FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center

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FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center are donors who play a pivotal role in fostering opportunities within our local community. FRIENDS provide vital support for performances by renowned artists, essential enhancements to our facilities, and enriching experiences for local children. Donations to FRIENDS are recognized through a membership program that provides unique benefits based on the level of giving.  If you’re looking for the best seat opportunities and a VIP experience from start to finish, this is the membership for you.

For an overview of all membership levels and benefits, click here.

Because of donors like you:

Sensory friendly performance by folk music artist, Chris Vallillo.

Staley Class Acts performance for school-age children.

Checks can be mailed to:
FRIENDS of UIS Performing Arts Center
University of Illinois at Springfield
One University Plaza, MS PAC 397
Springfield, IL  62703

Make check payable to: UIS PAC FRIENDS

Special Project HIGHLIGHT

This quarter we are highlighting
Our Stage / Our Voices

Our Stage / Our Voices is a program
formed to take a leadership role in
cultivating an environment whereby
members of historically
underrepresented communities
address the issues of inequality in the
regional performing arts with the goal
of achieving diversity and inclusion.

To learn more about this amazing
program or to show your support
through donation, click here.

Donor HIGHLIGHT

Marc Schnetz

For years, Marc and Sherri Schentz loved taking in a good show. The two started dating in the early 1990s, wed in 1995, and would take in many shows at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, the Rosemont Theatre or many options around Chicago. But, Marc said, he and his wife always looked forward the most to seeing one of their favorite acts come to the UIS Performing Arts Center Sangamon Auditorium.

“It was always nice for Sheri and I to get away and head out of town,” Marc said. “But, having the advantage of staying in town while seeing some big acts, that’s a pretty sweet thing to have in our own backyard.”

Though typically a country music enthusiast, Marc made his lone trip to Sangamon Auditorium this past season to February’s Magic of Motown performance. That was the first time he had an opportunity to see the new bar and concession stand in the third-floor FRIENDS Member’s Lounge. The bar was added to the Performing Arts Center thanks to a gift Marc made in Sherri’s name, who passed away in 2014.

We always enjoyed the live shows,” he said. “She was a big Toby Keith fan and I’m a Martina McBride fan. (The donation) was in memory of Sheri, who I lost a little over 10 years ago. I thought it’s be a nice way to remember her and all of those shows we went to.”

Though he’s unable to make new memories at shows with his wife, Marc said he will continue his patronage of the UIS Performing Arts Center and looks forward to what its future holds.

“To have something like that so close to your own neighborhood, that’s pretty special,” he said. “That’s something we can really cherish and see what we can do to keep it here. Whether it needs some upgrading or renovation, it’d be nice to help and see that happen.”

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