne.

This year, the Forbes Center will host students for Pirate School: Sea Dreams, a madcap, swashbuckling show created and performed by veteran New York actor David Engel. Other performances in the Forbes Family Fun series include The Spirit of Harriet Tubman: In Celebration of Black History Month, and The Vanishing Elephant, an incredible story inspired by real events, brought to life through large-scale puppetry, illusion, and magic. In addition to the matinee school performances, the public is invited to Forbes Family Fun 6:30 pm evening shows with tickets and more info available at www.jmuforbescenter.com.

The Forbes Center's commitment to youth extends beyond performance venues. Regular donations of tickets for auctions and fundraisers support youth programs and education in the Valley. Additionally, the Center welcomes students for guided tours, providing insight into the performing arts and reaching over 150 students of various ages each year.

Looking ahead, the Forbes Center remains steadfast in its mission to expand arts education opportunities for K-8 students in Harrisonburg and surrounding counties. Through strategic partnerships and innovative programming, the Center continues to enrich lives and nurture a vibrant cultural community.
For more information and to purchase tickets for events at the Forbes Center, visit www.jmuforbescenter.com or call the Forbes Center Box Office at (540) 568-7000. For more information on Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley, visit www.agcshenvalley.org.

ABOUT THE FORBES CENTER:
Immerse yourself in the Forbes Center for the Performing Arts at James Madison University, where artistic excellence flourishes. With five venues featuring impeccable acoustics and upgraded amenities, enjoy captivating performances by acclaimed guest artists and JMU’s talented community. Engage in enriching dialogues, celebrating the transformative power of the arts in the Shenandoah Valley. Experience seamless access and convenient parking, embracing the Forbes Center's commitment to fostering cultural enrichment and artistic innovation on campus and beyond.

ABOUT ANY GIVEN CHILD SHENANDOAH VALLEY:
Any Given Child is a national program sponsored by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. Any Given Child Harrisonburg has been at work behind the scenes since our selection into the program in August of 2014. Our Community Arts Team, made of educators, business leaders, philanthropists, artists, and leaders from our community, worked through collective impact to develop a mission, vision, governance, and goals to move into our implementation stage. Their commitment to access and equity in the arts formed the baseline for our work to continue. Implementation began June 1, 2015, and will continue in perpetuity as a partner with the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In 2018, Any Given Child Harrisonburg became a program of the Arts Council of the Valley and increased services to students in Rockingham County Schools. Their new name, Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley, reflects these program changes.

All images courtesy of Any Given Child Shenandoah Valley