About Cumberland Theatre
Cumberland Theatre is dedicated to the art of performance, bringing captivating stories to life on stage. Our mission is to create a vibrant community where creativity thrives, and audiences can experience the magic of live theatre. We strive to present diverse productions that inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, offering something for everyone in our community.
Founded by a group of passionate artists, Cumberland Theatre has grown into a cornerstone of the local arts scene. We proudly showcase a variety of performances, from classic plays to contemporary works, while encouraging local talent to shine. Join us in celebrating the transformative power of theatre and discover how we make a difference in our community through the arts.
 Pride and Prejudice |  The Rose Tattoo |
|---|---|
 Nevermore |  Mammia Mia |
 The 39 Steps |  The Play That Goes Wrong |
 Cumberland Theatre |  Dirty Rotten Scoundrels |
 Biloxi Blues |  Young Frankenstein |
 Macbeth |  Heartbreak Hotel |
 The LIttle Mermaid (Stars of Tomorrow Program) |
Our Story
The Cumberland Summer Theatre was initiated as a project of Frostburg State University, becoming independent of the University in its fourth season. It was started when President Herb Reinhard wished to revive the dormant summer theater program at the University. A member of the University’s theatre faculty, Professor David Press, convinced President Reinhard that the university could help spark regional economic reinvigoration if the theatre was located in or near downtown Cumberland, and if it was a professional theatre associated with the university. President Reinhardt appointed Dr. Press to organize it with the assistance of Dean Philip Allen. Enthusiastically backed by President Reinhard, the two became the nucleus of the university/ government/ community team that started the theatre. In the initial season, Press, the Artistic Director also served as producing director. In the second season, Allen was made Executive Director and assumed the producer’s role with Press serving under him as the Artistic Director.
Dr. Philip Allen, with the assistance of President Reinhard and Dr. Press, established a Board of Trustees chaired by Shirley Giarritta. The Board consisted of representatives from the University, County and City administration members, local businesses, and interested area residents. Tremendous effort and tireless fund-raising resulted in the incorporation of the Cumberland Summer Theatre in 1987.
In 1988 & 1989, the fledgling organization staged summer seasons of rotating repertory theatre. In the initial season, Press, the Artistic Director also served as producer. In the second season, Allen was named Executive Director and assumed general management and producing functions with Press serving under him as Artistic Director. In the third season, Mr. Pat Julian was engaged, becoming the first year around, full time Producing Director and general manager for the theatre on the Downtown Mall.
In 1991, Dr. & Mrs. Nicholas Giarritta purchased, and with assistance from the State of Maryland, renovated an empty church building on Johnson Street, the current home of the Cumberland Theatre. With Dr. Giarritta as General Manager, the new Cumberland Theatre and Creative Arts Center opened featuring a sold out production of the musical Nunsense starring Denise Lor, directed by Don Whisted, the theatre’s Artistic Director.
Mr. Whisted served as the Artistic Director from 1991 - 2016 and has produced and/or directed over 100 productions. When Mr. Whisted retired in October of 2016, Kimberli Rowley & Rhett Wolford were engaged as co-artistic directors. Since then, the theatre season has been expanded to include six - eight main stage shows, a youth theatre program, Shakespeare in the Park and several other special events throughout the season.
In early 2018, the theatre was awarded $50,0000 by the Community Legacy fund to make much needed repairs on the building. A state of the art hearing looping system was added and the sound system was upgraded significantly thanks to sponsorship from Allegany Hearing and Balance and the Community Trust Foundation.
During the COVID Pandemic, the theatre was awarded over $200,000 in grant funds for renovations and other necessary repairs to the building. The theatre reopened with a full season in March of 2021.
In 2023, Mr. Wolford stepped down as the Co-Artistic Director, but still works for the theatre as a scenic and lighting designer. Ms. Rowley is currently serving as the Artistic Director.