University Advancement staff members works year-round on event logistics, marketing and fundraising. Its members put together pieces of the giant puzzle of Front & Center 2006 in spring 2005 during the first on-campus strategy meetings. These meetings are followed by a series of planning sessions in fall with the Blue Ribbon Committee and the production team members. During this time, Gladys Knight is selected as the evening's headliner. Writer/lyricist Carolyn Gardner begins work in earnest on script and songs shortly after the star is selected.

This work progresses as auditions are held in December, drawing close to 100 enthusiastic students to tryouts in the Performing Arts Center. Final selections of cast members are made immediately. Food tasting takes place in January.