BCPA Broke Attendance Record in First Three Months of 2024

Image courtesy of the Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts official website

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – The Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts surpassed last year’s total attendance record in three months by bringing in a younger audience. 

Within the first three months of 2024, they increased their attendance by 335 percent compared to last year. Bloomington’s Assistant Director of Arts and Entertainment, Mike Wilcott, explained that shifting their target demographic helped increase attendance. 

 “I think we saw a need to bring in a crowd that may be a little younger than it has historically,” Wilcott said. “As far as growth and development goes it’s essential to do that, so we’ve seen fans that have probably been in the building for the first time in a long time this year.”

To bring in a younger demographic, BCPA made changes to how they put on their shows. The shows were previously geared towards ages 55 and up. Now, the shows they put on target audiences as low as age 35.

“I think in the past the venue’s focused mostly on the fine arts, and now we look more like mainstream stuff as far as music, comedy, and things of that nature,” he said. 

Wilcott explained that this year, BCPA is putting on more shows. They try to make those shows different to keep from putting on too many similar events at once. Wilcott used the example of diversity in shows last week. They put on five shows that week, including a Broadway show, and Red Hot Chilli Peppers show. 

“I think a big part of it was just bringing in some more shows overall.” Wilcott said, “A different lineup of shows we normally offered in the past, so I think diversifying the lineup and focusing on some new talents, some new target markets has been very essential for us.”

BCPA plans to continue this trend of high attendance by putting on shows that allow people to have a good experience and see what the venue has to offer. Wilcott explained how their young team tries to make every show a little bit better. They are planning plenty of future shows and Wilcott revealed that a big announcement from BCPA is coming April 8. 

“Hopefully they go home and tell their friends about it,” Wilcott said about fans at BCPA shows.