The Performing Arts Center is the proud home to many resident performing arts organizations throughout the Central Coast community.
Founded in 2006, Ballet Theatre San Luis Obispo (BT-SLO) was created from the passions and talents of their two founders: Theresa Slobodnik and Blair London. The organization is both a dance school and performing ballet company offering a wide range or original and classic ballets.
Cal Poly Arts serves Central Coast and Cal Poly communities as a presenter of public performing arts events, presenting roughly 30 performances at the PAC annually. Cal Poly Arts provides a broad program of high-quality professional touring performances, while also assisting with the educational needs of students through various artist-in-residency activities and off-campus school outreach events. Cal Poly Arts is a department of the College of Liberal Arts at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
The Cal Poly Music Department presents nearly 20 performances annually at the PAC ranging from student to faculty recitals. The Music Department introduces a student to the role of music in today’s world, helps form personal goals, and provides the discipline, skills and knowledge to accomplish those goals.
The Cal Poly Theatre & Dance Department presents five performances annually at the PAC. Each show demonstrates the Cal Poly ‘Learn by Doing’ motto—providing comprehensive, hands-on training that gives students a balanced and enriched knowledge of performance, onstage and behind the scenes.
Founded in 1978 by Lorilee Silvaggio, Civic Ballet of San Luis Obispo is the premier ballet company on the Central Coast, preserving the classical traditions of the art form in balance with its contemporary evolution. Civic Ballet of SLO’s annual presentation of The Nutcracker has been a holiday tradition at the PAC for over 25 years.
Founded in 2010, CORE Dance offers something for every interested dancer. In addition to the ballet based dance training CORE offers, they also offer performance opportunities for beginners through advanced levels, starting at age 2 through adults.
Founded in 1985, Opera San Luis Obispo (OperaSLO) is the region’s only professional opera company and one of only four opera companies in the state. OperaSLO productions include a full orchestra, cast, and original sets and costumes. Season programs feature diverse events from elegant and intimate recital series to exciting educational experiences and spectacular opera and musical theater productions.
Formed in 1984, San Luis Obispo Master Chorale (originally known as Cuesta Master Chorale) is an auditioned, all-volunteer community choir that specializes in performing masterworks of choral-orchestral literature from every musical period and style, including contemporary works written especially for the chorale.
SLO Symphony is a local professional symphony that presents most of their season at the Performing Arts Center. Founded in 1954, SLO Symphony ignites a passion for music in our Central Coast community, creating connection and joy. By investing in promising local youth with the drive and determination to study orchestral music, SLO Symphony is building the next generation of musicians and music patrons. Through accessible performances and outreach opportunities, SLO Symphony enriches the region with cultural vitality and improved quality of life.
Studio @ – “Ryan’s American Dance” is a continuation and vision of owner Ryan Beck from his roots with Pat Jackson’s American Dance. It exists to continue to provide a positive, diverse space, completely committed to providing an education and passion for the art of dance.
