This year’s Fanfare proved to be a fabulous success, in spite of budgetary challenges, according to its interim director Dr. Roy Blackwood.

The seasonal event, which has been running since 1986, took place during the month of October and saw music, lectures, dance and theatrical performances held in various locations on Southeastern’s campus as well as the Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Due to the current state of the economy, the majority of activities for Fanfare have been repositioned primarily on campus and geared more towards the student body.

“In doing that, then our costs are cut down,” said Blackwood. “We have an opportunity to showcase talent on the campus, both the professorial talent and also the student talent, which is considerable. For example, my wife and I went to the ‘Pirates of Penzance’ earlier this month and we were just thrilled. It was a fabulous presentation.”

According to Blackwood, the budgets for Fanfare and Columbia are two separate entities and the costs for campus events are less compared to events such as the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

“The costs on that were tremendous,” said Blackwood. “To go out and raise $25-30,000 for one event one night is a real challenge. So we’re focusing our efforts a little bit differently than we did at one point and it requires less money to do it that way. So was the budget reduced before our efforts shifted gears, or was it the other way around? It becomes irrelevant because what we are doing is working within our means and trying not to stress the community to raise funds.”

This year, the big sponsor for Fanfare was the Student Government Association, which Blackwood expressed great gratitude towards.

“That kept us from having to go out and raise those dollars elsewhere in what can only be described as a flat economy,” said Blackwood.

Overall, Blackwood has been pleased with the outcome of this year’s Fanfare.

“It’s been a wonderfully successful season,” said Blackwood. “And I’m hopeful next year will be equally as successful. I’m sure it will be.”

Currently, as Blackwood begins planning the Columbia season, he will start planning for next year’s Fanfare. According to Blackwood, it is his intention to bring back the comedy group Capitol Steps and is hopeful to bring a version of “Phantom of the Opera” to the Columbia and as well as a tribute band, which is a popular event.

“We want people to come and we want people to tell us what they would like to see,” said Blackwood. “What would you be willing to put down money on the table to come and see? That’s what it takes to keep our doors open.”

Members of the Southeastern community have expressed how well Fanfare has been received this year.

“I was extremely pleased with the level of interest and excitement that surrounded every event produced by the faculty and students of the fine and performing arts department,” said department head Dr. Kenneth Boulton. “The entire campus and surrounding community came out in record numbers to every single concert, exhibit and show. I feel we took a significant step towards becoming a real destination, while also supporting Fanfare’s mission.”

According to Blackwood, students can also assist in helping the venue, by encouraging people to purchase tickets.

“Students go to almost all the Fanfare events for no charge,” said Blackwood. “Some of them are no charge, some of them half-charged. If you could also bring your parents, and they also buy tickets, that would help us greatly.”