Foothills looks to big acts

The Daily Star reported that the Foothills Performing Arts Center is raising the curtain on acts to attract audiences.

Entertainers from New York City and throughout New England are coming to perform at the Market Street center in Oneonta.

Music, drama, poetry and films are planned this month. A vaudeville series for adults and children's workshops are set for July and August. Ticket prices range from $5 to $25.

The programming is a sea change for Foothills, said Jennifer McDowall, who started as executive director about two months ago.

The development and prospects are exciting, supporters said, but challenges remain to sell tickets and find sponsors.

The 624-seat theater, scene shop and atrium are under construction on the site of the former West Nesbitt feed mill. The adjacent 10,350 square-foot production center was completed in 2005 and has been the site of many shows and activities.

As work continues on building the theater, the center has taken risks by spending money to present performers in its existing spaces, McDowall said Thursday.

Goals include increasing revenue and sponsorships and satisfying different theatrical and musical tastes by offering a range of entertainment options. Read more here.