UNIVERSITY PARK (Tuesday, May 7)— Since its own professional debut on May 8, 1974, Eisenhower Auditorium has been designated an artist’s stage, a classroom, a religious worship hall, a volunteer’s destination, a graduation ceremony rite of passage, and a cultural and community connector.
During its 2024—25 season, the Center for the Performing Arts will pay homage to its home base and the building’s involvement in the State College community.
The much-needed performance hall with a unique-shape opened with a collaborative concert featuring the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and University Choirs. Since then, it’s offered its stage to scores of student clubs and professional touring artists.
“I’m looking forward to celebrating all that Eisenhower Auditorium was, is and will be moving forward,” said Laura Sullivan, the marketing and communications director at the Center for the Performing Arts. “The activity in the building throughout the next year will be electric. We will honor the legacy as we continue to build our new vision for the future.”
Watch Center for the Performing Arts online at https://cpa.psu.edu// to keep up with 50th-anniversary announcements, events, features and more.
“Flashback Forward” kickoff event
At 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22, longtime State College favorites Famly Brew (former members of the Phyrst Phamly), The Screaming Ducks and Pure Cane Sugar will kick off the building’s year-long commemoration with “Flashback Forward: Eisenhower Auditorium Turns 50!”
General-admission tickets are $15. Tickets are available for purchase online at https://am.ticketmaster.com/psuarts/quickbuy?id=NDUx, by calling 814-863-0255, or in person, weekdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at Eisenhower Auditorium.
Food and beverages will be available for purchase from vendors in front of the auditorium starting at 5:30 p.m. The event, a partnership between the Center for the Performing Arts and the Penn State Alumni Association, is part of the We Are Weekend activities.
Visit “Flashback Forward” online at https://cpa.psu.edu/events/flashback-forward for more information.
2024—25 season teaser
The Center will announce its 2024—25 event season on Tuesday, July 30, with events that will especially appeal to fans of touring Broadway, modern and cultural dance, cirque arts, and classical and country music.
Tickets for season events go on sale at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 7, to members and at 10 a.m. Thursday, August 8, to the public. Order tickets online, by phone at 814-863-0255, or in person (10 a.m.–4 p.m. weekdays) at the Arts Ticket Center in Eisenhower Auditorium.
Tell us your Eisenhower Auditorium story
Throughout the year, the Center will revisit moments in Eisenhower Auditorium, and we’ll share throwback anecdotes, archival photos and informative features.
Read an overview of Eisenhower Auditorium’s history at https://cpa.psu.edu/features/eisenhower-auditorium-history-feature-0.
Do you have a memory or story specific to Eisenhower Auditorium that you’d like to share? Email Heather Longley at HXL44@psu.edu.
Become an Arts Insider at https://cpa.psu.edu/artsinsider to keep up with news, features and programs related to the Eisenhower Auditorium 50th anniversary celebration.
Not a member?
Not only do members get first dibs at tickets, member support makes possible a variety of programs that bridge artists and audiences.
Memberships are free at the Student level and rise to Producer Circle. Visit membership online for more information about levels and benefits.
Supporting the Center for the Performing Arts’ legacy is easy. Become a member or renew your existing membership online at https://am.ticketmaster.com/psuarts/donate/group/NQ%253D%253D; or contact Lindsey Landfried, director of arts advancement, at 814-863-1167 or via email at lindsey.landfried@psu.edu.
Press
Email marketing associate Heather Longley at hlongley@psu.edu to request an interview with center Director Sita Frederick.
For more information about the season, visit the Center for the Performing Arts online, Facebook and Instagram.
