Introducing Our Digital Program - Polar Bears and Patrons and Germs, Oh My!

The Gallagher Bluedorn thrives as an organization by paying attention, gathering data and using that data to make informed decisions. The start of our renovation next year, a renovation driven by the needs and wants of our patrons, is the result of twenty years of surveys, observation and data gathering.

This year we will be taking our program books digital. You’ll be able to access our programs a few days before the show and also look back at program information long after a show. There will be multiple ways to get our programs on your phones, tablets and computers for your information and enjoyment. But this will be a change, and we know that change can be disruptive.

I never like change for change's sake but, like many of the changes the Gallagher Bluedorn has made over the years, this one is driven by information and experience. Let’s think about the life span of a program. Traditionally, you've received your program as you entered the hall 30 minutes (at most) before the show. You can read it until the show starts and then you hold on to it in the dark for about two hours before dropping it in the trash on the way out.

Every year the Gallagher Bluedorn prints tens of thousands of program books that have a usable lifespan of about 15 minutes. We can’t even just print what we need as we need to have more books than tickets sold so we can accommodate larger than expected audience. Every year, many program books get thrown away unused.

Like everything else in the world paper has shot up in cost but more than that, the amount of paper and energy that ends up wasted has become unsustainable. We are killing trees that are becoming more important than our very temporary program books.

And then there are the germs. Forget COVID, lets talk about colds and the flu. I feel that it is smart to not be passing things around in this way because sometimes we share more than just our program book.

So, on to the digital. There's a short guide at the bottom of this blog with how you can access the digital program. We also know that some folks have a hard time reading from screens and may need a paper copy to learn about the show. For every show this fall we will print up a limited number of black and white program materials for each show. In the future, we hope to make it possible to read the program, buy tickets to future shows and even preorder beverages and snacks from the same place. We look forward to providing better, more personal service with technology.

In the meantime, know that we understand change is disruptive and we will have folks at every show who can help you learn how to use your personal device to access the program book.

See you at the show,
Steve Carignan
Executive Director

How to Use the Digital Program:

• Simply scan the code at any door to the hall or visit GBPAC.com/Programs.
• Select the show you’re attending.
• If you’re searching for a specific section, use the menu located at the top. (Don’t worry, the menu will follow as you scroll.)
• You can always jump to the top of the menu when you reach the bottom of a section.
• If you’d like to learn more about our advertisers, simply click on their ad and head to their website.
• Looking to learn more about the show? Check out a blog or two at the "Engage + Explore section."
• If you have any questions regarding how to use the program, reach out to GBPAC@uni.edu or see any staff member or usher at the show.