A rendering of the 54-year-old theatre, shown without furnishings, depicts cosmetic changes. The Robert S. Zimmer Theatre was named in honor of ACM's first president.
CUMBERLAND, Md (Mar. 7, 2023) — When the Dr. Robert S. Zimmer Theatre’s doors at Allegany College of Maryland reopen to the public this summer, it will be the culmination of thousands of hours of planning, design, demolition, construction, technology and sound engineering, and theatrical rigging. Planning for the capital project began in 2021, with construction starting in November of 2022. A public ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Zimmer Theatre is planned for autumn.
Much of the $2.6 million renovation is funded through public sources. ACM received a $187,500 Community Project Funding grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a $150,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, three Seed Community Development Anchor Institution Fund grants totaling $900,000 from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, and a $250,000 Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund grant from the Rural Maryland Council to make the project possible. A $100,000 donation from the ACM Foundation and additional college funds were allocated towards the project.
The renovation includes readily apparent cosmetic changes, new state-of-the-art sound and stage equipment, technology for online and distance learning, and sound and lighting improvements to adjacent second-floor areas.
Upon completion, the Zimmer Theatre will resume its dual role as a college and community theatre for academic classes, workforce and professional development trainings, student events, lectures, meetings, town halls, public and cultural events, performances, and film screenings. It will have a 343-seating capacity.
