Civic Theatre Partners with ‘Berg
Muhlenberg College and The Civic Theatre of Allentown have announced a new four-year partnership, beginning July 1, 2013, that will support Civic’s Digital Cinema Challenge and provide Muhlenberg students, faculty, and staff with expanded access to Civic Theatre facilities and programs.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 10:18 AM
"The College has been an active and enthusiastic community partner with Civic Theatre for at least a decade, and I am thrilled that we are building on that strong relationship in new and creative ways that will benefit both organizations as well as our Allentown neighborhood. We were both among the original members of the West End Alliance, a group formed to promote the historic West End Theatre District," said Muhlenberg President Randy Helm. “Our students have easy access to Civic Theatre, which is just a few blocks from campus, and this new alliance gives them more opportunities and a greater incentive to enjoy the cultural offerings of our community.
Certain special events generated by the partnership will be open to the public, including a late night film series, which will show at least 10 films per semester; red carpet screenings for ‘Berg’s HYPE program and other student film projects; and the possibility of hosting events such as A Cappella Fest, an annual concert from the College’s six a cappella groups.
Additionally, Civic Theatre will offer daytime access to its spaces to the Muhlenberg community. A formalized internship program will be established, and students will receive free year-long memberships to Civic Theatre, giving them a discount on all films and theatrical programming.
"Although Civic Theatre and Muhlenberg have championed Allentown and our West End neighborhood for many years, Civic believes that this formal partnership with the College is a dream come true," says Michael Traupman, Civic Theatre's Managing Director. "We have always relished the opportunity to provide our Muhlenberg neighbors access to independent film, theatrical programming, and special events that enhance the exceptional education they receive from the College, and this partnership will open Civic's doors even more members of the Muhlenberg College community. In conjunction with the cultural atmosphere of the campus, Civic hopes to expose the students to additional experiences in developing a lifelong appreciation for the cinematic and performing arts. An important by-product of our combined effort is the influx of students and faculty in the 19th Street corridor. I can't think of a more exciting way to continue the buzz currently being generated by our revitalized neighborhood."
Founded in 1848, Muhlenberg College is a private, highly selective, liberal arts college affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. For the past seven years, its department of theatre and dance was ranked in the top 10 in the country by The Princeton Review, and its film studies program is popular and well-regarded.
The Civic Theatre of Allentown is a landmark, community-based, professionally staffed performing arts center. They exist to enrich the lives of people in the Lehigh Valley through theatre, cinema and theatre education. One of the great landmarks of Allentown and a beacon for the West End, the theatre is a keystone to the City's revitalization efforts and, in particular, of primary importance to the vibrancy of the West End. For more than 80 years, the Civic Theatre has provided live theatre, independent and foreign films, and other cultural entertainment to the City of Allentown.
