The Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center, formerly known as the Orpheum Theater, is home to a number of community theater and children’s groups as well as dramatic and musical performances by a wide variety of touring professionals.

But the theater needs your support to continue its record of high quality entertainment and providing a community resource for local performing arts groups.

On Dec. 3, for the first time, the theater and its volunteers will be seeking public donations with a goal of $5,000 during “Giving Tuesday,” the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Giving Tuesday
has become a traditional day to support charities and nonprofits throughout the country.

“It’s a day for the community to show their support for the theater and what we’re doing,” said Executive Director Emily Garven. “There are a number of equipment and building upgrades we’d like to make, and we’re hoping this will help us in that direction.”

The theater’s supporters will be dedicating the entire day to receiving and cataloging donations which can be made through PayPal or by credit card via the theater’s web site, https://www.marilynrodmanperformingartscenter.org/ or called in by phone to the theater at 508-543-2787. Updates will be livestreamed throughout the day on the center’s Facebook page.
Upgrades the theater is hoping to accomplish with donors’ help include a new sound board and additional handicapped accessibility.
Besides physical improvements, Garven said, the theater also hopes to leverage expanded programming.

“We hope to do even more productions, musicals and some really big acts,” she said.

In the past, the theater has played host to popular celebrity appearances as well as local productions, including comedian Lenny Clark, The Edwards Twins, Maureen Hancock and The Brothers Four. It’s also well known as the home of many children’s and adult theater programs.

Donations can also be mailed to the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center, 1 School St., Foxboro, MA.