Salem University Opens Sophia Gordon Center For Creative And Performing Arts

From Salem State University: Salem State University will open its fully-renovated, state-of-the-art theatre with a performance of Bob Martin and Don McKeller’s musical comedy, The Drowsy Chaperone, a parody of American musical comedy of the 1920s. On opening night, April 20, residents of the city of Salem and members of the Salem Chamber of Commerce will receive free admission.

Tickets can be reserved and purchased by calling 978-542-6365 or at www.salemstatetickets.com. Tickets are $15 for general admission, and $10 for students and seniors for the below dates and times:

• Thursday, April 20, 7:30 pm (Free admission for Salem residents and Salem Chamber of Commerce members. Free tickets must be reserved ahead of time by phone.)
• Friday, April 21, 7:30 pm
• Sunday, April 23, 2 pm
• April 27, 28 and 29, 7:30 pm
• Sunday, April 30, 2 pm

“We’re excited to welcome the community into what is now our largest classroom on campus,” said Patricia Maguire Meservey, president of Salem State University. “Our theatre students have long received rave reviews and prestigious awards for their work, and the sky’s the limit with this state-of-the-art space. We are profoundly grateful to those who made this theatre a reality. It will transform what we can bring to the community, as well as the experiences of students in our creative and performing arts programs.”

The Sophia Gordon Center for the Creative and Performing Arts was made possible through the generous support of donors and funding from the state’s Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance. Bernard and Sophia Gordon contributed $3 million for the building’s renovation and an additional $3.3 million for arts programming at Salem State. Additional funding support came from contributions to the 10,000 Reasons campaign, Salem State’s largest-ever comprehensive fundraising effort, which raised $26.5 million.

The 10,000 Reasons campaign will officially celebrate its victory on Saturday, April 22, along with the theatre’s ribbon cutting. The campaign’s success came from over 12,000 contributions, including 94 percent participation from faculty and staff and 100 percent participation from the Board of Trustees, Salem State Foundation, and the Alumni Board. The campaign’s funding priorities includestudent financial assistance, academic programs, student services including important support for internships, co-curricular opportunities, faculty support, and internationalization efforts, among others.

“This theatre is a prime example of the transformative impact that contributions to our university can have for our students and programs,” said President Meservey. “The positive impact of those who have chosen to support Salem State will be on full display in classrooms across campus for years to come.”

Image Via Pixabay