We are super excited to announce our 2012-2013 Series!  Five great shows will hit the BPAC stage next season.  Take advantage of the special discount by purchasing at least 3 of the shows....you save $5 each ticket.  That's 50 bucks saved if you buy a pair for all five!  Here is a run down of the shows:

Five By Design's Club Swing

Sunday, October 21, 2012 at 2:00 PM

 The Minnesota Theatre, The Century, The Bijou Opera House, The Palace Theatre, and The Prom Ballroom... all have disappeared from the Twin Cities' landscape. Set in the present, the fictional Club Swing is about to face the same fate of those historic buildings. Once the hot spot of the 30s, 40s and 50s, the club's marquee flickers one last time. From the frenetic-paced opening of Benny Goodman's "Bugle Call Rag" to the blockbuster finale of Louis Prima's "Sing, Sing, Sing." Backed by the 8-piece Club Swing Big Band, Five By Design celebrates the songs, events, and personalities that defined American culture to the swing era.

 Reserved tickets are $29.00 in the orchestra level and $22.00 in the balcony.

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Away in the Basement - A Church Basement Ladies Christmas

Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 7:30 PM & Sunday, November 4, 2012 at 2:00 PM

 It is 1959 and the day of the Sunday School Christmas Program. As the children rehearse in the sanctuary, the ladies of the kitchen are finishing up the goodie-bags and putting final touches on the Nativity pieces. Little do they know what surprises are in store for them as they are called upon to, once again, step in and save the day.

 Reserved tickets are $39.00 in the orchestra level and $34.00 in the balcony.

 

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 Miracle on 34th Street

Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM

 Rediscover the magic of believing that wishes can come true and miracles still happen in one of the best-loved of all Holiday classic tales, "Miracle On 34th Street". This heartwarming story originally written for the 1940's classic movie of the same name, is brilliantly brought to life in a fully staged musical production. Featuring the wonderful sound of Meredith Willson's ("The Music Man" & "The Unsinkable Molly Brown") fabulous lyrics and tuneful score including "It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas" and "May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You", this holiday family plum of a musical is sure to leave every audience believing in love and miracles once again.

 Reserved tickets are $39.00 on the orchestra level and $34.00 in the balcony.

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 Four Bitchin' Babes - Mid Life Vices

Thursday, March 7, 2013 at 7:30 PM

 The Four Bitchin' Babes are an original "Babes Brand" of musical theater with a 20+ year career on-stage and in-studio, releasing multiple recordings and a full length DVD. These four, multi-talented gal pals, each a brilliant writer-musician-comedianne, share the stage filling it with luxurious harmonies and sophisticated (never blue) stand-up comedy, creating an amazing evening of raucous delight. Mid Life Vices is a celebration of "Whine Women and Song!" that hysterically journals the lives of the Baby Boomer generation. In Babe fashion, the girls use their musical wacky viewfinder to honor the quirks and habits of men and women who (like the Babes) refuse to act their age! Neener, neener, neener in stunning 4-part harmony!

 Reserved tickets are $39.00 on the orchestra level and $34.00 in the balcony. 

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Street Beat

Friday, March 8, 2013 at 8:00 PM

Street Beat is a kinetic, maximum energy explosion of urban rhythm and dance, utilizing junk, household items and found objects for drums and percussion and featuring the pinnacle of modern "street" choreography. Street Beat is a high-energy explosion of urban rhythm, hip hop moves, astonishing break dance acrobatics and a full evening of original entertainment for all ages. Street Beat creator, Ben Hansen and his company of drummers, musicians and dancers perform what critics have called "an urbanized journey through percussion," which brings the raw rhythmic originality of many popular street-style performances together in a dynamic and thrilling stage production.

 Reserved tickets are $34.00 for adults and $17.00 for students of any age.

 Supported by the BPAC Angel Fund: 

 

Consumer must purchase at least three shows. Series Tickets can be purchased in person at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center Box Office or by calling 952-895-4680.  Individual show tickets are NOT available at this time. Ticket prices listed include facility fees. Additional service charges and handling fees may apply.

 *Some restrictions apply. 

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Can't believe March is already drawing to a close. Tonight is the last concert of our first ever BPAC Angel Fund Series.  Celtic Crossroads winds up our 2011 -2012 series and we are glad to have them!  The group played here a little over a year ago and had rave reviews.  Tonight promises to be another high energy concert with lots of  flair.  So, St. Patrick's Day 2012 may be a memory, but that is no reason to stop the IRISH fun! 

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Ahhhh February 14th is just around the corner.  The day cupid pulls his arrow from his quiver and let's love fly.  Or, the day millions of us decide we must do something special and fun for our loved ones.  I remember having the valentine's card exchange in grade school and was always psyched when the paper valentine was accompied by a heart-shaped sucker or a tinfoil-wrapped chocolate.  Now, we look for a nice place to have dinner or perhaps take in a show.  Sometimes we try to avoid the hoopla on the actual date and celebrate on the weekend before or after. If Swing is your Thing, the Burnsville PAC has Tim Patrick and his Blue Eyes Band in the Main Hall on Saturday the 11th or you can catch the Four Choirs Festival of Dakota Valley Symphony on Sunday the 12th.  Tim Patrick croons favorites of Sinatra, and the Dakota Valley Symphony & Choir shares the stage with three local high school choirs.  A special piece featuring Dr. Ariana Kim is also planned. Some folks grumble that Valentine's Day is a "commercial" holiday, but I say whether you celebrate the heart holiday or not, it certainly can't hurt to have a little reminder to give your loved ones a hug!

Tags: Burnsville Performing Arts Center | BPAC | burnsville PAC | symphony | tim patrick | Sinatra | Choirs

As we celebrate our 3-year anniversary this month, we are ecstatic to say we have more excitement to come!  The Burnsville Performing Arts Center openend in January of 2009 as the anchor to the newly renovated Heart of the City.  Now, as January 2012 is upon is, we are happy to report we are still bringing entertainment and happiness to the residents of Burnsville and the surrounding community.  Upcoming acts include this weekend's, The Elvis Experience, Tim Patrick and his Blue Eyes Band, Dakota Valley Symphony's Four Choirs Festival, Mists of Forever, and Tinh Anh Onh Chien in February.  What a great variety of entertainment to choose from!  This spring (actually starting in February) we are host to many dance competitions where artists from 3 - 18 will compete on a real stage in a real theatre for real awards and prizes.  We have many fundraisers also coming this spring, include Burnsville Chamber of Commerce's Bite of Burnsville and Burnsville Rotary's Comedy for Caring featurig THE SECOND CITY. 

Stay on top of the latest shows by joining the mailing list.  Get the first shot at the best seats!

Happy 2012!  Hope to see you soon!

Tags: Burnsville Performing Arts Center | events | entertainment | Fun | music | elvis

Well, it is that time of year again.  Yep, time to dust off the twinkling lights and bedazzle our homes with bright funny lawn ornaments.  Traditions are such and important part of this time of year.  I have the tradition of trying to find what channel my favorite made for TV movie (The Year Without A Santa Claus) is on, only to find each and every year, that I've either already missed the program or it is simply not in rotation any longer. A few years ago I brokedown and bought the VHS tape.  Yes, not DVD, VHS was all that was available.  Only problem is, I don't have the means to watch the darn thing because we only have a BlueRay now. Alas, the search begins again.  Where is Mr. Snow Miser and his surly brother Mr. Heat Miser?  Such a classic. 

So, if you can't find your favorite holiday TV program try some live theatre/music at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center.  There are some great shows for the entire family this holiday season.  The Nutcracker Ballet, Fenmo: The Beauty of Acrobatics and The Girl Singers of the Hit Parade Christmas show are great for all ages.  Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience will hit the hearts of those folks that love Sinatra and Buble while proceeds benefit the Wishes and More Foundation.  And New Year's Eve weekend we are rockin' out with The BoDeans on the 30th and hometown favorite Louie Anderson does double duty on New Year's Eve with a countdown to midnight as he rings in 2012.

Plus, if you are stuck on Stocking Stuffers, TICKETS MAKE GREAT GIFTS!  We have a fantastic magician/illusionist coming in March as well as Celtic Crossroads coming all the way from Ireland.  (Real Irish music from real Irish people!) Or take the easy way out and just by a Gift Certificate, they can choose their own entertainment! 

Ho Ho Ho!  Too Much!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=dPrbccEdI5o&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbfgVEk-mxQ&feature=related

 

 

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Wine & Feet!

Two separate events folks!  Tonight is the Burnsville Rotary's UNCORKED Wine Tasting event and on Saturday the percussive-dance ensemble Rhythmic Circus takes the stage with "Feet Don't Fail Me Now."

Tonight's festivities are sure to be a good time with different wine, beer and scotch vendors pouring their goods and sharing their knowledge throughout the evening.  There will be hors d'oeurves from Chianti Grill and an action for a "wall of wine."  Tickets are only 35 bucks at the door and all proceed benefit the Burnsville Rotary with funding for the Nicollet Park Arboretum right out in front of the Burnsville PAC.

Saturday is all high energy and fancy foot work.  Winners of the recent SAGE Awards for TOP DANCE GROUP, this ensemble cast is sure to blow your socks off! It is hard to describe what this show actually is in words....so just click this link! 

Tags: Burnsville Performing Arts Center | burnsville PAC | BPAC | rhythmic circus | Tap Dancing | Rotary | wine tasting

In honor of this weekend's Church Basement Ladies: Away in the Basement show at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, today's blog is going to be about hotdishes.  I could have titled this article "you say hotdish, I say casserole" but then we'd have to call the whole thing off.

So, what make's a hotdish a hotdish?  There are certain ingredients that MUST be included, in my opinion, to classify a dish as a hotdish.  First, some sort of starch.  Generally noodles of some fashion.  Maybe elbow macaroni or rotini.  The elbows are fun because the sauce, whether it be cheesey or creamy, gets sucked into the little caverns and when you bite into a mouthful it all comes splushing out.  Or the rotinis are good, because the saucy sauce sticks to the curly form and swirls its yummy goodness on the noodles and not in a pool on your plate.  One could also use potatoes or hashbrowns as a starch.  For instance...Tator Tot HotDish?  need I say more...my all-time favorite. 

Which brings me to ingredient number 2, to qualify a dish as a hotdish.  Some kind of sauce MUST be involved. Old standards are cream of mushroom soup, or if you don't have that on hand (and I don't think this happens very often in MN households) you might have to use cream of celery or cream of chicken.  I personally don't think switching them up sometimes is a bad idea.  The sauce can also consist of various cheeses, too.  Velveeta, swiss, cheddar...dairy products in general that melt well.  Even cream cheese and sour cream can be thrown into this mix.

The next MUST HAVE is a protein.  Let's face it, canned tuna, cooked chicken or the old stand buy of ground beef are ALL fabulous nuggets for the MEAT portion of this meal.  I like to use ground turkey, but SHUSH...don't tell anyone, they'll never know!

Lastley, and this is up for debate by some folks, is a vegetable.  I like to toss my veggies right into the dish, to get that extra "it's good for you" feeling.  Chopped broccoli, peas or corn are all pantry or freezer staples that wind up in hotdishes across the land.

So, this all being said, I had a discussion not long ago with a co-worker who HATES hotdishes....WHAT???HOW CAN THAT BE?  I then said to her...do you like Lasagna?  YES, OH YES she said, I'm part Italian.

My reply?  Well isn't Lasagna a Hotdish?  It's got noodles, (check) it's got sauce (albeit red, but still a sauce) it's got meat, (check) and it's got tomatoes or if you are fancy even green peppers. 

IT IS A HOTDISH!

 

Check out our facebook page this week for HotDish ideas or feel free to share your own. Facebook/BurnsvillePerformingArtsCenter

Tags: Burnsville Performing Arts Center | BPAC | Hotdish | Burnsvillepac | church basement ladies | comedy | theatre

If you have never been to a classical piano concert, this is the one to get your feet wet!  Christopher O'Riley brings a classical twist to modern rock favorties....How can you go wrong?  Playing on our beautiful 9ft Steinway concert grand piano on the Main Stage, Mr. O'Riley will treat the audience to some things they have never heard before.  Groups like R.E.M, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, Nirvana will be represented, plus more.  Check out our YouTube channel for some snippets from previous concerts.  The proceeds for this concert go to the Friends of the Burnsville Performing Arts Center, so not only will you see something good, you will be doing good! 

The Chicago Tribune heralds O’Riley for finding “…a tantalizing way to bridge pop and classical, and judging by the ovation he got from the nearly full house, he has already won converts.”

October 21st at 7:30pm.  Tickets from $20 - $30.

 

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Pocahontas: A Woman of Two Worlds

I am so excited that the Burnsville Performing Arts Center is bringing its first Opera as part of the 2011-2012 Series.   This piece of work was composed by a local Burnsville resident, Linda Tutas Haugen.  I am amazed at what Linda has learned about this historical figure as she worked diligently on getting the facts straight for this amazing piece of work.  Even if you don't like opera or have never been to an opera, this is a GREAT opportunity. Not only to support a neighbor, but to learn the truth about such a famous person in our nation's history as Pocahontas.

This opera is only 90 minutes in length and is sung in English. There is also dialgue between the characters which makes it easy to follow the story line.  What a great chance to bring children as young as 10 to their first opera and give them a bit of a history lesson at the same time!

And here's a juicy little nugget....Burnsville Residents can get tickets for only 15 Bucks!  Regular ticket prices are $27.00 in the orchestra, but if you have an ID that shows you live in Burnsville, you can just show that at the box office when purchasing and get your tickets for only $15.00.  Or, if you prefer to buy online, use the code BVILLE at ticketmaster.com.

Linda is going to be interviewed in THIS WEEK Newspapers, so keep an eye out for the article to learn more. The cast and crew are currently rehearsing in Duluth as they are performing in Duluth and Grand Rapids prior to their ONE SHOW ONLY in Burnsville.

Got any questions...call the box office at 952-895-4680.   

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I am so excited to say we officially have our own series to announce!  Five shows will be coming to the Burnsville Performing Arts Center this 2011-2012 season that were hand picked to be part of our first series EVER! 

If you purchase 3 of the 5 shows listed below, you can save $5 on each ticket!  Purchase all 5 shows and save 25 bucks!!!!*

Duluth Festival Opera’s Pocahontas    

Saturday, October 1 7:30pm

Tickets: Orchestra: Adults = $27/students & seniors $24; Balcony:  Adults $20/students & seniors $17

Commissioned for the 400^th anniversary of Jamestown, VA, this hauntingly beautiful musical drama recounts the fascinating life of Pocahontas, the enigmatic Algonquian princess. Using the facts of history to tell her real story, some mistakenly compare this work to that of the popular Disney film of the same name, but there is no similarity. The opera is a work of imagination that celebrates her life, debunking the popular myths and half-truths that surround her name. This 90-minute music-theater piece was composed by Burnsville resident Linda Tutas Haugen and will be performed by the Duluth Festival Opera. The cast also includes Native American musicians and dancers and the production will be in English.

Troupe America's 

Away in the Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas

Saturday, November 5 2:00pm

Tickets: Orchestra: Adults = $39/students & seniors $36; Balcony:  Adults $34/students & seniors $31

It is 1959 and the day of the Sunday School Christmas Program. As the children rehearse in the sanctuary, the ladies of the kitchen are finishing up the goodie-bags and putting final touches on the Nativity pieces. Little do they know what surprises are in store for them as they are called upon to, once again, step in and save the day.

 

Rhythmic Circus – Feet Don’t Fail Me Now!

Saturday, November 12 7:30pm

Tickets: $34.00 and $29.00

There’s tap dancing and then there’s Rhythmic Circus, the percussive-dance phenomenon that electrifies audiences with its hard-hitting, rapid-fire tap and high-spirited music. Their show, Feet Don’t Fail Me Now! is spiced up with a variety of musical flavors, from Minneapolis funk to salsa, and enlivened by a seven-piece band, vocalists, and a beat-boxer.

 

Spencers Theatre of Illusion

Thursday, March 8 7:30pm

Tickets: Orchestra:  Adult $39 and $32/students and seniors: $36 and $29; Balcony: Adult $18/students and seniors $15

Theatre of Illusion is a sophisticated production filled with original magical creations designed exclusively for The Spencers.  People levitate, walk through walls, vanish, and reappear.  And in one illusion, the entire audience is asked to participate in a stunning, interactive mind reading experience!

 

 Celtic Crossroads

Thursday, March 29 7:30pm

Tickets: $32.50 and $29.50

Back by popular demand! Celtic Crossroads is critically acclaimed as 'the most exhilarating and authentic show to come from Ireland in decades - not to be missed'. It is an explosion of youthful energy and dazzling musicianship. The new World Fusion Tour abounds with fusions of traditional Irish music, bluegrass, gypsy and jazz whilst pulsating with the rhythms of exciting Irish dance percussion. Spontaneous mid-show ovations are the norm, and enraptured Celtic Crossroads audiences are always compelled to shout, and SHOUT for more.

 

*Discount offered on Adult Full Price Orchestra tickets ONLY. No double discounts. Offer ends November 11, 2011. No refunds or exchanges. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. All information subject to change.

Call 952-895-4680 to order series tickets before November 11th!

Supported by the BPAC ANGEL FUND:

Tags: series | BPAC Series | Burnsville Performing Arts Center | Burnsvillepac | burnsville PAC | pocahontas | rhythmic circus | church basement ladies | spencers illusion | celtc crossroads

It is that time of year again!  We have been working deligently on putting together the 2011-2012 Season Guide and it is ALMOST complete.  We have so many cool shows coming this year I just can't wait to share them all of you.  But alas, I must wait until the drop date.  Should hit Burnsville homes around August 19th.

Also wanted to let you all know that we have hit 1000 Likes on our FACEBOOK page.  How cool is that!?!

Stay tuned for more info on the upcoming season. 

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We are very glad to announce we just booked the hot Australian duo Bluehouse, for a gig in the Black Box Theatre on August 4th. Their last album was produced by finger-style guitarist Tommy Emmanual who just happens to be playing the Main Hall on September 10th.  Tickets for Bluehouse are only 14 bucks and go on sale Tuesday 7/26.  Should be a pretty cool experience in the intimate setting of the Black Box.  Tommy Emmanuel's tickets are on sale now and are $34.50 in advance, his concert sold out last year so I would suggest buying early.

http://bluehouse.net/

http://www.tommyemmanuel.com/

We are working diligently on the Season Guide so if you are Burnsville resident that should be in your mail boxes mid to late August.  If you don't live in Burnsville, you can certainly contact us and we can mail you an issue.  Eventually it will also be on the website too.

Gooday mates!  (that was my attempt at an Australian sign off)

 

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I can't believe it is already JULY!  Wow does time fly.  The title of this article doesn't really have anything to do with the article, I just like the saying.

Last week marked the end of the 2010-2011 season at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center.  And what a season it was!  We had comedians of national standing: Louie Anderson, Ralphie May, and The Second City; musicians with Grammy Awards on their mantles: Richard Marx, Marc Cohn, Travis Tritt; family entertainment with Annie Jr, Cirque D'Or, Peter Pan and A Christmas Carol; local artist projects from the TC Ballet of MN, Chameleon Theatre Circle, Colleen Ray and The Girl Singers of the Hit Parade, and Dakota Valley Symphony; plus countless other cultural and theatrical events including Ragamala Dance, Church Basement Ladies, and Celtic Crossroads; not to mention, sold out performances by Tommy Emmanuel and Lorie Line. 

As we look ahead to the 2011-2012 season, we can only hope to have as much fun. Families will enjoy Beauty and the Beast Jr. August 11 - 13, and we are thrilled to have Lyle Lovett & His Large Band take the stage on August 18th.  Tommy Emmanuel returns in September and there are soooo many great acts in October I can't even begin to list them all.  You will just have to wait for future postings! 

Thanks for all of your patronage this past year and we hope to see you again!  If you didn't make it out to the BPAC last year, we hope you can swing by for a show or a stroll through the Art Gallery soon.

Sign up for our mailing list and be the first to know what is coming and get the opportunity to purchase tickets BEFORE the general public. 

Stay Cool!

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School has only been out a couple of weeks for most kids, but with this weather we've been having lately I am sure finding things to do has already become a chore.  Usually the summer dulldrums don't hit until mid-July or August so, here are some fun happenings at the BPAC...

If dance is their passion, Minneapolis based Zenon Dance is hosting a Hip Hop Dance Camp the first week in August.  No experience is necessary so it is a great way to get the kiddos up and moving and learning a few new moves to impress their friends at the back to school dance.  Ages are 6 - 14.  Click here for more info

Or...if being on stage acting and singing is more up their alley, The Play's The Thing Productions is doing it's theatre camp starting July 11, with performances August 11 - 13 on the BPAC Main Stage. Students of all performance levels and experience work with talented, professional theatrical artists to create a complete summer musical theatre production, Disney's Beauty & the Beast, Jr. Onstage training includes acting, singing and dancing in a fun and creative environment.  Tuition: $275 per student. Please contact ISD 191 Community Education regarding registration at www.communityed191.org.

Happy Summer!

 

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Isn't it funny how we always can rely on the flowers or a Macy's gift card for mom? She's happy with just a card and hug and "just spending time with the family"...then come's Father's Day.  What do we get dad?  Golf Balls? He has a gazillion.  Tools? What brand, what type, what for?  Jimmy John's gift cards are always good, probably a Best Buy gift card is safe bet too...But why not do something fun and get dad some tickets to a show or sports event?  Dad wants to spend time with you too, so take him to something and you both get to enjoy.

If you want to hang in Bville, the BPAC has Tommy Emmanuel tickets going on sale June 17.  Just in time to wrap them up and pretend they are a box of golf balls.  Or swing by the BPAC this weekend for The Who's Tommy.  Use the code Fathersday and get 50% off.  You look like a hero and you only spend $7.50...

Good luck with whatever you choose and Happy Father's Day to the dad's out there!

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The BPAC's resident theatre company, Chameleon Theatre Circle, has announced its dates for auditions for the first three productions of  the 2011-12 season. The Woman in Black, We Gather Together, and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee! are all in need of actors and actresses.  The Woman in Black, is a mystery with spooky undertones, We Gather Together is a world premiere so you would seriously be making history if you were on stage in this production and The 25th Annual...is a musical so you need some chops to reach stardom. 

You have to make reservations for try-out times on either July 12 or July 24. Use this link for more information: http://www.burnsvillepac.com/announcements/292-chameleon-theatre-circle-auditions

 

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It is with a sad heart that today marks the last performance at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center for the students of Envision Academy for the Arts.  It was a joy having the students and faculty utilize this space for the last couple of school years.  We wish all of the students the best of luck in their future endeavors and hope to see them all back on the stage here someday pursuing their love of theatre, art and music.  Best wishes and "Break a Leg."

Broadway Bound, June 2, 7:00pm. 

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Okay, so like I said earlier, I have learned a lot of new stuff in my seminars on social marketing and one of them was setting up a Twitterfeed.  I am testing this now.

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June promises to be a busy month here at the BPAC.  Dance Recitals, The Who's "Tommy", Envision Academy's final showcase, Dance Competitions and countless private receptions as well.  But what I am really excited about is plotting things out for next season.  I tell you, we have some really great stuff on the books already and I can't wait to share them with you!  But, alas, I have to wait until the promoters/producers give me the go ahead.  All will be revealed in July and August for the fall and holiday stuff.  Really, it is going to be great!  Be sure to sign up for our BPAC newsletter list.  You get the first crack at tickets! 

We also have a Facebook page and a Twitter account @bvillepac, so you can follow us there. I just went through some seminars on all this fun social media stuff, so you might notice some changes.

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The Voting has been extended until May 30th!  See the previous post about putting Burnsville PAC on the map!

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