Actors smile in the theatre production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang

Visual & Performing Arts

Barton has no shortage of events to offer the community. Each season brings a unique flavor of visual and performing arts. Live entertainment. Right in your back yard.

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

Interested in learning more about upcoming events? Join our mailing list!

Upcoming Events

Student Recital 3
Wednesday, December 4
4:30 p.m.
Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel, Barton County Campus 
FREE EVENT
Enjoy instrumental and vocal performances by students of the Barton Music Department.

Holiday Concert
Thursday, December 5
7:30 p.m.
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
A holiday extravaganza featuring the Barton Concert Choir, Hilltop Singers and JazzCats. There is no cost to attend. 

Barton Cougar Dance Day
Friday, December 6
10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Studio 34, Barton County Campus 
FREE - Register for Barton Cougar Dance Day
Recruitment event where high school dance students can be a college dancer for a day.

Community Music School
Saturday, December 7
4 p.m.
Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel, Barton County Campus 
FREE
Music performed by children in the Community Music School, taught by Barton Music Department students.

Christmas at the Old Toy
Saturday, December 7
2 p.m.
Sunday, December 8
2 p.m.
Crest Theater, 1905 Lakin Ave, Great Bend
FREE 
A holiday theatre performance about an antique toy shop keeper and his magical toys. This performance includes local community children and actors. 

Central Kansas Community Choir Holiday Concert 
Monday, December 9
7:30 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 2123 Forest Ave, Great Bend
FREE 
The Cental Kansas Community Choir and Barton's Choir will perform Part 1 of Handel's "Messiah" with soloist for the holiday season. 

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 2024-2025 Schedule of Events

November 2024
November 2024

Auditions: Sing Sing
Saturday, November 2
2 p.m.
Sunday, November 3
2 p.m.
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
Open auditions for students and community for the Spring production of "Sing, Sing Blues" written by our own Eric Smith.

Student Recital 1
Wednesday, November 6
4:30 p.m.
Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel, Barton County Campus 
Enjoy instrumental and vocal performances by students of the Barton Music Department. There is no cost to attend.

Student Recital 2
Wednesday, November 20
4:30 p.m.
Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel, Barton County Campus 
Enjoy instrumental and vocal performances by students of the Barton Music Department. There is no cost to attend

The Nutcracker for the Golden Belt
Thursday, November 21
7 p.m.
Saturday, November 23
7 p.m.
Sunday, November 24
2 p.m.
$15 - General Admission
$10 - ages 6-12 years
5 years & under FREE 
Purchase Nutcracker Tickets (Barton students with ID FREE Admission in Student Section seating)
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
A holiday tradition in the making! The Nutcracker performance is a collaborative project organized by Barton Dance, along with Aly's Dance Studio and Be Dance Studio. The ballet production features local talent and is funded through a grant from the Kansas Creative Arts and Industries.

Sugar Plum Fairy Tea
Saturday, November 23
1 p.m.
Student Union, Barton County Campus
$20 per child, $10 of first child siblings (up to 2 children at discounted price)
Purchase Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Tickets
Children aged 4 years and older are invited to a formal tea with the characters of the Nutcracker ballet. Refreshments, photos, crafts and a learning a Nutcracker dance will be included.

December 2024
December 2024

Student Recital 3
Wednesday, December 4
4:30 p.m.
Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel, Barton County Campus 
FREE EVENT
Enjoy instrumental and vocal performances by students of the Barton Music Department.

Holiday Concert
Thursday, December 5
7:30 p.m.
Fine Arts Auditorium, Barton County Campus
A holiday extravaganza featuring the Barton Concert Choir, Hilltop Singers and JazzCats. There is no cost to attend. 

Barton Cougar Dance Day
Friday, December 6
10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Studio 34, Barton County Campus 
FREE - Register for Barton Cougar Dance Day
Recruitment event where high school dance students can be a college dancer for a day.

Community Music School
Saturday, December 7
4 p.m.
Dorothy Moses Morrison Chapel, Barton County Campus 
FREE
Music performed by children in the Community Music School, taught by Barton Music Department students.

Christmas at the Old Toy
Saturday, December 7
2 p.m.
Sunday, December 8
2 p.m.
Crest Theater, 1905 Lakin Ave, Great Bend
FREE 
A holiday theatre performance about an antique toy shop keeper and his magical toys. This performance includes local community children and actors. 

Central Kansas Community Choir Holiday Concert 
Monday, December 9
7:30 p.m.
First United Methodist Church, 2123 Forest Ave, Great Bend
FREE 
The Cental Kansas Community Choir and Barton's Choir will perform Part 1 of Handel's "Messiah" with soloist for the holiday season.