Flickinger Center Revitalized Under New Leadership: Gerard Gibbs Ushers in Upgrades, Partnerships, and Dynamic 2026 Season

Alamogordo, NM – January 31, 2026 – Since taking the helm as Executive Director in August 2025, Gerard Gibbs has brought fresh momentum to the Flickinger Center for the Performing Arts, one of southern New Mexico’s premier cultural venues. A seasoned oboist, early music specialist, and arts administrator with experience at organizations including the Empress Theatre, Akron Symphony Orchestra, and New Spire Arts, Gibbs is focusing on facility enhancements, expanded community partnerships, broader audience engagement, and a diverse lineup of events to position the historic theater as a vibrant hub for creativity and connection.

Gibbs’ arrival followed a national search, with the nonprofit venue welcoming his vision for inclusive programming that blends national touring acts, local productions, educational outreach, and collaborative initiatives. Under his leadership, the Flickinger continues to host over 40,000 visitors annually while addressing past challenges and building renewed excitement in Alamogordo’s arts scene.

Facility Improvements for Safety and Longevity

A key priority this year is a $100,000 construction project aimed at enhancing patron and performer safety. The upgrades, reported in early January 2026, include essential repairs and improvements to ensure the venue remains secure, accessible, and reliable for years to come. Additional enhancements, such as a new crack-free sidewalk in front of the building at 1110 New York Avenue, reflect ongoing efforts to modernize the historic space while preserving its character.

Strengthened Community Ties and Partnerships

Gibbs has emphasized collaboration, reengaging the Flickinger as a stop on the monthly New York Avenue Ghost and History Tour hosted by 2nd Life Media. Held on the second Saturday of each month, the tour weaves ghost stories, historic architecture, local lore, artist murals, and downtown sites—including the Flickinger—into an immersive experience that highlights Alamogordo’s heritage. Call 575-520-2785 for more information. 

The venue is also deepening its partnership with the Sacramento Mountains Foundation, hosting their speaker series. This includes An Evening with Gary Sinise on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 7:00 PM (doors at 6:30 PM), featuring the acclaimed actor (Forrest Gump’s Lt. Dan) and veteran advocate in a moderated discussion on resilience, strength, and service.

Community theater remains a cornerstone, with strong ongoing support for local groups using the stage to nurture talent and entertain families.

Community Theater Spotlights

• Children’s Music Theater of Alamogordo (CMToA): This inclusive nonprofit empowers young performers through musical theater. The cast for Shrek the Musical! has been selected after a competitive audition process that required four hours of deliberation due to exceptional talent. Rehearsals are in full swing, with excitement building for this family-friendly adventure.
Show Dates: May 1, 2, 8, and 9 at 7:00 PM; May 3 at 2:00 PM (all at the Flickinger Center). 

• Alamogordo Music Theatre (AMT): Marking over 50 years as an all-volunteer nonprofit, AMT delivers high-quality musicals with community involvement. The cast for Mean Girls: The Musical has been announced, with organizers praising the unreal talent from auditions. Rehearsals are underway for this sharp, hilarious production. AMT has teased three major musicals for 2026, with more details forthcoming.

Upcoming 2026 Events and Season Highlights

The Flickinger’s calendar mixes national tours, films, inspirational talks, and local gems to appeal to diverse audiences:

• Uptown: A Celebration of Motown – Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM: High-energy tribute blending timeless R&B classics with modern hits, featuring Bruno Mars-style stage presence, powerhouse vocals, and crowd-pleasing choreography.

• An Evening with Gary Sinise – Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 7:00 PM: Motivational conversation presented by Sacramento Mountains Foundation.

• Mountainfilm on Tour in Alamogordo – Friday, February 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM: Inspiring selection of adventure, culture, and environmental documentary shorts from the renowned festival.

• Tony Jackson: Do You Remember Country Music – Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM: Nostalgic celebration of classic country sounds and stories.

The season continues to evolve with additional national acts, film screenings, community events, and theater productions—including CMToA’s Shrek in May and AMT’s Mean Girls. Tickets are available via Etix on the official site.

Under Gibbs’ direction, the Flickinger Center is not only upgrading its physical space but also strengthening its role as a welcoming, inclusive destination for arts, history, and community in Alamogordo.

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