Experience live, local performances at the newly remodeled Cultural Arts Theater on the RCC campus, kicking off on March 23
Suffern, NY (February 24, 2023) –
Get ready for the curtains to rise for Rockland Community College’s (RCC) next act! The RCC Performing Arts Program has unveiled their incredible lineup of shows coming to the newly renovated RCC Cultural Arts Theater, located in Suffern, NY. From pulse-pounding drama to toe-tapping musicals, the spring schedule has something for everyone. Even better, most of the shows are completely free, so bring the whole family and experience the thrill of live theater together.
The RCC Cultural Arts Theater has consistently buzzed with energy and excitement over the years and become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike. Now, after decades of use, the theater is undergoing a much-needed renovation, made possible by a generous, $250,000 SAM Grant from the State of New York. When the renovation is complete, the 500-seat house will boast all new chairs, fresh carpeting, updated paint, and professional theater curtaining.
The renovations are sure to be a welcome change for the many thousands of people who frequent the Cultural Arts Theater each year. The revamped space is scheduled to reopen on March 6, 2023, and promises to continue to be a beloved community gathering place for years to come. To celebrate the long-awaited reopening of the Theater, a reception will be held on April 27, coinciding with the opening night of the hilarious hit musical, Something Rotten. Don’t miss out on this exciting event – stay tuned for more details as we get closer to the big day.
“We have an amazing lineup of shows this season, and we are thrilled to provide our students with the opportunity to gain real-world experience in theater performance,” said Chris Plummer, the RCC Director of the Cultural Arts Theater. “It’s also an exciting time for the community to see these shows and experience arts and culture – right here – in our county. We can’t wait for audiences to cheer on our young actors and be inspired by the power of live theater.”
This spring, audiences at the Cultural Arts Theater will be treated to a vibrant lineup of performances from a wide range of talent. The schedule of events is as follows:
March 7, 12:30 pm: Irish Coffee House
Black Box Studio (Cultural Arts Center, Room 7100)
Admission: Free
The annual Irish Coffee House Performance at RCC traditionally involves an open-mic afternoon with students and faculty. This year’s event, hosted by the Visual and Performing Arts department, will include music, discussions on Irish culture, and maybe even a few limericks. Additionally, Mary Schaudel will host an Irish cooking show, featuring dishes like scones, potato leek soup, and trifle, while sharing stories about growing up on a farm in rural Ireland. Samples of the food will be served.
March 23, 3:00 pm: Tribute to Professor Dan Masterson
RCC Cultural Arts Theater (seating on the stage)
Admission: Free
Award-winning faculty member, Professor Emeritus Dan Masterson, was a published poet, screenwriter, and mentor who was twice named Poet Laureate of Rockland County, and was a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. His poem Out of the Blue is forever emblazoned on the monument on Campus in remembrance of 9/11. This tribute event, sponsored by the Visual and Performing Arts department, will feature poetry readings, stories, and tributes from his colleagues, family, and friends.
March 29, 7:00 pm: The Thomas J. Moran – CrossRoads Ceili
RCC Cultural Arts Theater
Admission: $10
Click Here and Check Back when Tickets Go Live
In celebration of Irish Heritage Month, the Visual and Performing Arts department presents the annual CrossRoads Ceili. This event will feature song and dance performances celebrating Irish Culture. All proceeds go to Concern Worldwide US, an international humanitarian organization working with the world’s most vulnerable people in the hardest-to-reach places.
April 27-29, 8:00pm: Something Rotten!
RCC Cultural Arts Theater
Admission: $15
Click Here and Check Back when Tickets Go Live
In honor of the Rockland Shakespeare Company’s 25th anniversary celebration, the Visual and Performing Arts department and the Campus Players present the Tony Award-winning musical, Something Rotten! Created by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Wayne Kirkpatrick and successful screenwriters Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, Something Rotten is the comedic story of two brothers setting out to write the world’s very first musical. Something Rotten features large song and dance numbers, and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters.
April & May: 3rd Annual Unity in Community Festival 2023
(List of festival events is coming soon!)
The Unity in Community: Rising as One Festival highlights and honors the collaboration, passion, and compassion that raised up the RCC community throughout the last few challenging years. This celebration of unity marks the appreciation and respect for the unique gifts and talents in all of us, and celebrates RCC as a place that continues to rise and inspire. Most festival events will be free and open to the public.
May 10, 7:00 pm: Improvisation Final Showcase
RCC Cultural Arts Center, Black Box Studio: Room 7100
Admission: Free
See students in the Improvisation I and II courses test their skills in a live setting as they improvise their way through a final showcase for the public. This ever-popular event is always free and fun. Doors open at 6:30pm and seating is limited.
May 11, 7:00 pm: Skills Proficiency Tests for Rapier & Dagger and Broadsword and Shield
RCC Cultural Arts Theater
Admission: Free
Tri-annual Skills Proficiency Tests are sponsored by the Visual and Performing Arts department and adjudicated by members of the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD). Come see students from the Rapier & Dagger and Broadsword and Shield classes perform theatrical stage combat choreography along with published scene work as they strive to earn certification from the SAFD. This event is free of charge and open to the public.
May 13, 7:00 pm: Visual and Performing Arts Dance Concert
RCC Cultural Arts Theater
Admission: Free
The Visual and Performing Arts department’s annual Dance Concert returns to the stage this spring! Students enrolled in the Dance program will put their skills on display as they perform a variety of different types of dance while gaining experience performing in front of a live audience.
May 15, 7:00 pm: Visual and Performing Arts Songwriting Concert
RCC Cultural Arts Theater
Admission: Free
At this annual event for the public, audiences can listen as student songwriters test their material in a live setting, while they also jam with professional musicians.
About the Cultural Arts Theater
In 1983, the Cultural Arts Theater first opened its doors on the Rockland Community College campus. For 40 years, it has served as a hub of creativity and entertainment, welcoming a diverse range of professional and amateur performers, hosting graduations, lectures, political and community events, and serving as a venue for State and County presentations, as well as a variety of College-sponsored activities. Additionally, it has been a valuable resource for Visual and Performing Arts students, enabling them to hone their craft and showcase their talent in front of a live audience.
About Rockland Community College, State University of New York
Rockland Community College (RCC), located in Suffern New York, provides purpose driven educational opportunities in a supportive, affordable, and accessible environment, empowering individuals to positively transform themselves and their communities. RCC welcomes students from diverse backgrounds who appreciate small class sizes and personal attention from a distinguished, award-winning faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. Many graduates go on to top universities to further their education on their own or through RCCs institutional collaborations. RCC also provides career training and professional development to adult learners looking to change careers or upgrade their skills through a variety of programs and educational opportunities including workforce training, certifications, and microcredentials. Many of the programs are developed with employers in the community in high-demand industry areas to enable graduates to move into a new career upon graduation. More information can be found at sunyrockland.edu.
###