The Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center is thrilled to announce it welcomed its 100,000th patron days short of the third anniversary of the grand opening on September 24, 2022. This significant milestone was reached on September 20, 2025 during an Open House event welcoming many prospective students to the campus to learn more about SMCM, which holds a special meaning since the performing arts center hosted its first event on September 17, 2022, with an Open House event.
“We are deeply humbled that so many people from across the region have journeyed to this campus, to this spectacular building, tucked away in a relatively remote part of Maryland, where their humanity has been nurtured, educated, entertained and restored by some of the world’s most brilliant artists, lecturers, historians and educators,” said Keith Hinton, executive director of the Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center.
The crown jewel of St. Mary’s College of Maryland, the Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center, has featured acclaimed performers, renowned public figures, student-based events and local favorites for the past three years. The mission to host global talents on a hometown stage for the Southern Maryland community is surpassed each program year at the Dodge Performing Arts Center. The multi-platinum and Grammy-nominated R&B/soul superstars Average White Band set the bar high by giving a sold-out performance at the grand opening of the performing arts center in 2022.
Other great public figures who have graced the hometown stage and sold out the concert hall include Kelly Bell Band, The King’s Singers, journalist Nina Totenberg, comedian and author Rainn Wilson, '80s tribute band The Reagan Years and many more.
“The Dodge Performing Arts Center was the product of a visionary partnership between SMCM and the state of Maryland, reinforced by the philanthropy of Nancy Dodge, and we’re forever thankful for that support,” said SMCM President Rhonda Phillips. “That we’ve achieved this remarkable milestone in just three short years is due to the work of many across campus and in our extended community, starting with Executive Director Keith Hinton and his dedicated staff.”
Not only is the Dodge Performing Arts Center celebrated for its amazing performances, but it has also been awarded for its outstanding design. In 2023, the Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center was named American Institute of Architects (AIA) Maryland’s Public Building of the Year at the organization’s annual Excellence in Design Award.
The celebration comes at an exciting time for the performing arts center, which has two blockbuster upcoming performances for the 2025-2026 season: the dynamic trio The String Queens on Nov. 15, 2025, and bluegrass legend Dan Tyminski on Feb. 14, 2026. These dynamic performers accentuate a season of musical and cultural events from student ensembles, community partners and distinguished guests.
The Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center also houses the College’s Music Department and includes classrooms, music labs, rehearsal rooms and a 125-seat recital hall. The building also showcases a 700-seat concert hall for music performances, lectures, colloquia, other large gatherings; a floor-to-ceiling curved glass lobby area for receptions; and a public art installation.
