The groundwork has begun for a new theatre at the University of Mary Washington, as the campus community gathered on April 16, 2026, to celebrate with a groundbreaking ceremony. With construction set to begin this summer, following site preparation work this year, the idea of the building, or more accurately, the ideas that will thrive and come to life there, are already front and center.
“Today we aren’t just talking about a building. We are talking about an investment in creativity, collaboration and the hands-on learning that define a Mary Washington education,” said UMW Provost Tim O’Donnell. “This will be a teaching and learning laboratory designed to expand those opportunities with the space to create, experiment and grow.”
Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine ’84, referenced the new theatre as a cultural beacon to downtown and a front door to the arts, noting how the work, energy and creativity of the facility will be visible to everyone who passes by on William Street.
“This theatre will be a landmark that defines our skyline by night and enriches our civic life by day,” she said. Read more about the groundbreaking event for UMW’s new theatre.