Nick DiMarino has been a white knight for the arts at Neumann since he began directing plays on campus in 1986. A champion of artistic expression, he has been a vocal advocate for the construction of a black box theater for more than 20 years, and his dream now has the support that could make it real.

Behind the Curtain, a fundraising event for the project, drew 200 people on November 15 and generated more than $75,000 in revenue. Supporters of the arts were treated to dinner in the Bruder Life Center and a dynamic live performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in the Meagher Theatre. The production involved 60 people, including 17 members of the Delaware County Symphony (directed by Dr. Richard Sayers), Center Stage Productions actors, and Neumann alumni — all on stage the entire time.

A black box theater is a small performance space with flexible staging, lighting, and seating. Named in DiMarino’s honor, the campus black box would allow students and Neumann’s Arts Guild organizations to experiment, innovate, and connect with audiences in powerful and intimate ways.

According to DiMarino, “A black box is a great space for film screenings, lectures, small productions, rehearsals, chamber concerts, theater in the round, workshops, faculty TED talks, live interviews, and group presentations by students. Hopefully it will seat around 100 people and can be reconfigured in many ways.”

The veteran educator taught social studies and performing arts in the Chichester School District for 33 years and founded Center Stage Productions, a community theater group that debuted at Neumann with Man of La Mancha in 1986. He retired from teaching in 2003 and joined the university as coordinator of cultural programming just weeks later. DiMarino estimates that he has produced or directed more than 150 plays during his career. He has been recognized by many civic and educational organizations for his leadership, community engagement, and lifelong advocacy for the performing arts.