Episode 18 - Paul & Lisa Scarmazzi

On Episode 18 of the WashCo Insider, host Chase McClain sits down with Paul and Lisa Scarmazzi, board members of the Canonsburg Educational and Cultural Institute (CECI), to explore the transformation of a historic 1931 auditorium into the new Canon Theatre. Paul and Lisa share the story behind CECI, the challenges of renovating the nearly century-old space, the careful balance between preserving its Art Deco character and creating a modern entertainment venue, and the broader vision for the former Canonsburg Middle School campus. They also discuss the theatre's potential impact on tourism and downtown Canonsburg, upcoming programming, CECI's partnership with Little Lake Theatre, and why the Canon Theatre could become a catalyst for arts, culture, education and economic development throughout Washington County.

From Historic Auditorium to the New Canon Theatre 

A historic stage in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, is preparing for a new chapter.

On Episode 18 of the WashCo Insider, host Chase McClain of the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency sits down with Paul and Lisa Scarmazzi, board members of the Canonsburg Educational and Cultural Institute (CECI), to talk about the transition of the former Canonsburg Middle School auditorium into the Canon Theatre.

Built in 1931, the historic auditorium welcomed generations of Canonsburg families and students. Now, nearly a century later, CECI is transforming the space into a modern venue for live entertainment, theatre, comedy, movies, speakers, community events, corporate gatherings and more.

From a Former School to a Community Destination

CECI was formed in 2021 as community leaders began considering what would happen when the former Canonsburg Middle School was vacated. Rather than allow such a significant property to become a source of blight, the organization began developing a much larger vision for the campus.

The long-term goal extends well beyond a theatre. CECI envisions a community hub built around culture, education, health, wellness and opportunities for residents and visitors to gather.

The Canon Theatre represents the first major phase of that vision.

Preserving the History of the Canon Theatre

Renovating a building constructed in 1931 presented plenty of challenges.

Paul and Lisa explain that preserving the theatre's original character was an important part of the project. Rather than erase its history, the team worked to retain and enhance its Art Deco architecture while creating an experience suited for today's audiences.

Historic elements were reused wherever possible. Original pieces from the stage were even repurposed to create a new entry railing, while existing lighting fixtures were removed, cleaned, refinished and returned to the space.

At the same time, the Canon Theatre has received significant modern upgrades, including new seating, ADA-accessible restrooms and entrances, a state-of-the-art sound system, new lighting, renovated dressing rooms and green room, an updated stage, new drapery, and a bar and concession area.

The result is designed to give visitors the character of a historic theatre with the comfort and amenities of a modern entertainment venue.

A New Attraction for Canonsburg and Washington County

The Canon Theatre could have an impact extending far beyond its stage.

During the episode, Chase discusses an economic impact study that projects $13.8 million in economic impact during the theatre's first year of operations, $250 million over its first two decades, $4 million in annual tourism-related economic impact and 20 new jobs.

The study also anticipates the theatre drawing visitors from approximately a 45-minute drive radius, potentially reaching audiences throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania as well as portions of Ohio and West Virginia.

For downtown Canonsburg, those visitors could mean more customers for local restaurants, shops and other businesses.

Lisa describes the opportunity as creating an ecosystem in which visitors can spend an entire evening in Canonsburg—shopping downtown, enjoying dinner, attending a performance at the Canon Theatre and visiting another local establishment afterward.

The Curtain Rises in Fall 2026

Excitement surrounding the new venue is already evident.

The Canon Theatre's opening performance featuring The Clarks on October 24 sold out in just 48 hours.

And that's only the beginning.

Upcoming programming discussed during the episode includes a Christmas Cocktail Experience, featuring four small Charles Dickens plays paired with Christmas-themed craft cocktails, as well as White Christmas, performed by Little Lake Theatre from December 3–20.

CECI is also looking ahead to additional programming in 2027, including plans for a theatre academy and expanded opportunities made possible through its partnership with Little Lake Theatre.

Beyond traditional performances, the Canon Theatre is expected to host movies, corporate events, nonprofit programs, community gatherings, speaker series and private rentals.

Building Something for the Next Generation

For Paul and Lisa Scarmazzi, the Canon Theatre is also personal.

Both have deep roots in Canonsburg, and their involvement with CECI builds upon decades of investment in the community. During the episode, they discuss their decision through Scarmazzi Homes to make a significant naming-rights investment in the Canon Theatre.

Paul describes the commitment not simply as an opportunity to put a name on a building, but as a chance to give back and create a lasting impact while encouraging other community leaders to contribute their own time, talents and resources.

That community support has been central to the project from the beginning.

As the Canon Theatre prepares to welcome its first audiences, a space remembered by generations of Canonsburg residents is being given a new purpose—one that could introduce an entirely new generation to the building while bringing new visitors into the heart of Washington County.