“There was a time when the play — or the symphony, ballet or collection — was the thing. Arts presenters and producers put together their seasons without bundling the works thematically or packaging them as events… [But today,] each season, the decibel level rises higher as arts organizations shout ever louder to get the attention of jaded and distracted consumers. To get and hold their attention, providers and presenters are increasingly offering events rather than shows. They are also packaging seasons under the umbrella of a theme, cross-marketing their wares to attract new attendees and surrounding attractions with a plethora of related events.