April 10, 2026, marked the grand opening of RIT’s one-of-a-kind Performing Arts Center. With 50,388 square feet of space, the venue can seat up to 750 patrons and provides performing arts students with an official space to call their own.
The ribbon cutting took place at 9:30 a.m., drawing in students and faculty from varying departments on campus. The opening of this facility brings with it excitement from the RIT community and students like second year Film and Animation major and Performing Arts Scholar, Anna Widger.
“The grand opening just really shows how important the performing arts are to RIT,” stated Widger, “and I think it’s really exciting for both myself and other people to be able to express our passions.”
The center, created with both performers and patrons in mind, is intended to host a variety of events, including dance shows, multimedia events, musical concerts and theatrical plays. With the support of a state-of-the-art theater, rehearsal facilities, adaptable performance areas and cutting-edge lighting and sound systems, the center offers a refined vibe that will help performers better adjust in their professional careers.
“Having this space and really having something very professional allows me to feel not only more comfortable, but have a lot more confidence in my abilities,” stated Widger.
Second year Biotechnology and Chemistry double major and student guide for the theater discipline, Kelsi Berghahn, was also at the ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“Theater is one of the greatest communities that I know and have been lucky enough to be a part of,” stated Berghahn. “Having this larger venue open up to not only our direct students and faculty, but also for the Rochester community to be able to share in a love of performing arts is definitely going to strengthen what’s already here.
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Along with the ribbon-cutting ceremony, two other events took place in the new space that day – the Presidential Perspectives on RIT’s Transformation discussion, which took place at 11 a.m., and “Till There Was You”, the inaugural cabaret-style show, which took place at 7:30 p.m.
“Till There Was You” was an all-encompassing display to celebrate the Performing Arts Center’s grand opening. It included various musical pieces like “The Sentinel” and “As Long as You’re Mine,” as well as tap dancing, a performance from RIT Steelband and even a surprise barbershop quintet performance by former RIT president David Munson.
