Performing Arts Center Ends Year in Black : Culture: Eighth consecutive surplus is achieved despite sluggish economy, but fund-raising effort falls short.

The Orange County Performing Arts Center ended 1993 with a surplus for its eighth consecutive year despite a continued sluggish economy in Southern California, officials announced at the center’s annual board meeting Thursday evening.

Figures released in the center’s annual report Thursday were essentially the same as preliminary numbers announced in late January. Adult paid attendance at center-sponsored events was 301,898, an increase over the 1992 figure of 268,678.

But the $4.1 million in charitable contributions to the center fell short of a $5-million fund-raising goal.

The center dipped into reserve funds for $565,000 to help pay for expensive productions by the New York City Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre.

Center Executive Director Tom Tomlinson unveiled a newspaper ad campaign designed to spotlight the center’s outreach programs and a slide presentation about the center that support groups can screen for potential donors.

Thomas H. Nielsen was reelected chairman of the center’s board of directors, and 15 people were elected to the board.

The Orange County Performing Arts Center, built with privately raised funds, opened in 1986. The center presents musical theater, ballet and jazz performances. Classical music, opera and choral music are presented by other regional groups.