9-11-2023 4:16am

NEW THEATER GETS

Stevenson University Secures $1 Million Donation For Black Box Theater In New Performing Arts Center

OWINGS MILLS - Stevenson University has announced a $1 million donation from the Herman and Walter Samuelson Foundation to construct a 225-seat black box theater within Stevenson's new Performing Arts Center.

The Sandra and Malcolm Berman Family Performing Arts Center, slated to begin construction in 2024, will be a 38,000-square-foot facility on Stevenson's North campus academic hub. The facility aims to serve as a community hub, offering special events and programs for external groups and organizations - strengthening Stevenson University's relationship with the greater community.

In recognition of the generous gift, the 225-seat theatre will be named the Herman and Walter Samuelson Foundation Theater. It promises to be a focal point for not only the Theatre and Media Performance program students but also those involved in various other fine arts projects, including English Language and Literature, Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising, Film and Moving Image, and Graphic Design programs.

The Samuelson brothers, Baltimore natives, and influential figures in the city's business community were the University of Maryland School of Law graduates. They were also engaged in charitable initiatives, with Herman co-founding the Jewish Convalescent Home. According to the University, the Samuelson Foundation previously donated to Stevenson in 2016, providing scholarships for nursing students committed to working at Sinai Hospital.

"Louis and Phyllis Friedman's friendship and support have been instrumental to the growth of Stevenson University. Their extraordinary efforts have contributed to the expansion of our campus and facilities, including the upcoming Samuelson Foundation Black Box Theater," said Stevenson University President Elliot Hirshman.