The Pullo Center
The Pullo Center at Penn State York features a 1,016-seat theatre with full production capabilities. The Pullo Center offers a diverse array of touring shows, concerts, and cultural, community, and educational events.
Construction on the 71,000 square foot facility began in December 2004 and the highly anticipated completion of the building was marked by the grand opening on August 25, 2005. The $11.9 million facility was constructed with a combination of state funding from the Department of General Services in Harrisburg, University funds, and with the generous contributions of local donors. The building overlooks the City of York and offers amazing vistas from the theatre lobbies.
Design professionals worked hard to ensure that the theatre offers the intimacy of a much smaller theatre by incorporating a full mezzanine and several different seating areas including upper and lower level parterres. The fully equipped theatre has state-of–the-art lighting and sound systems, and one of the largest stagecapabilities in the area. The full fly tower above the stage allows touring and traveling shows of all types to be able to perform in the space, while back stage amenities treat performers to a comfortable and welcoming environment.
The Pullo Center is the home of many technical rehearsals for national touring shows, and offers a variety of Broadway, children’s shows, comedy, and concert events.
In addition to the theatre, the lower section of the building houses general purpose, studio, and art classroom space. The campus’ new Lee R. Glatfelter Library is also connected to The Pullo Center. The library houses group study rooms, stack space, instructional space, and a computer lab. Visitors to the library have a spectacular view of Memorial Park, the City of York, campus, and the woods.
The performing arts center and the library are connected by the John T. and Paige S. Smith Atrium, designed to be open to the floors above and below. There is ample use of glass to take advantage of natural light and the vistas to the north. The Bistro at Penn State York, a popular local café, has a location in the atrium. The café is open weekdays and also during events at the performing arts center.
