Chautauqua Institution is pleased to announce the highly anticipated black box theater in the Roe Green Theater Center is to be named in honor of Chautauqua Institution’s 18th president Michael E. Hill, who served from 2017 through 2025, and his husband Peter M. Korns.  

The Michael E. Hill & Peter M. Korns Theater, a state-of-the-art intimate performance space seating 99 patrons, will be home to a full slate of programming during the season and will operate year-round dedicated to the development of original works. The theater is made possible through a generous gift from longtime Chautauquans and devoted supporters of Chautauqua’s rich heritage in the performing arts, Sarah and Bruce McWilliams. “Michael has been a driving force behind completing the Roe Green Theater Center. It is only fitting that we celebrate the commitment, leadership, notable partnerships, and innovations Michael brought to our arts program overall, along with his many achievements across all four pillars during his tenure,” Ms. McWilliams said. “Peter and Michael poured their heart and souls into making Chautauqua stronger for the future, and we are so excited that this theater will stand as a reminder of their time here and the profound difference they have made to Chautauqua.” 

“The flexibility of this adaptable space offers Chautauqua Theater Company (CTC), students and future artists-in-residence a level of creative freedom that will cement Chautauqua’s position as a leading incubator and producer of new American work,” noted President Hill. “It has been exciting to see this long-awaited vision for Chautauqua’s next chapter in theater become a reality. Peter and I are deeply humbled and honored to share a permanent place in its new home, especially for a program that means so much to us both. And that this gift comes from the generosity of our dear, personal friends, Sarah and Bruce, makes it all the more special.” 

“This new theater is a game-changer for CTC — a space that will allow us to nurture bold ideas, welcome a wider range of artists, and push the boundaries of what’s possible on our stage,” said CTC’s Producing Artistic Director Jade King Carroll. “Having it named for Michael and Peter is a perfect legacy. Michael Hill’s unwavering support and belief in our vision have helped shape CTC’s path, and this space stands as a lasting tribute to his vision and commitment to the future of theater at Chautauqua. 

This is more than just a black box theater, more than a mere building — it’s a commitment to the future of storytelling at Chautauqua. It gives us the space to incubate, to experiment and to grow new plays and artists. With this transformative space, we’re planting seeds for the next generation of American theater. CTC cannot thank Sarah and Bruce enough for their extraordinary support.” 

Construction of the Roe Green Theater Center is underway and the doors on America’s bold creative hub are on target to open in 2026 thanks to the continuing generous philanthropic gifts from many Chautauquans and supporters of the Chautauqua Institution mission.