The Free at 6 program at the Lied Center

By Ashley Pritchard The Lied Center for Performing Arts had a challenge. Local artists wanted to perform in a major performing arts center where they could showcase talents and build reputations. Meanwhile, some audiences in Lincoln thought the Lied Center was inaccessible because it was too expensive or didn’t speak to their interests. Charles Bethea, executive and artistic director of the Lied Center, sat down with other staff members and came up with an idea to address these opportunities: Free at 6. “Free at 6 was our response to a range of local, diverse artists seeking performance opportunities and our ongoing efforts to engage more people in the community,” Bethea said. Lied staff put out a call to local artists about the new series. Individuals or ensembles needed to have some experience and abilities as performers. Interested artists needed to submit a recording for review, and they needed to be residents of Lincoln or Lancaster County. After initial review and comment by a screening committee, Bethea examined every application and chose artists based on talent and diversity. Now in its fourth year, Free at 6 continues to offer quality entertainment at no charge that benefits the artists, the community and the Lied Center. It is a success for artists because they can perform in the best possible setting with premium equipment, and it helps build their résumés, their credibility and their careers. Artists are paid by the Lied Center for their performance and have the full support of all the Lied Center’s professional staff. From sound and lights, marketing and publicity to patron hospitality, the Lied provides the highest possible support to each Free at 6 artist. The series has also been favorably received by the community. “Anyone who wants to attend can come,” Bethea said. “You don’t need a ticket, you don’t have to pay a penny and it’s at 6 p.m., so you can stop by after work or between classes and you don’t have to plan your night around the event.” Free at 6 has also broken down some of the barriers that keep people from attending the Lied Center. It provides an opportunity to experience the magic of live performances for those for whom price is a barrier. On occasion, people aren’t interested in an artist because they have no connection to or knowledge of their work. Free at 6 showcases local performers where the people who attend are often neighbors, friends and supporters of the artists. These factors have helped the series grow in size and popularity. Free at 6 has also proven to be a popular way to introduce the arts to a younger generation without a major commitment of time and money. As one recent patron enthused, “[Free at 6 events] are wonderful shows to display local talent and introduce children to the arts.” “We originally thought these events could take place in whichever space in our facility was open,” Bethea said. “However, audience interest is consistently growing, and we have had to hold performances on the Main Stage or outside where 1,500-plus audience members would fit.” Attracting a diverse audience beyond traditional theatergoers is the true benefit for the Lied Center. From young families with children and students popping in after class to couples and friends, a truly varied mix of Lincoln’s population has come to enjoy Free at 6 events. The staff at the Lied hopes the audience will continue to grow and engage people throughout our community. Bethea said the Lied has no plans for huge changes to the program in the future, though they are continuing to expand location options. This season, the Lied Center presented a Free at 6 concert outdoors on the University of Nebraska’s East Campus. There is also talk of opening the series to all Nebraska artists. “We have people contact us from all over Nebraska who would like to participate and perform,” Bethea said. Whichever direction the program takes in the future, the Lied Center will be mindful of its mission. “We lead Nebraska and the Plains, standing at the center of achievement, creativity, imagination, celebration, learning, discovery and diversity in the arts.”