New arts, performances, and entertainment each season at Barton!
Interested in learning more about Barton Performing Arts programs? Click on the links below to find program information, curriculum guides, and more!
Arts Program | Dance Program | Music Program | Theatre Program
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Upcoming Events
Fine and Performing Arts Hall of Fame Nominations are Open
The Barton Fine and Performing Arts Hall of Fame Committee invites you submit your nomination for Barton faculty, alumni, administrators, or patrons who you consider to be outstanding contributors in the artistic field. The purpose of the committee is to recognize individuals associated with Barton Community College who have made a significant contribution and impact in the fine or performing arts. During its 57 years of existence, Barton has a long history of being a leader in the arts and arts education in the region. Nominations will be accepted until Monday, November 2 by 5 pm.
Any nominations collected after this deadline will be held for consideration during next year's award season. The Induction Ceremony will be held during the Holiday Concert on Thursday, December 3rd, at 7:30 pm in the Barton Fine Arts Auditorium. Fine and Performing Arts Hall of Fame Nomination Form
Autumn Arts Concert
Tuesday, October 6
7:30 p.m.
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
The Barton Performing Arts Department invites the community to enjoy its “Autumn Arts” Concert The "sneak preview" will feature theatre, vocal, and instrumental performances, as well as performances by the Barton Dance Theatre. Students and faculty will perform.
Auditions - 4 AM Friends
Sunday, October 11
Monday, October 12
4 p.m.
Crest Theatre, Great Bend
Fall Play - Circle Mirror Transformation
Thursday, October 15 - 7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 16 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 17- 7:30 p.m.
General Admission $10, Purchase tickets online and at the door.
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
When four lost New Englanders enrolled in Marty’s six-week-long community-center drama class begin to experiment with harmless games, hearts are quietly torn apart, and tiny wars of epic proportions are waged and won. Circle Mirror Transformation premiered off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons on October 13, 2009. Directed by Sam Gold, the production featured Reed Birney, Peter Friedman, Deidre O'Connell, Tracee Chimo and Heidi Schreck.
Haunting on the Hill 6
Saturday, October 24
2 p.m. - 4 p.m., Costume Contest begins at 4 p.m. (contest registration closes at 3:45 p.m.)
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
The ALL-Free community Halloween Celebration is back with fun ways to exploring the creative side of the season. The family-friendly celebration includes, games, performances, art making, the popular costume contest and much more! Hosted by the Barton STEM, Fine & Performing Arts, and Student Life Departments.
Community Music School
We have heard and recognized the need for piano instruction in the Barton County area. Starting in Fall 2024, the Music Accompaniment program will be offering piano lessons for ages 6 through 18 in our Community Music School. This is a non-credit program where your child will receive piano instruction by a college student in the music accompaniment program under the supervision of Dr. Alejandro Avila, the Director of Accompaniment, at Barton.
Costs for Lessons per Year/Semester
30 min. weekly lessons (semester lessons - $15/lesson) $400/$210
45 min. weekly lessons (semester lessons - $22.50/lesson) $600/$315
60 min. weekly lessons (semester lessons - $30/lesson) $800/$420
There is an opportunity for a family discount if a family enrolls more than one child. Enrollment is limited so contact Dr. Avila at avilaal@bartonccc.edu for more information and how to register your child.
Performing Arts Department 2025-2026 Schedule of Events
August 2026
August 2026
Theatre Rally
Monday, August 24
6 p.m.
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
Theatre program invites all for socializing, theatre announcements, and treats.
Fall Play Auditions - Circle Mirror Transformation
Wednesday, August 26
Thursday, August 27
7 p.m.
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
The Nutcracker for the Golden Belt Auditions
Saturday, August 29
10 a.m.
Studio 34, Barton County Campus
Class-style dance auditions for the cast of our first Nutcracker! Pre-registration required
Nutcracker 2026 Audition Registration Form
September 2026
September 2026
Faculty Recital & Exhibition
Thursday, September 17
5:30 p.m.
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
Fine Arts inspire the Performing Arts in this special collaborative event where the Barton Arts Faculty perform and present their work. Refreshments will be served at a reception following the event.
Creative Kids Camp
Saturday, September 26
2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
$25 per child, $10 per sibling
Fine Arts Building, Barton County Campus
Children aged 3-12 years will love this creative camp! The camp includes classes taught by Barton Dance student in Dance, Visual Art, Tumbling, and Acting, plus a snack and movie time at the end. Theme TBA. The camp is a fundraiser for Barton Dance Theatre to attend the American College Dance Conference.
October 2026
October 2026
Autumn Arts Concert
Tuesday, October 6
7:30 p.m.
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
The Barton Performing Arts Department invites the community to enjoy its “Autumn Arts” Concert The "sneak preview" will feature theatre, vocal, and instrumental performances, as well as performances by the Barton Dance Theatre. Students and faculty will perform.
Auditions - 4 AM Friends
Sunday, October 11
Monday, October 12
4 p.m.
Crest Theatre, Great Bend
Fall Play - Circle Mirror Transformation
Thursday, October 15 - 7:30 p.m.
Friday, October 16 - 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 17- 7:30 p.m.
General Admission $10, Purchase tickets online and at the door.
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
When four lost New Englanders enrolled in Marty’s six-week-long community-center drama class begin to experiment with harmless games, hearts are quietly torn apart, and tiny wars of epic proportions are waged and won. Circle Mirror Transformation premiered off-Broadway at Playwrights Horizons on October 13, 2009. Directed by Sam Gold, the production featured Reed Birney, Peter Friedman, Deidre O'Connell, Tracee Chimo and Heidi Schreck.
Haunting on the Hill 6
Saturday, October 24
2 p.m. - 4 p.m., Costume Contest begins at 4 p.m. (contest registration closes at 3:45 p.m.)
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
The ALL-Free community Halloween Celebration is back with fun ways to exploring the creative side of the season. The family-friendly celebration includes, games, performances, art making, the popular costume contest and much more! Hosted by the Barton STEM, Fine & Performing Arts, and Student Life Departments.
November 2026
November 2026
Student Music Recital 1
Wednesday, November 4
5 p.m.
Dorothy Moses Chapel, Barton County Campus
Enjoy instrumental and vocal performances by students of the Barton Music Department.
Instrumental Music Concert
Thursday, November 5
7:30 p.m.
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
This Fall concert will feature the Prairie Winds Concert Band, Barton JazzCats and instrumental ensembles.
KS 250 Music Project
Wednesday, November 11
2:00 p.m.
City Auditorium, Great Bend
The Barton Community College Music Department is excited to invite area music educators and their ensembles to join us for a collaborative performance celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence (KS 250).
Student Music Recital 2
Wednesday, November 18
5 p.m.
Dorothy Moses Chapel, Barton County Campus
Enjoy instrumental and vocal performances by students of the Barton Music Department.
The Nutcracker for the Golden Belt
Friday, November 20
Saturday, November 21
7 p.m.
Sunday, November 22
2 p.m.
$15 general admission, $10 ages 6-12 yr, 5 yr & under free, Barton students with I.D. free
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
A holiday tradition in the making!
Spring Play Auditions
Monday, November 30
7:30 p.m.
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
December 2026
December 2026
Spring Play Auditions
Wednesday, December 2
7:30 p.m.
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
Student Music Recital 3
Wednesday, December 2
5 p.m.
Dorothy Moses Chapel, Barton County Campus
Enjoy instrumental and vocal performances by students of the Barton Music Department.
Holiday Concert
Thursday, December 3
7:30 p.m.
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
A holiday extravaganza featuring the Barton Concert Choir, Hilltop Singers and JazzCats. The evening will include an Induction Ceremony into the third year of Barton's Fine and Performing Art's Hall of Fame.
4 AM Friends
Thursday, December 3
Friday, December 4
Saturday, December 5
7:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 6
2 p.m.
Crest Theatre, Great Bend
Collaboration with Crest Theatre and playwright Charlene Donaghy. We all have those friends: the ones who understand you when you think no one will. Becca, Tammy, and Kim are those kinds of 4 a.m. Friends with humor and heart the ties that bind. A myriad of iconic moments, people, and fashion from the 1970s to present day propel these friends through six short plays as they fight, argue, support, and love through some of life’s most challenging hurdles, growing from their teens to their sixties. You know, just like you might do with your 4 a.m. Friends. Playwright Charlene Donaghy will be joining us for a guest lecture either via zoom or in person, TBD.
Community Music School Student Recital
Saturday, December 5
3 p.m.
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
End of the semester student recital for children enrolled in CMS - Fall 2026.
Central Kansas Community Choir Holiday Concert
Saturday, December 5
7:30 p.m.
First Methodist Church, Great Bend