The Lied Center and scheduling: The work of Artistic Director

Ann Chang, Artistic Director at the Lied Center for Performing Arts.
Credit: Associate Media files

The Lied Center, here in Lincoln, is gearing up for the upcoming great season planned, and Ann Chang, Artistic Director at the Lied Center, shared some thoughts about the work that goes into programming what Lincoln audiences have been and will be privileged to see and hear. She has already shared a lot of the details of what led to her job at the Lied Center in the article “Entrepreneurship and Music according to Ann Chang,” and now shares more about being Artistic Director at the Lied Center.

When asked what her job as Artistic Director entails, she answered that she is “primarily responsible for programming the season and making sure that it represents all the genres, Classical, family, dance, Jazz, Broadway, theater, and popular, as well as making sure that they are all programmed well with quality and class.”

In deciding whom to book for a season, Chang looks for someone who is already known to her, someone that she “wants to put on the stage.” Of course, important factors become “availability of the artist, their financial requirements, and whether they fit within the scope of what we present and the schedule for the season.” On average, 80% of the season will be well known shows, groups, or musicians; however, some of the season will feature lesser known artists that are new to Chang and to the community. In this way, the Lied Center promotes up-and-coming acts, groups, and musicians and is also able to bring in the already big names and shows.