A CROWN JEWEL FOR ALAMOGORDO – THE FLICKINGER CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS
The Flickinger Center for Performing Arts is amongst New Mexico’s most exciting and rapidly improving live performance venues. The Flickinger is, first and foremost, a space where emerging talent is nurtured and lives enriched through creative connections. Flickinger is a non-profit performing arts center with local roots in the New Mexico art scene and global collaborations with artists. Its staff brings education, performance, and community programs to the stage. As a community, the Flickinger represents the next step in our journey of artistic expression.
Flickinger belongs to the community. What was once the old Sierra Theater building on New York Ave. is owned by Otero County and leased to the Flickinger as a center for performing arts and other uses. The impressive county-owned multi-use facility is available for everyone with help to defray operating costs.
Local students are central to the Flickinger mission, with over 6,000 students attending world-class performances or discovering their passion for performance each year – it brings music, dance, and theater to new audiences. To ensure success, Flickinger pays extra for performers to incorporate an educational matinee, offered with free admission to all school-age students, whether public, private, or homeschooled.
In addition to presenting quality theatre in a professional setting, the Flickinger’s Children’s Music Theater of Alamogordo brings those new audiences to the stage.
Many are familiar with the Children’s Music Theater’s high-quality shows wrought from the potent mix of dedicated theatre-loving students. The vision of Children’s Theater is to bring art and theater literacy to the young people in our community by giving them the experience of performing live theater, dance, and music onstage. Director Heather Bash and husband Derek are a dynamic duo who create outstanding live performances. Their talents are usually seen in big cities; we are blessed to have them in Otero County. They strive to enrich their lives by allowing students to participate in the many varied aspects of theatrical performance (set construction, painting, props, stage make-up, costumes, etc.), giving them a positive, creative outlet, teaching them public speaking skills, allowing them to build lasting friendships, and encouraging them to learn the value of teamwork.
For 35 years, various organizations including churches, literary groups, theater groups, service clubs, auxiliaries, and Holloman AFB have been welcomed. In addition, local schools have been allowed to use the Flickinger free of charge for events presented by school bands, choirs, and other performances.
The mission of the Flickinger is to also provide Otero and Lincoln Counties with a performing arts center to showcase world-class entertainment. Executive Director Lorrie Black noted that the new Program Director, Michael Gutierrez, has made impressive program contributions. Michael Gutierrez is a talented musician from a respected Otero County family. He brings an uncanny ability to recognize talented groups who put a lot of work into their craft. The diversity of programs he brings always leaves audiences spellbound. His September launch celebrates the Center’s 35th Anniversary Premier Series, “Explore The World through Performance & Music.” His series features a dozen productions that represent the arts of 10 different nations.
Continuous improvements are taking place to improve Flickinger’s beautiful old building, including a new marquee & neon lighting that dramatically revives the nostalgic aurora. Improvements are made possible through grants and performance sponsors from local businesses and individuals. “Alamogordo is a very giving community, and the Flickinger greatly appreciates each of our sponsors,” noted Executive Director Lorrie Black. Lorrie offered several suggestions for those wishing to get involved in this most exciting place. First, tour the impressive facility with your friends and families. Second, join their social media pages, like and share.
Lastly, volunteer with the Guild! Lorrie could not go any further without mentioning one of the most important supporters of the Flickinger Center – the Flickinger Center Guild. “This is a group of exceptional volunteers who give their time volunteering and making you feel comfortable each time you visit the Theater.” With the “outstanding Directors, Staff, and Volunteers, the Flickinger will continue to have a fantastic performing arts center in Alamogordo.”
