Frequently Asked Questions

Why aren’t some community groups satisfied with the State Theatre, Penn State or high school facilities?

While all of these venues are fantastic resources for the community, these facilities do not work for all performing arts organizations in the Centre Region. University and high school facilities are for their use first, so community groups cannot always book these venues and have also had contracts rescinded due to the primary stakeholder’s needs. The size of the venue is also a consideration. For example, the State Theatre stage is not large enough to accommodate the Nittany Valley Symphony. There is also little wing space off stage, which makes dance and theatre performances difficult.

Even more important than the performance space, is the need for dedicated rehearsal space. Finding spaces to rehearse consistently prior to a performance is difficult and time-consuming. This new venue will be a space where the community groups are given priority. In addition, there will be office space available for community performing arts groups which are currently renting space around the area. Having one location for administration, with the ability to share services such as copiers and meetings rooms would be ideal.