Canon Theatre sets the stage

Canonsburg venue to open later this month

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Attendees outside a ribbon cutting event at the Canon Theatre. [Conner Goetz]

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Local officials and staff from the Canonsburg Educational and Cultural Institute pose around newly unveiled signage outside the Canon Theatre. [Conner Goetz]

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Canonsburg Educational and Cultural Institute President Anthony Colaizzo speaks during a ribbon cutting event at the Canon Theatre. [Conner Goetz]

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Interior of the newly renovated Canon Theatre. [Conner Goetz]

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Interior of the Canon Theatre. [Conner Goetz]

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Concessions staff during a ribbon cutting event at the Canon Theatre. [Conner Goetz]

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CANONSBURG – Live music will soon return to Canonsburg.

Dozens of local leaders gathered at the freshly renovated Canon Theatre on Friday morning to officially christen the new venue that is set to open later this month, signaling a transformational change for the Canonsburg community.

The ribbon-cutting event represents the culmination of over five years of work for the Canonsburg Educational and Cultural Institute (CECI), which came together to purchase and renovate the former Canonsburg Middle School building into the 564-seat Canon Theatre.

The nonprofit purchased the building in early 2025 for $500,000 ahead of a comprehensive facility upgrade to create a leading arts venue for live music, theater and other productions.

Washington County Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Kotula said that while business is the economic engine of the region, “what really creates community is culture.”

“That’s what we’re here to celebrate today: a new cultural offering in Washington County,” he said.

CECI President Anthony Colaizzo thanked local elected officials, CECI board members and a number of donors for their support in bringing the Canon Theatre to life.

“Our vision at CECI is to provide an environment that strengthens community bonds; nurtures and inspires the human spirit; enhances the overall quality of life; and health and cultural enrichment,” he said.

A recent report commissioned by CECI indicates that the theater will drive roughly $250 million in total economic impact over the coming two decades.

Theater Managing Director Blair Trunzo described the official unveiling as a hopeful feeling.

“It’s a feeling of excitement and euphoria, that something is happening that is going to drive this community forward,” he said.

The theater will officially open to the public for a screening of the 1984 “Ghostbusters” film on Oct. 17 before a sold-out performance from veteran local band The Clarks on Oct. 24.

Additional information and ticketing is available online at goceci.org/canontheatre.