Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts Steps Into the Spotlight

When a train station sat at the corner of West River and South Streets, patrons could buy a ticket that would connect them to family, friends or adventure. Now, the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts sits on that same spot, and patrons can buy a ticket that connects them to the creativity of theatre, music, dance and writing.

The building was dedicated as the Wilkes College Center for the Performing Arts in October 1965, as benefactor Dorothy Dickson Darte requested anonymity until after her death. Darte died in 1969, and the facility was renamed the following year. The program for the building’s opening shared President Eugene S. Farley’s vision for the space: “In the decades ahead, it will enable the College to better serve our students and the community.”

And serve it did, hosting performers, writers and political figures. The space also became home to Wilkes students who honed their craft in theatre, music and dance, bringing live performing arts to campus and the community at large.

But while all were welcome in the audience, the building wasn’t welcoming to all.

Bruce Phair ’73, technical director for 36 years, has long been in awe of the facility. “In 1965, this was such a remarkable venue,” he says. “It’s a terrific auditorium.” At the same time, he recalls helping to carry wheelchair-bound audience members up the stairs so they could take in a performance.

The Rehabilitation Act of 1973, followed by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, became law after the doors opened at the Wilkes theatre. Without suitable accommodations, not only was it difficult for some audience members to enjoy productions, but Wilkes was unable to welcome events and guests whose contracts required greater accessibility as detailed in the ADA.

“I think we should be really proud of our history with this facility, but it has been limiting. We haven’t been able to bring in state officials because of accessibility issues. We haven’t been able to bring in certain speakers who had that as a requirement,” says Mike Wood, special assistant to the president.

So six years ago, when Wood and Charles Cary, executive director of facilities, discussed dream projects on campus, renovations to the Darte Center rose to the top of the list.

Wood worked to find funding for the project, securing a $2.5 million Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant with the backing of the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office, State Representative Eddie Day Pashinski ’67, State Senator Marty Flynn, Mayor of Wilkes-Barre George Brown, Wilkes-Barre City Council and Councilman Tony Brooks.

The Darte Center closed for renovation in May 2025. Even with weather-related delays, classrooms opened for the fall semester in August. The theatre opened a few weeks later with Wilkes University Theatre’s production of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang and a ribbon-cutting for the refurbished facility.

Completed over four months, renovations include sloped sidewalks, a new elevator and more accessible seating and restrooms. The lobby features screens so patrons with sensory issues don’t have to miss out on the action, and a refresh of the audio-visual equipment offers improved sound quality and a hearing assistance system.

“The upgrades provide better access to the arts for both patrons and students. They allow more members of our community to participate in the events, performances and ceremonies that we work so hard to put on,” says Alexander “Lee” Corcoran-Michaels, technical director and Darte Center manager. “With our new projection system, we can stay on top of trends in modern performance and train our students on the cutting-edge programs that they will need to be successful in the modern theatre landscape.”

At the ribbon-cutting in October, Pashinski, a music education major, joined the Wilkes University Chamber Singers for the Alma Mater. Pashinski’s remarks showcased his pride in the Darte Center and the performing arts on campus. “I’m so happy that in some way I can come back here again and give back for all that I received from this great college, this great University and this great building.”

Cally Williams also has a soft spot in her heart for the Darte Center. A junior musical theatre major, Williams considers the facility a second home. “I like to say that basically I live here and I just go home to go to sleep,” Williams says. With the upgrades, she’s glad that home is more welcoming to all. “It’s really wonderful to see it renovated so everyone can enjoy it as much as I do.”

In November, guests gathered to celebrate 60 years of enjoyment at the Darte Center with a brunch reception and matinee of Wilkes University Theatre’s musical I Love You Because. Among those gathered to mark the occasion was Richard Kramer ’67. Though Kramer made his career as an accountant, he’s built a life in the theatre. “I’ve been acting since I was eight years old,” says Kramer.

Kramer came ready to reminisce about his acting days at Wilkes, carrying his script for The Madwoman of Chaillot, the first mainstage production in the Darte Center. Cast as Pierre, a wide-eyed, innocent romantic, Kramer chose not to wear his glasses on stage, even though his inability to pass the vision test kept him out of the Naval Academy.

During one performance’s quick exit, Kramer nearly stepped off the landing, but was pulled back by a fellow cast member. “I wasn’t meant to die on the stage,” he says with a laugh. And he continued acting. “I lived in the theatre,” says Kramer, who continues to take the stage, performing for community theatres throughout the area.

Kramer, Williams and countless others have played a part in keeping the legacy of the Darte Center alive. “This building has memories, and we are, and will continue to be, a part of them,” says Williams.

The memories created on stage are shared with the audience, and the renovations have expanded the memory-making magic and community connection. In December, residents of the Meadows assisted living facility in Dallas, Pennsylvania, attended a performance of The Nutcracker and enjoyed it without worrying about accessibility.

Amy Belles, activities director at the Meadows, was thrilled to share the ballet with the residents. “We had a great time. They loved it. They talked about it for weeks afterward,” says Belles. “It was a great experience overall.”

With curtains up on the next act for the ADA accessible Darte Center, Phair hopes for more great experiences for this grande dame of the arts — in keeping with Farley’s vision 60 years ago. “I would love to see more community involvement and use of the facility,” says Phair. “It’s an opportunity for Wilkes to serve as a trustee for the greater Wyoming Valley. It would be nice to see that community appreciation again.”

Since its inception, the Darte Center has been a space for students to learn, supported by the community. An entry in the original dedication program stated: “For two decades we dreamed of a Fine Arts Center, but for most of these two decades the dreams and plans seemed fruitless. Then friends who shared this dream gave funds with which to construct this Center…and a dream was realized.”

Grant funding and support from friends has made this next act possible after six decades of Darte Center dreams and memories. “In many ways we’ve been waiting for this day for 60 years,” says Wood.