SHU Community Theatre
The Sacred Heart University (SHU) Community Theatre opened its doors in 2021 with the motto, “Entertainment & Education in Concert,” and we live up to these words through every event, household-name artist, classic film and enrichment program we offer.
The SHU Community Theatre is a public-facing, world-class performing arts center that presents more than 150 events a year, covering a wide breadth of tastes and programming. The roster of artists who’ve played here is impressive: folk icon Judy Collins, five-time Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Grammy winners Los Lobos and actor and comedian Paul Reiser. Our 493-seat theatre has logged sellout crowds with talks by award-winning writers Fran Lebowitz and David Brooks, SHU and SNL alum Kevin Nealon ’75 and The Doo Wop Project. The theatre has hosted a world music series, townhall talk-back events on hot topics and a “best of the SHU community” showcase highlighting accomplished professors and talented students.
As an entertainment venue at a university, the SHU Community Theatre provides uplifting content that brings people and perspectives together through the Pioneer Spirit. We further SHU’s academic mission: to provide students with hands-on learning experiences in theatre management, performing arts and show production.
Working at the theatre has helped me make industry contacts. The filming specifically has given me content to add to my Director of Photography (DP) Reel, as being a professional DP is one of my goals after graduation.
Entertainment & Education in Concert
Ticket sales cover approximately 50% of the SHU Community Theatre’s annual expenses. We depend on gifts and sponsorships to provide the wide range of programming that touches lives, fills cultural gaps and speaks to many different demographics. Through the Now We Lead campaign, you can strengthen this community resource by investing in:
Memberships
The SHU Community Theatre offers annual memberships to those who believe in the critical value of the arts and education. Members enjoy advance notice of events, free movie passes and the ability to purchase a set number of tickets—all while investing in the upcoming season.
Take-a-Seat Campaign
You can personalize a theatre seat with a plaque inscribed with the name of friends, family or other loved ones—or even a graduation year, favorite song title or business name.
Programming Fund
Cultural enrichment takes commitment. Presenting events that are not commercial successes—whether a jazz series or town hall on mental health—requires support. The Now We Lead campaign provides an opportunity to build a programming fund to ensure that we continue to host activities that make our community stronger.
Sponsorships
Community-minded businesses can become season or event sponsors, enjoying opportunities for exposure and ticketing perks.
Naming Opportunities
The campaign offers the opportunity to name spaces in and outside of the theatre—from the auditorium to the stage or the green room, among others. Naming any of these assets is a fitting way to invest in this vital community hub while honoring a person or organization meaningful to you.
For more information, contact:
Rick Henderson
Associate Vice President for Advancement & Philanthropic Campaigns
203-365-4819
hendersonr2@sacredheart.edu