Penn College bolsters Journey Bank CAC’s ties to academics and community

Pennsylvania College of Technology has revised leadership positions for the Journey Bank Community Arts Center to integrate the facility with the institution’s academic programs and to strengthen the venue’s ties with the community.

Owned and operated by Penn College, the Journey Bank Community Arts Center is a cornerstone of downtown Williamsport and the largest cultural facility in northcentral Pennsylvania, serving as an economic engine for the hospitality, travel and tourism industries and a recruiting tool for local business and industry. 

Brian D. Walton, assistant dean of business & hospitality, has assumed leadership for the Journey Bank CAC team. Four veteran members of that team have amended job titles to clearly reflect their responsibilities: Ana I. Gonzalez-White, director of development/community relations; Frederick D. Park, director of production; Brooke S. Styborski, director of operations; and Steven M. Ault, manager of strategic marketing.

“Their dedication, passion and genuine love for the performing arts, the theater and the surrounding community are remarkable,” Walton said. “Over the past several months, we have taken time to focus on these key team members – better understanding their strengths and contributions – and have realigned titles and responsibilities to position the venue for continued success in serving both our audiences and our community. Their leadership of the facility’s talented staff and amazing group of volunteers has been exemplary.”

The full-time staff includes Tom Bressler, coordinator of guest services; Jordan M. Miller, digital production coordinator; Carol A. Coffelt, ticketing system specialist; and Kristen L. Delaney, senior accountant/financial specialist.

One of Walton’s goals is to forge a strong connection between the college’s academic programs and the Journey Bank CAC. The theater offers ample opportunities for students to apply their technical skills, developed in the college’s industry-standard labs, to real-world projects. For example, lighting upgrades and small-scale building renovations involving electrical and construction students, respectively, are being considered. 
                            
A space targeted for renovation is the third-floor Community Room that hosts catering for touring casts and crew members. As part of the refurbishment, Kayla E. Scampone, a graphic design student from Williamsport, is creating wall graphics featuring a stylized timeline of the storied building’s history and imagery of the city and college.

Walton hopes to hire two additional student workers to assist with all aspects of operations.

Staff members also plan to partner with the Event Management & Coordination class for various projects and are collaborating with multiple student clubs and organizations to support the theater’s contribution to the UPMC Block Party, scheduled in conjunction with Williamsport’s First Friday celebration on May 1.

“The college community offers a wealth of resources for the Journey Bank Community Arts Center to draw from,” Walton said. “Without a doubt, both the Arts Center and the students will benefit from integrating more academic programs with such a vital cultural and economic asset to the region.”

The venue’s roots date to 1928 when it was the Capitol Theatre, a movie house and vaudeville theater. The St. Patrick’s Day Flood of 1936 precipitated decades of decline for the facility. Beginning in late 1989, Penn College led a multiyear $13.5 million renovation to restore the theater to its original grandeur, augmented by modern amenities. Christened the Community Arts Center, the building opened in 1993 to rave reviews. Last July, the theater was renamed the Journey Bank Community Arts Center, in recognition of the bank’s 10-year sponsorship agreement.

Since 1993, more than 2 million people have attended 2,000-plus shows featuring world-renowned entertainers, national touring companies, and regional and local arts organizations.

Many of the performances headlined by national-level talent are secured by Greg Ray, who serves as a programming consultant for the Journey Bank CAC.

“Greg has many years of experience booking shows, working with agents and finding talent,” Walton said. “He’s also been the director of a few theaters and lends his professional guidance on how we can improve our marketing and guest experience.” 
                                
In a survey of patrons last year, the venue received an average approval rating of 9.46 out of 10, and the average event score was 8.9 out of 10.

The highest-attended shows from 2024-25 illustrate the diversity of programming: “The Nutcracker,” a beloved classical ballet; “Bluey’s Big Play,” a theatrical adaptation of the award-winning children’s TV show; a concert by iconic singer-songwriter Bob Dylan; an ’80s arena rock production by Williamsport’s Uptown Music Collective; and a performance by renowned country artist Josh Turner.

“None of our shows would be successful without the continued support of our community and patrons and our volunteers, who help ensure every guest has the best possible experience,” Walton said. “We look forward to continuing to present the outstanding performances our patrons expect while expanding our already impressive programming.”

On average, 70,000 people attend performances and events each year in the 2,100-seat theater. Using a formula provided by the National Independent Venue Association, the Journey Bank CAC’s estimated annual economic impact for the region is $7.2 million, with 70 jobs being supported.

About 40% of ticket buyers for the 2024-25 Performance Series were from outside Lycoming County. According to survey data, 56% of all respondents reported eating at a nearby restaurant “every time or most of the time” when attending a show.

“The Journey Bank Community Arts Center is the crown jewel of downtown Williamsport,” said Michael J. Reed, Penn College president. “For over 30 years, the venue has played a pivotal role in enhancing the region’s quality of life by showcasing a diverse range of exceptional arts and entertainment. Equally important, it has proven to be a catalyst for the regional economy. We’re proud to step up and serve our community and local businesses through the Arts Center and are looking forward to our next chapter with our talented team, committed supporters and enhanced student involvement.”

The next chapter will include a preservation campaign to help maintain the architectural integrity of the nearly 100-year-old building and to update essential systems providing comfort and safety.

“We are optimistic about the upcoming campaign, and we’re confident that the new leadership structure and deeper integration with the college will strengthen the theater for years to come,” Walton said. “The Journey Bank Community Arts Center is a regional treasure, and we are committed to ensuring it thrives well into the future.”

For more information about the center, including event and ticket information, visit the Journey Bank Community Arts Center website.

Penn College is a national leader in applied technology education. To learn more, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.