Tasha Oxendine joins GPAC team

By Laura Mininno
Senior Staff Writer

The Givens Performing Arts Center has appointed a new Marketing Director.

Tasha Oxendine will promote GPAC's four performing arts series, build partnerships with area business and perform media and public relations.

Photo by Ariel Houchens Tasha Oxendine, new GPAC marketing director, said she feels at home in Pembroke.

A 1995 graduate of UNCP and alum of the Mass Communications Department, Oxendine said it's great to be back.

"I have lots of old friends and several members of my family on campus or connected with the university," said Oxendine. "Somehow, it's like coming home."

Prior to returning to UNCP, Oxendine was bureau chief for WBTW TV-13 in Florence, S.C.

A former broadcasting major, Oxendine said that she had considered marketing before, and several parts of her television career involved the field.

"I'd often take an issue or subject and we'd literally sell it to the viewer," said Oxendine. "I've worked with the WBTW sales team over the years contacting prospective customers so it's not completely new to me."

The position of marketing director involves working "behind-the-scenes" of many of GPAC's productions, such as the Distinguished Speaker Series.

Oxendine said the experience of working with theatre is very new for her.

"I've never taken a theatre class in my life, so these first three weeks were a crash course," said Oxendine.

Patricia Fields and David Thaggard, GPAC's executive and assistant directors, respectively, are "schooling" the new director on the performing arts, show promotion and how they make GPAC run like a "well-oiled machine."

"My first concert and Broadway show were awesome," said Oxendine. "The excitement of the fans, the frenzy to get people in and the satisfaction of happy customers is a rush for me."

Very excited about her new position at GPAC, Oxendine said Givens offers a broad range of artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for everyone in this area.

"For young and old it's a chance to see some of the best shows and entertainers in the country," said Oxendine. "And they're Tuesday, November 8, 2005e said she is thrilled to assist in such a grand opportunity to showcase the arts.

"I hope to see everyone at the Nutcracker!" she said, already enthusiastic about the future of GPAC's performances.

For more information about shows, contact Oxendine at (910) 521-6634 or email her at tasha.oxendine@uncp.edu.