Reading Area Community College tells commissioners Miller Center usage has grown to 250 events a year
December 04, 2025 | Berks County, Pennsylvania
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Dr. Looney and Vice President Tony DeMarco of Reading Area Community College told the Berks County commissioners on Dec. 4 that the college’s Miller Center for the Arts has grown into a regional venue used for a wide range of campus and community events.
DeMarco said the center now hosts more than 250 events annually, up from roughly 50 a few years ago, and credited an endowment from Marlon Miller for enabling higher‑profile bookings. "We have taken it from where it was used 50 times a year maybe to where we're using it now over 250 times a year," DeMarco said.
The presentation listed multiple categories of activity: rentals (including the Berks Jazz Fest and numerous children’s dance groups), presented season shows (fall and spring), student productions and institutional ceremonies such as GED commencements and nursing pinning. DeMarco said the theater program has expanded into an official major with about 45 students and that student productions are free to the public.
He also described recent facility investments and programming designed to broaden access: the college opened a Black Box theater in the Oakham Library for smaller productions and classroom use, and college staff and students operate a holiday toy drive and family event that includes a story reading and film screening at no charge.
DeMarco previewed part of the spring season, citing a mix of family shows, tribute and touring acts, and speaker events the college expects will attract visitors from across the region. He said the Miller Center’s expanded schedule has helped increase membership and bring out‑of‑market attendees who sometimes stay overnight and support the local hospitality industry.
Commissioners in attendance praised the Miller Center’s programming and encouraged residents to attend. The presentation closed with staff fielding questions on bookings and potential reuse ideas for a separate property owned by the college; no formal county action followed from the presentation.
Looking ahead, DeMarco said the college is continuing to develop programming and community partnerships and will provide further scheduling details for the public as they are finalized.
DeMarco said the center now hosts more than 250 events annually, up from roughly 50 a few years ago, and credited an endowment from Marlon Miller for enabling higher‑profile bookings. "We have taken it from where it was used 50 times a year maybe to where we're using it now over 250 times a year," DeMarco said.
The presentation listed multiple categories of activity: rentals (including the Berks Jazz Fest and numerous children’s dance groups), presented season shows (fall and spring), student productions and institutional ceremonies such as GED commencements and nursing pinning. DeMarco said the theater program has expanded into an official major with about 45 students and that student productions are free to the public.
He also described recent facility investments and programming designed to broaden access: the college opened a Black Box theater in the Oakham Library for smaller productions and classroom use, and college staff and students operate a holiday toy drive and family event that includes a story reading and film screening at no charge.
DeMarco previewed part of the spring season, citing a mix of family shows, tribute and touring acts, and speaker events the college expects will attract visitors from across the region. He said the Miller Center’s expanded schedule has helped increase membership and bring out‑of‑market attendees who sometimes stay overnight and support the local hospitality industry.
Commissioners in attendance praised the Miller Center’s programming and encouraged residents to attend. The presentation closed with staff fielding questions on bookings and potential reuse ideas for a separate property owned by the college; no formal county action followed from the presentation.
Looking ahead, DeMarco said the college is continuing to develop programming and community partnerships and will provide further scheduling details for the public as they are finalized.
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