The Merryman Performing Arts Center (MPAC) is a renovated historic theater located in Central Elementary School near downtown Kearney. The MPAC strives to offer exceptional, nationally touring dance, professional music, theatre performances, and educational events, which seek to culturally reward audiences and participants. The MPAC is the area's major presenter of regionally and nationally known professional artists and touring companies. More than 700 area residents in 56 communities in south central Nebraska attend Merryman Season Performances.

The MPAC achieves these goals with selected programming and continual outreach to underserved area audiences. The educational programs serve all area school children at no cost to the students. MPAC seeks funding for programming costs to continue to provide FREE matinees and reduced priced tickets for families. Help the Merryman continue to be an "engine of creativity" for area youth and a place of "affirmation" for communities in Central Nebraska.