Mayor Names Mark Frie as Tulsa Performing Arts Center Director

5/31/2017

Mayor G.T. Bynum has selected Tulsa native Mark W. Frie as the new Performing Arts Center Director for the City of Tulsa, effective June 19.

Frie will lead the day-to-day operations for the Tulsa Performing Arts Center (PAC) and oversee the entertainment lineup and rental agreements for the PAC.

A national search for a director began when longtime director John Scott planned to retire after an incredible career at the Tulsa PAC that spanned 28 years.

“After the national search concluded, Mark was ultimately the perfect choice for Tulsa,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “In its 40-year history our PAC has become the focal point for the performing arts not just in Tulsa, but in Oklahoma. Mark brings a track record of continual success and an ambitious vision for the future of this Tulsa institution. The future of the performing arts in Tulsa is bright with Mark in this crucial role."

Prior to accepting the Tulsa PAC Director position, Frie served as the Executive Director of the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center for eight years and served as the Executive Director of Fine Arts for the Broken Arrow School District. Frie has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Oklahoma and is a licensed Certified Performing Arts Executive. 

Frie was instrumental in building the lineup for the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center (BAPAC) and has showed incredible leadership by engaging the community and city leadership to bring the BAPAC exceptional success and accolades.

“I believe the arts have the greatest potential to bring a community and region together for creativity and collaboration,” incoming Tulsa PAC Director Mark Frie said. “I’m very excited to begin working with the Tulsa PAC staff and the community so we can continue to bring a variety of performances to the world-class Tulsa PAC and make investments in the arts for our future generation.”

About the Tulsa Performing Arts Center

The Tulsa PAC is located in Tulsa’s historic downtown and is owned and operated by the City of Tulsa. The Tulsa PAC has served Tulsa for 40 years bringing patrons ballet, drama, musicals, opera, symphony, international artists and a variety of other entertainment choices. The Tulsa PAC has averaged more than 500 events per year for each of the last 10 years generating an estimated economic impact of $42 million annually. For more information about the Tulsa PAC, visit: www.tulsapac.com

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