HENRIETTA, NY – On April 10, 2026, SWBR joined Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) leadership, students, and community members to celebrate the grand opening of RIT’s Performing Arts Center — a significant step in the university’s ongoing commitment to the arts and creative expression.
Long recognized as a global leader in innovation, design, and applied research, RIT has pioneered new opportunities for students whose interests extend beyond technical education. More than 2,000 students now participate in performing arts programs, supplemented by over 50 student-run clubs, including jazz ensembles, dance companies, theater groups, and a symphony orchestra known for performing music from video games and film.
Rooted in the legacy of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) and inspired by the vision of former RIT President David Munson, the 50K SF facility embodies an inclusive, technologically advanced, home for the performing arts. The heart of the facility is a 750-seat theater with two balconies, immersive sound and lighting, projection capabilities, and comprehensive Deaf and hard-of-hearing accessibility. Dedicated costume and scene shops support rehearsals and productions.
The Center also fills an important gap in Rochester’s cultural landscape. While the region offers small theaters and large concert halls, mid-sized venues are limited. Designed to serve both campus and community, the Center will host concerts, workshops, lectures, and visiting performances.
SWBR served as Architect of Record, alongside Design Architect Michael Maltzan Architecture and LeChase Construction.
Pictured: Members of the project team from Michael Maltzan Architecture, LeChase Construction, and SWBR celebrating the opening of the facility.
“RIT’s Performing Arts Center is a landmark building,” said SWBR Principal-in-Charge Mark Maddalina, AIA. “Its elegance conceals its technical complexity, and the collaboration of the many experts engaged in the design and construction process made it possible. RIT has developed this world-class environment where students of all majors, backgrounds, and abilities can explore and collaborate at the highest level, and we’re grateful to have been a part of this project.”
The community will have another chance to experience the space during the Imagine RIT open house on April 25, complete with onstage access, interactive equipment demonstrations, and behind-the-scenes exploration.