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Wednesday, September 2, 2026
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Lehman’s Lovinger Theatre Gets Some Love With $1.15M Public Investment
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and NYC Council member Eric Dinowitz sign the presentation check for $1.15 million
September 2, 2026
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and Council Member Eric Dinowitz have brought more love to the Lovinger Theatre with a $1.15 million capital investment, celebrated by Lehman College and CUNY leaders and members of the campus community at a check presentation today in the theater.
“I’m unfailingly amazed by the level of support, enthusiasm, and engagement that our elected officials have shown us,” said Delgado in his remarks. “The arts are essential to the educational experience and the cultural life of the Bronx, and this investment will help ensure that the Lovinger continues to bring joy and inspiration to our campus community for years to come.”
A 500-seat proscenium theater, Lovinger is a frequently used venue for performances, cultural programming, and special events in The Bronx. The allocation will support upgrades of audience facilities, production equipment, sound systems, and technology—all elements that contribute to memorable experiences for theater-goers, actors, and those behind the scenes.
Henrey Ovalles, director of the Lovinger, offered a glimpse of how the funds will enhance theater education at Lehman. “Our students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard lighting systems, staging equipment, acoustic infrastructure, digital technology, and other tools that are essential to today's performing arts and live-event industries,” he said.
“This historic investment is a testament to the work of our students and faculty, but also to the greater Bronx community that depends on and counts on these spaces to share their messages, civically engage their audiences, and showcase their talents,” he added.
CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodriguez spoke about the facility as both a cultural resource and a professional training ground for all aspects of the performing arts.
“When we think about the theater, we might think about the playwright and the actors, but there is an entire ecosystem of staff working together to make it happen, said Matos-Rodriguez—“an entire community of individuals who make a living there. Art is food for the soul, but also a source of economic development.”
Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and NYC Council member Eric Dinowitz were joined by Vice Chancellor Dermot Smyth, Chancellor Félix V. Matos-Rodriguez, President Fernando Delgado, and Provost Jorge Silva-Puras, along with members of Lehman Stages, Lehman Center, and Bronx Shakes.
Council member Dinowitz noted that the upgrades will help position the venue for a strong future as a cultural and civic asset in the Borough.
“This complete overhaul will ensure the Lovinger Theatre remains a space where students can express their creativity and where our community can come together for events, performances, concerts, and other programs,” he said.
In her remarks, Borough President Gibson highlighted the theater’s prominence in the Bronx’s vibrant performing arts scene. “From concerts and musical performances to dance recitals and theatrical productions, Lovinger Theatre is a valued institution in our borough that exemplifies the versatility of our community spaces,” she said.
By way of demonstrating that value, the event offered a preview of the Lovinger’s role as a launchpad for the next generation of talent. Before the check presentation, Lehman College students and alumni performed an excerpt from William Shakespeare’s The Tempest, previewing the new BronxShakes production opening Sept. 10.