“Theater enters a new stage…The gods are smiling down on the Portsmouth Music Hall…there’s more to the theater than entertainment.” - Boston Globe

In the mid-1980s, Portsmouth’s 1878 Music Hall was headed for demolition…until supporters, individuals and businesses stepped forward to save the historic theater, central to the community for generations past. When The Music Hall emerged as a non-profit organization in 1988, it was built on the vision and hard work of these concerned residents and community leaders. Over the last 20 years, The Music Hall, under the leadership of a volunteer board and professional staff, has risen to meet the needs and goals of the community, presenting inspiring programs in music, theater, dance and cinema; literary and educational initiatives. It has touched the lives of many.

In 2003, The Music Hall earned national recognition as An American Treasure, awarded as “an enduring symbol of American tradition that defines us as a nation.” Today, the 900-seat historic theater operates nearly 365 days a year and engages more than 100,000 patrons, including 20,000 school-aged children, in the arts and learning.

Since 2003, The Music Hall has grown dynamically with new programs and participation:

• Ticket sales for Music Hall live performances have surged 90%
• Membership has soared from 900 to 2,400 households – the highest in The Music Hall’s 20-year history as a nonprofit
• Overall revenues, including funds raised, have jumped 50%, from $1.9 million to $2.8 million
• A record 175 corporate partners pledged an unprecedented $230,000 in financial support for the 2007-2008 season

If you’re not yet supporting The Music Hall as a member, corporate sponsor or partner, we encourage you to join us. The benefits to you, your family, your company are many. Your contribution will strengthen and advance The Music Hall’s impact as an arts and education center for the broadest community, and save this historic theater for generations to come.