Rogers Center Celebrates 10 Years of Entertainment
In 1999, Merrimack College welcomed a 29,000 square foot 600+ seat performing arts center to campus in an effort to bring the College and greater Merrimack Valley together to enjoy the arts.
Ten years later, over 50,000 people walk through the doors of the Rogers Center for the Arts annually to enjoy local, national, and international performing groups; art exhibits; and free film screenings.
On March 25 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., invited guests will help celebrate the decade of success achieved by the Rogers Center for the Arts. The event’s special guest is Joyce Kulhawik, beloved arts and entertainment critic and champion of the arts. Not open to the public.
While offering hundreds of shows a year, the Rogers Center also serves as a deeper campus and community resource:
- The student theater group the OnStagers and the jazz ensemble perform twice a year on the Rogers stage; and the dance team and concert choir rehearse regularly in the Center;
- McCoy Gallery located in the lobby of the Center, exhibits work by professional artists, culminating annually with a student art show;
- The Tambakos Film Series features free screenings of classic films monthly during the academic year and summer months. Other film series have included: International Film Series, A Faith and Film Series, and Silent Film Series;
- The Center is also a popular venue for local recording artists utilizing the available acoustics, booking over ten recordings annually;
- Local school groups learn about acoustics, sound, and lighting in the Rogers Center;
- Rogers Center is home to many community organizations including: Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Orchestra, New England Civic Ballet, Pentucket Players, New England Classical Singers, New England Ringers, Andover Choral Society, Andover Chamber Music Series, New England String Ensemble, Blue Window Group, Treble Chorus of New England, Reading Symphony.
- Merrimack student workers get valuable experience working the box office, taking tickets, selling concessions or performing technical work;
- The College is also researching a new program of study in theater arts that would utilize the Rogers Center.
Maureen Lanigan, Director - Rogers Center for the Arts
“The Rogers Center continues to provide a very stimulating and artistic environment, I love the creative atmosphere. It provides more community on campus, enlightens students to the arts, and has enriched the cultural fabric of the College and beyond.”
Dr. Ronald Champagne, President of Merrimack College
“The Merrimack campus and the greater community wouldn’t be the same without the artistic contributions of the Rogers Center for the Arts. I congratulate the Center on ten years of success and wish for another productive decade.”
# # #