Theater Well Positioned to Open Post Pandemic

Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center Well Positioned To Open Post Pandemic

May 21, 2021 (Foxborough, MA) The Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center is set to reopen after the pandemic with community programming and additional funding. Under the leadership of the new Executive Director, Catherine Miller, the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center, recently secured a $90,000 state grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC). The grant will be used for critical safety repairs, including a new roof, HVAC system and fire curtain. The grant is part of a $9.1 million package from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund. As part of the grant conditions, organizations must raise matching funds to complete their capital investment projects. The Rodman Awards, streamed live on June 3 at 6:00 PM, presents an opportunity to both honor local individuals and community leaders who have made a significant difference in the past year, and for the public to invest in a local landmark as it reemerges post-pandemic as a vibrant performing arts organization under new leadership and with renewed purpose.

“The Massachusetts Cultural Council has made a significant commitment to the well-being of our historic building. We do not take that lightly. We know that this theater means a lot to the town of Foxborough and the surrounding region. In order to operate at the highest level we need to focus on critical repairs to the infrastructure of the building including replacing the roof and HVAC systems. We are extremely grateful to the MCC for recognizing not only our needs but also the importance of our theater to the economic vitality of Foxborough.” - Catherine Miller, Executive Director

Partners in Patriotism has also shown their commitment to the theater by recently awarding partial funding for the replacement of the mechanism for the fire curtain. These funds, combined with funding from individuals, the MCC and additional sources paves the way for major improvements coming to the theater.

The Rodman Awards will be the first major production in over 14 months at the MRPAC. The organization is inviting the community to support the theater by purchasing a “Fill the Theater” package which includes a three-foot cardboard silhouette which they can personalize with decorations and will sit in the theater for the live-streamed and free event. Packages include restaurant gift cards, event swag and more! Multiple options are available at www.orpheum.org.

In addition to our award winners, The Rodman Foundation will present the Marilyn Rodman Legacy Award to Foxborough resident Rachel Calabrese. This special award honors someone who embodies the characteristics of the theater’s namesake, Marilyn Rodman. Calabrese possesses a strong community spirit, a passion for the arts, has a strong personal and professional focus on equity and access for all, is a creative problem solver and has a forward thinking vision both in her work on behalf of the theater and as Executive Director of the non-profit ConfiKids.

Nominees for all categories include:
Anne Marie Anderson, Jack Authelet, Tina Belanger, Emelie Bonin, Aaron Bush, Kate Campbell, Laura Canfield, Marc Craig, Sophia Davis, Jim DeVellis, A.J. Dooley, Lindsay Deneault, Jennifer & Paul Foley, Tyler Forgeron, Foxboro YMCA, Emily Garven, Paige Gilmartin, Deb Giordino, Gnomes for Neighbors, Makayla Hickey, Todd Kaiser, Greg Kanelos, Eve Keddy, KP Senior Spirit, Amy Labrache, Rebecca Leonard, Beverley Lord, Stephen Massey, Pam McGuire, Christopher McNamara, Kristen Nicholson, Kirsten Oberoi, Jan O’Neil, Mary Elizabeth Rich, Dan Sheehan, Bob Siteman, Jim Slattery, Reggie St. Germaine, Doug Suess, Cami Tedoldi, Nicole Vachon Hanlon, Walpole Children’s Theater, Kristen Walsh, Michael Webber.

About the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center
The Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center is run by a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization, the Foxboro Regional Center for the Performing Arts. The MPRAC is committed to serving the Foxborough region as a resource and destination for arts, entertainment, educational and community needs. The MRPAC is air-conditioned with 396 seats, is fully accessible and has full theater concessions. MRPAC has year-round programming for all ages including children's workshops, sensory-friendly performances, movies, comedians, concerts, plays, musicals and more. For additional information please visit www.orpheum.org.

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