About us
About the Pocono Center for the Arts
The Pocono Center for the Arts was born from a bold vision, one that says art belongs here, in the heart of our community. For years, the Pocono region has dreamed of having a dedicated space where artists, performers, educators, and neighbors can come together to connect, create, and thrive. That dream is no longer just a vision, it’s happening now, and we invite you to be a part of it.
A Creative Hub for Everyone
Led by a group of passionate, lifelong arts advocates, our founders have poured their hearts into making this center a reality. With decades of combined experience in theater, music, visual arts, and education, they’re building more than just a building they’re creating a beacon of creativity for generations to come.
Located right on Main Street in downtown Stroudsburg, our future home will be a lively, welcoming space designed to spark imagination and foster collaboration across all ages and backgrounds. Here’s a taste of what’s to come:
Theater performances & rehearsals that bring stories to life on stage
Rotating art exhibitions & gallery showcases that spotlight local and regional talent
Hands-on creative workshops & classes for artists of all skill levels
Community events, cultural celebrations, and pop-up performances that energize the town
Whether you’re a seasoned performer, a curious student, an emerging artist, or an arts-loving neighbor, there will be something for you here.
A New Chapter Begins
After years of dreaming, planning, and a global pause during the pandemic, we’ve officially secured our future home and we’re rolling up our sleeves to build something truly special. This is more than a center; it’s a movement, and it’s just getting started.
A Nonprofit with Heart
We’re proud to be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, fueled by community support and the belief that the arts have the power to transform lives. Every donation helps us fund performances, pay artists, build out our space, and offer accessible programming for all. When you support us, you’re not just backing a project you’re helping to shape the creative soul of the Poconos.
Get Involved. Stay Inspired. Grow With Us.
From Broadway-style shows to youth workshops and gallery openings, Pocono Center for the Arts will be a place where magic happens and everyone is invited.
Our space will brings together fully equipped theaters, flexible classrooms, art galleries, studios, rehearsal halls, recording suites, artist residences, and a gift shop all under one roof. It’s will be designed for students, educators, professionals, and visitors who believe in the power of art to connect and uplift.
We will offer a wide range of programs and events from Broadway-style performances and student showcases to exhibitions, culinary workshops, and masterclasses with industry professionals. Our community initiatives include drama festivals, playwright competitions, and accessibility programs that create space for everyone to participate.
Backed by a board of accomplished artists and arts leaders, the Pocono Center for the Arts is a place where talent is nurtured, stories are shared, and creativity thrives. Whether you come to learn, perform, teach, or simply be inspired this is your space.
Our Vision
Our Mission
To create a Poconos destination center for the visual and performing arts that inspires, educates, and enlivens the human spirit — while offering a supportive home for other arts-based organizations.
Facilities and Spaces
01 - Main Stage Theater
Fully equipped for concerts, plays, musicals, and dance productions
02 - Black Box Experimental Theater
Fully equipped for concerts, plays, musicals, and dance productions
03 - Classrooms
Fully equipped for concerts, plays, musicals, and dance productions
04 - Studios and Shops
05 - Residences
06 - Restaurant
07 - Galleries
08 - Gift Shop
09 - Office & Meeting Spaces
Our Facilities
The complex will offer multiple soundstages in a series of three story buildings. The first floor will also contain a full commissary, construction workshops, mill shops, spray booth and screening room. The second floor will contain dressing rooms, hair and makeup, prop storage and wardrobe storage. The top floor will house production offices, conference rooms, and dimmer rooms for each of the studio lighting.
Enclosed by precast concrete panels with aluminum and glass curtain walls, the concrete walls between sound stages control sound transmission between production spaces. Studio full grid heights of 35 and 45 feet allow for the most demanding set requirements. Each stage would be 28,000 square feet with full two wall cycloramas making them the largest on the East Coast.
Our Team
Board Members
Skip Scheetz
President
Jody Singer
Executive Vice President
Dr. Roger McFadden
Secretary Treasurer
Stephen DeAngelis
Producing Artistic Director
Dr. Martin Diorio
Joann Farda
Maryanne Heeter
Kenneth Long M.B.A.
Michael Perry
Dr David Ruth
Mathilda Sheptak
Steve Sheptak
Richard Spezzano
Emeritus
Artistic Board Members

Charl Brown
(Motown The Musical; Sister Act)
[Tony Award nominee)

Robert Creighton
(The Little Mermaid; Frozen; Anything Goes)
[Drama Desk Award nominee]

Eril Dilly
(A Christmas Story; Chitty Chitty Bang Bang)
[Tony Award Nominee]

Lisa Howard
(It Shoulda Been You; The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee)
[Drama Desk Award Winner / 2X Drama Desk Award Nominee]

Janine Lamanna
(Seussical; The Drowsy Chaperone)
[Drama Desk Award Nominee]

Anika Larsen
(Almost Famous; Beautiful; The Corole King Musical)
[Tony Award Nominee; Drama Desk Award Winner]

Gavin Lee
(Mary Poppins; SpongeBob Square Plants; Les Miserables)
[2X Tony Award Nominee; 2X Drama Desk Award Winner]

Brittney Mack
(Six The Musical)
[Drama Desk Award Winner]

Judy Mclane
(Mamma Mia!; Kiss of the spiderwomen)
[Drama Desk Award Nominee]

Jon Peterson
(Cabaret)
[Drama Desk Award Nominee]
