The Bartholomew Performing Arts Center on the York College campus is nearing completion. A public ribbon cutting and openhouse are planned for October 23 at 3:30, ​with occupancy of the building to take place in the spring semester of 2016.

The multiform black box theater with seating for 300 patrons will be a major enhancement to the campus and to the community, says Assistant Professor of Music Amy Fraser.

​​Fraser predicts that York will become more of an arts hub for the region, thanks to this facility.  The music and theatre programs are planning workshops, festivals, and guest clinicians and performers to be hosted on campus. While nothing is on the calendar yet, the campus is preparing for exciting events on the horizon.

“Our faculty has a lot to offer, but we haven't had a facility that enables us to do these kinds of events in the past,” says Fraser.
 
“We are excited to have a facility that the community can use and when they come out to support the arts at YC, they will have a much more comfortable and accommodating space."​

Fraser says community members will likely use the Bartholomew Performing Arts Center for music and dance recitals for private studios, as well.

Plans are still forming for ​a rotating art gallery in the lobby area of the building, where area artists will be featured. “We want to show the community and our students that you don’t have to travel far to see great art,” says Fraser. “There are many talented artists right here in our community.”

Fundraising continues for the Bartholomew Performing Arts Center. The final component to the effort invites theatre patrons to “take a seat” with a gift of $100. Every person or business that sponsors a seat will be recognized on a plaque in the facility. To make a gift, visit www.york.edu/give.