of The Cumberland Theatre
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A Brief History of The Cumberland Theatre |
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The idea of creating a professional theatre was first conceived by former Frostburg University President, Dr. Herb Rhinehart. Assisted by Dr. Philip Allen, a Board of Trustees was named consisting of representatives from the University, County, and City administrations, as well as from the business community. This original Board was chaired by Shirley Giarritta with Dr. Allen serving as Executive Director and Dave Press as Artistic Director. Cumberland Summer Theatre, Inc., a not-for-profit organization, opened its first season of Rotating Repertory Theatre featuring three productions totaling six weeks of performances. Gerry Snelson, puppeteer and playwright, produced additional shows for young audiences. For the first three years (1988-1990), the Theatre was housed in the historic Schwartzenbach building in downtown Cumberland through the generosity of the First Federal bank. FSU provided housing and transportation for the actors, as well as providing accounting services and marketing personnel. Most importantly, FSU provided the vision and guidance required to make regional professional theatre a reality. Dr. Philip Allen's devoted involvement and creative ability as executive director paved the way for what has grown to be one of the finest theatrical experiences in Maryland.
In 1992 Don Whisted was hired as Artistic Director. We were aware that Don was a fine actor, singer, and director. However, we were not aware of the many other talents he possesses - his casting ability, set design and construction, graphic design (brochures, posters, and program), costuming, script writing, piano virtuosity, etcetera. He expanded the Theatre's season from three shows to seven shows over the next six years with fiscal responsibility and constraint, a welcome virtue. Don has been an incredible asset in contributing to the Theatre's remarkable longevity and ever-increasing quality as a viable art form. Now launching our eleventh season, Cumberland Theatre offers over twenty weeks of theatre; the budget has grown from $60,000 to $235,000! We welcome your support in generating the revenues and enthusiasm needed to underwrite quality theatre for our shared community, as well as for visitors to Western Maryland. Thank you !! |
Pat
Julian was hired as producer-director in 1990, combining the positions of
Executive Director and Artistic Director. 1991 proved to be a crucial year
for the Theatre, as FSU could no longer provide in kind services and other
financial support, due to budgetary restrictions. Additionally, the
Schwartzenbach building was about to be sold. Dr. Nick Giarritta, Chair of the
Facilities Committee, purchased and, with assistance from the State of Maryland,
renovated a former church building on Johnson Street, now known as The
Cumberland Theatre/Creative Arts Center. In the Theatre's fourth season,
the new building was dedicated, the parking lot was joined with neighboring
First Presbyterian Church's parking lot, actors were being housed in a
neighboring convent (courtesy of St. Mary's Church), and seating was donated
from the Synagogue. The
season opened with "Nunsense" !