Maltz Jupiter Theatre announces that it has received a generous $2 million donation from Founding Board Member Roe Green and the Roe Green Foundation, designated for the expansion of The Goldner Conservatory. The $2 million donation is part of a larger fundraising campaign for the Conservatory’s expansion. Construction has already begun and is expected to be completed by the fall. From now on, it will be named “The Goldner Conservatory at the Roe Green Education Center.”
Producing Artistic Director and Chief Executive Andrew Kato says, “This transformative gift will allow us to expand our educational reach and provide even more young people with access to high-quality arts education. It’s going to change a lot of lives.”
Green is the recipient of the 2009 Ohio Arts Council’s Governor’s Arts Patron Award, the President’s medallion from Kent State University, and awards from the Cleveland Play House, University of Colorado, and Maltz Jupiter Theatre. She received the Dramatist Guild Fund Award for her work with new plays in 2013. In 2015, Ms. Green received the Kent State University College of the Arts’ inaugural Centennial Award for her service and patronage. In 2017, she will receive the Theatre Forward Leadership Award at the Theatre Forward Chairman’s Awards Gala. Green is a founding board member at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre, making significant gifts annually. In 2013, Green donated a transformative $1.5M to expand the second floor Green Room and Club Level Lounge. In 2023, she donated $150,000 as a “closing gift” that allowed construction for The Island Theatre to move forward.
Roe Green
After studying theatre in her youth, Green says she is a “firm believer in education.” With Arts Education, specifically, Green reiterates that theatre classes are very important in “giving students a voice and allowing them to have an open mind.” She believes that the Roe Green Education Center will give students a chance to explore and an opportunity to learn things like communication, etiquette, and professionalism. That couldn’t be done without Andrew Kato, whose “positivity and strong work ethic,” allows for a successful collaborative relationship, says Green.
Before Green’s donation, some board members had already committed to donating half a million dollars. However, this changed when Andrew Kato, Producing Artistic Director and Chief Executive, surprised other board members by announcing a major pledge of $2M would be raised. At that same meeting, several more board members jumped into action and raised their paddles to aid in the fundraising goals. These additional donations covered the remainder of costs to begin construction, thus allowing the vision to come to life.
Christina Rynasko, Director of Development, remembers, “It was really remarkable to watch. So much changed in just a few minutes, as we actively watched as our goals became a reality and our dreams came to fruition.”
The Goldner Conservatory currently offers a wide range of programs, including after-school classes for all ages, summer camps, spring camps, and one-day camps. The planned expansion will create an 8,600 square foot facility, doubling the size of the original space. This new space will feature a Reception Area & Offices for a welcoming and professional environment, a Library for focused work and reflection, Recording Studio for learning voice-acting, a Piano Studio for music instruction and practice, two Acting Studios for developing performance skills, Computer Room for creative and computer learning, a large Dance Studio for versatile programming and rehearsals, Locker Rooms with changing areas and bathroom facilities, and an Intern Office to support the next generation of theatre professionals.
Third Floor Conservatory Lobby Rendering
With all of these additions, students have the chance to learn and grow in the performing arts at the highest level. After Green’s significant contribution, the Conservatory is projected to possibly double its student capacity, serving an estimated 1,200 students per week upon completion. This space will serve as a vital resource for years to come, ensuring that the arts remain a thriving part of young people’s lives.
This donation marks a great achievement in the fundraising history of the Theatre, however, to continue to sustain the vast amount of productions and program offerings each year, our work is never done. As we continue to grow, we ask our community to participate. This can be done by volunteering, purchasing tickets, making tax-deductible contributions, joining our Circle of Friends Membership Program, or being a part of our Rays of Light Legacy Society.
To get involved, contact Director of Development, Christina Rynasko at crynasko@jupitertheatre.org
