Community Engagement

The Appell Center for the Performing Arts seeks to be a cultural hub for the community in York. We play a vital role in the local ecosystem, collaborating with educational, civic and other cultural organizations, informal networks and individual artists to create experiences as outlets for healthy, creative expression.

Together, we believe in connecting the arts with education, personal well-being and family life.

We seek to build meaningful pathways in arts, cultural and creative learning for the York community through consistent, reliable opportunities which provide:

engagement with a diversity of artistic and cultural forms;
multi-generational creative participation; and
transformative experiences for creative youth.

We strive to be a relationship-builder, convener and host.

Community Engagement Report

phot of 3 Appell Center staff members and the head of Cultural Alliance at a community event behind an information table

In 2022, the Appell Center worked with a national research team, Creative Generation, to hold space for authentic discussion of needs, challenges and opportunities within the City of York to create sustainable change and new programming initiatives. Learn more about the entire process and findings with the full report.

Partner With Appell Center

There are many ways to join us in partnership, but here are some common starting points:

Attend a free or low-cost workshop and event. We have workshops and classes where you can pick a price that feels right for you and your family.
Host an event or program at the Appell Center. Our Community Support Fund helps support local nonprofits and mission-aligned projects with reduced rental fees.
Bring a group to one of our performances. The Community ConnecTix program offers complimentary tickets to local nonprofit groups every season.
Invite us to support an event or program. Our team can host tables at your events to promote performing arts opportunities in the community.
Become a member or donor today and join our growing list of partners whose generous contributions ensure that the show must go on!

Adaptive Impact Plan

Photo of community gathering for a street fair in front of the Appell Center

The Appell Center plays a vital role in the local ecosystem, collaborating with educational, civic and other cultural organizations, informal networks and individual artists. We work to create learning experiences as outlets for healthy, creative expression. Together, we believe in connecting the arts with education, personal well-being and family life. We seek to build meaningful pathways in arts, cultural and creative learning for the York community through consistent, reliable opportunities which provide:

access to/engagement with a diversity of artistic and cultural forms;
multi-generational creative participation; and
transformative experiences for creative youth.

We developed a tool to ensure that we are as agile and responsive to the community as possible. When the Appell Center is faced with a new opportunity or program, these questions will help guide decision-making to move forward the partnership. Read more about our Adaptive Impact Planning Tool here.

As part of a commitment to make the performing arts available to everyone in York County, Community ConnectTix expands free and discounted ticket access to those for whom the price of a ticket is a barrier.

Since the 2022-23 season, the Appell Center has donated over 1,314 tickets to over 40 local 501(c)(3) organizations through the Community ConnecTix program.

The Appell Center for the Performing Arts invites nonprofit organizations to apply for blocks of tickets for groups they serve. Up to 20 tickets can be requested for select performances, depending on availability. Applicants who would like to be considered for tickets will be placed on a waiting list and contacted as tickets become available.

Who Can Apply:

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that serve individuals in York County who do not have the resources to otherwise attend a show.

How To Apply:

Complete the online application (below), including your organization’s mission, individuals served and ability to fully utilize donated tickets. You will be notified about the status of your application three (3) weeks prior to the performance date with details on how and when to pick up the tickets.

Apply Here

Rules And Restrictions

The Appell Center will track ticket usage and ask groups to use at least 60% of the donated tickets to participate in future performances.
All attendees must have a ticket, regardless of age.
Tickets cannot be resold or used as auction items at fundraising events. Reselling tickets will be grounds for removal from the program.
Tickets are for the designated performance only and cannot be exchanged.

2024-25 ConnecTix Eligible Performances

York Symphony Orchestra: John Williams Forever! Psycho String Chamber – Saturday, November 9, 2024
Jeff Boyer’s Big Bubble Bonanza – Sensory Friendly Performance – Saturday, November 16, 2024
York Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops – Saturday, November 30, 2024
Tom Papa – Thursday, December 5, 2024
Mandy Gonzalez “Home for the Holidays” – Saturday, December 7, 2024
An Evening with Shakey Graves and Buffalo Hunt – Sunday, December 8, 2024
Seán Heely’s “A Celtic Christmas” – Friday, December 20, 2024
York Symphony Orchestra: John Williams Forever! Gaelic Celebration – Saturday, January 18, 2025
York Symphony Orchestra: Night at the Oscars – Saturday, February 8, 2025
Aluminum Show – Friday, February 21, 2025
York Symphony Orchestra: Verdi’s Defiant Requiem – Saturday, March 8, 2025
Syncopated Ladies – Thursday, March 20, 2025
The RUSH Tribute Project – Saturday, March 22, 2025
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales – Saturday, April 5, 2025
Paige Hernandez “All the Way Live!” – Saturday, May 3, 2025
Menopause the Musical 2 – Cruising Through “The Change” – Sunday, May 4, 2025
York Symphony Orchestra: John Williams Forever! Mahler’s 1st Symphony The Titan – Saturday, May 17, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions:

How will I be notified?
The organization’s primary contact will be notified via email at least three weeks prior to the performance.

How are organizations selected?
Submissions will be reviewed in the order they are received. We will make considerations to ensure the full use of available tickets per performance. Priority will be given to organizations that serve historically marginalized groups of people within York County.

How are the shows selected for this program?
The Appell Center works within each touring show contract to determine the availability of tickets for this program.

If selected, where will our seats be in the theater?
A group of seats in the middle orchestra level are held for this program.

How will we get our tickets if selected?
Tickets will be given to the primary organization contact who will be responsible for distribution.

What is the cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate.

How can I get more information?
Please email ksoderberg@appellcenter.org