The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University is a world-class epicenter for the arts, attracting celebrated national and international programs featuring notable performing arts productions and artists. The center allows the university and the center’s supporters to express — and be recognized for — their passion for the arts on a global stage.
Areas of Impact
When you support the The McKnight Center, you help shape the future for Oklahoma State University. By contributing to the fund(s) below, you make our future brighter orange!
McKnight Center Keys to Success Fund
20-01680 - The McKnight Center Fund supports the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University. The fund may be used for programing, building and maintenance purposes. All funds used for programing will be invested, generating annual operating dollars to support programming. Such programing funds may be transferred to the Foundation for the McKnight Center for the Performing Arts, a separate 501(c)(3) entity supporting the programing for the McKnight Center.
The Facility
The state-of-the-art McKnight Center holds a performance hall seating just under 1,100 people, providing an acoustically pure and uniquely intimate experience. The facility also boasts an outdoor plaza with a 32-foot LED screen as well as a recital hall that seats 217. From the grandiose lobby to the elegant patrons lounge, The McKnight Center is a premier venue for the performing arts.
The Programming
The McKnight Center is proud to present world-class artists from around the world made possible by a generous gift from the center’s namesake – Ross and Billie McKnight. The New York Philharmonic opened the 2019-20 inaugural season and is followed by prestigious names in the performing arts world. Donations to the Keys to Success Fund will continue to uphold and enhance the programming offered at The McKnight Center.
Click here to find more information on upcoming McKnight Center performances.
The Outreach
As part of The McKnight Center’s mission in conjunction with Oklahoma State University’s land-grant mission, the center strives to bring the performing arts to all. A partnership with Stillwater Public Schools has already brought hundreds of local students in for free performances and continuing efforts will bring outreach programs to area schools and groups.
The Partnership
In addition to K-12 outreach, The McKnight Center is a proud partner to the OSU Greenwood School of Music. Beginning in the fall of 2019, the school of music utilized both halls for concerts and recitals, giving students a top-of-the-line venue to perform and perfect their skills. Additionally, each performer on The McKnight Center's season lineup offers masterclasses to interested college music students.
The Director’s Circle is The McKnight Center’s most loyal group of annual donors. Members receive benefits including access to Box Seats and the Patron Lounge, invitations to special events, and more.
Benefactor | $25,000+
Performance Tickets
- Option to purchase Box Seats pending availability and gift level
- Access to the Patron Lounge for all McKnight Center performances
- Priority ticket ordering and concierge service for McKnight season and added performances
- One (1) complimentary reserved parking space in the Fourth Avenue Garage for McKnight Center performances
Special Events
- One table for ten (10) at the Bright Night Gala dinner and concert
- One table for eight (8) at the Chamber Music Festival Soiree
- Invitation for four (4) to the Season Announcement in Spring
- Meet and Greet opportunities with artists, as available
Publicity
- Season-long recognition in the printed program and on the McKnight Center website
- Option to direct your gift toward a performance or program sponsorship
Executive Producer | $15,000 - $24,999
Performance Tickets
- Option to purchase Box Seats, pending availability and gift level
- Access to the Patron Lounge for all McKnight Center performances
- Priority ticket ordering and concierge service for McKnight season and added performances
- One (1) complimentary parking pass in the Fourth Avenue Garage for McKnight Center performances
Special Events
- Six (6) at the Bright Night Gala dinner and concert
- Six (6) seats at the Chamber Music Festival Soiree
- Invitation for two (2) to the Producer's Dinner
- Invitation for four (4) to the Season Announcement in Spring
- Meet and Greet opportunities with artists, as available
Publicity
- Season-long recognition in the printed program and on the McKnight Center website
- Option to direct your gift toward a performance or program sponsorship
Producer | $10,000 - $14,999
Performance Tickets
- Option to purchase Box Seats, pending availability and gift level
- Access to the Patron Lounge for all McKnight Center performances
- Priority ticket ordering and concierge service for McKnight season and added performances
- One (1) complimentary parking pass in the Fourth Avenue Garage for all McKnight Center performances
Special Events
- Four (4) seats at the the Bright Night Gala dinner and concert
- Four (4) seats at the Chamber Music Festival Soiree
- Invitation for two (2) to the Producer’s Dinner
- Invitation for four (4) to the Season Announcement in Spring
- Meet and Greet opportunities with artists, as available
Publicity
- Season-long recognition in the printed program and on the McKnight Center website
- Option to direct your gift toward a performance or program sponsorship
Director | $5,000 - $9,999
Performance Tickets
- Option to purchase Box Seats, pending availability and gift level
- Access to Patron Lounge for all McKnight Center performances
- Priority ticket ordering and concierge service for McKnight season and added performances
Special Events
- Two (2) seats at the Bright Night Gala dinner and concert
- Two (2) seats at the Chamber Music Festival Soiree
- Invitation for two (2) to the Season Announcement in Spring
- Meet and Greet opportunities with artists, as available
Publicity
- Season-long recognition in the printed program and on the McKnight Center website
- Option to direct your gift toward a program
Additional Benefits for 5+ year agreement
- One (1) Named Seat in the McKnight Center Performance Hall
- One (1) complimentary parking pass in the Fourth Avenue Garage for McKnight Center Performances
- Rental fee waived for one (1) private event per year at The McKnight Center
- Invitation for two (2) to the Producer's Dinner annually
Friends of The McKnight Center provide critical ongoing annual support for The McKnight Center’s artistic and educational programming.
Center Stage | $2,500 - $4,999
- Priority ticket ordering for annual series and added performances
- Season-long recognition in the printed program and on The McKnight Center website
- Invitation for two (2) to the Patron Lounge during intermission at one season performance
- Invitation for two (2) to Season Announcement in Spring
Backstage | $1,000 - $2,499
- Priority ticket ordering for annual series and added performances
- Season-long recognition in the printed program and on The McKnight Center website
- Invitation for two (2) to Season Announcement in Spring
Debut | $100 - $999
- Priority ticket ordering for annual series and added performances
- Season-long recognition in the printed program and on The McKnight Center website
All memberships renew on an annual basis, at the anniversary of the member’s join date. Performance tickets are not included, with the exception of the Bright Night Gala concert and the Chamber Music Festival Soiree.
About The McKnight Center
Mission
The McKnight Center inspires and transforms individuals’ lives through artistic excellence, shared creative experiences, and impactful learning opportunities. Performances and events are presented in a supportive environment that seeks to eliminate obstacles to attendance for all audiences.
The Foundation for the McKnight Center
The McKnight Foundation exists to manage and operate The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Construction of The McKnight Center has begun and is scheduled to be completed in 2019. The McKnight Foundation is governed by a seven-member board of trustees and an executive director. The foundation will be engaged for the operation and programming of The McKnight Center.
Meet the Executive Director of The McKnight Center
Mark A. Blakeman is the inaugural Marilynn and Carl Thoma Executive Director of The McKnight Center for the Performing Arts at Oklahoma State University, a position he has held since 2017. He brings to the position vast knowledge and direct experience overseeing large-scale construction projects, building programs and raising philanthropic support.
Blakeman works with the McKnight Foundation Board of Trustees and provides strategic direction and oversight to The McKnight Center. His scope of responsibility includes branding and institutional visibility, revenue enhancement, operational and strategic planning, outreach and education, governance and financial management.
