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May 7th 2026
NYA Announces Safford Theater and Dining Revitalization Campaign
North Yarmouth Academy (NYA) is giving a historic campus space—the Safford Center, home to NYA’s dining and theater programs—a major upgrade, including plans to transform the dining space and modernize the school’s theater into a state-of-the-art venue for performances that highlight the talent of NYA musicians, speakers, and performers.
In summer 2025, gifts totaling more than $200,000 funded an update to NYA’s dining area. The project introduced new furnishings and fixtures, along with an improved design that allowed students and faculty to come together in a more welcoming, inclusive environment.
Building on this momentum, NYA is planning additional upgrades during the summers of 2026 and 2027 to complete the dining enhancements while undertaking a major revitalization of the school’s beloved theater in the Safford Center. This second phase of updates represents a $1.6 million campus investment, which is completely funded through philanthropy. To date, $1,251,596 has been raised toward the total project cost, reflecting strong support from parents, alumni, families, and friends of the Academy including leadership support from James ‘98 and Renée Cabot P’30, P’32, P’36, Chris and Alyson Claudio P’29, Case and Abigail Lynch GP’29, GP’31, Sig and Anne Thompson ‘88 Schutz P’23, P’24, Hall and Debbie Thompson P’88, P’90, GP’23, GP’24, Rob and Betsy Tod P’20, P’25, and the Welch Charitable Fund.
To help complete the project funding, Valentine '87 and Michelle Sheldon P'29, P'31 have generously offered a $250,000 dollar-for-dollar matching gift, presenting a powerful opportunity for the community to double the impact of their support and bring these transformative upgrades to fruition. To learn more or support the project, contact Jennifer Richard, Director of Development.
Planned theater upgrades include a larger stage and a dramatically expanded balcony, increasing from 500 to 1,500 square feet and adding 45 new theater seats. The modernized stage will include state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, along with a high-quality projection backdrop to support performances, presentations, and events. The expanded balcony will also provide café-style space designed for dining, meetings, events, and social gatherings.
The renovated space will also be home to the new Deborah and Hall Thompson P’88, ’90, GP’23, ’24 Arts Hall of Fame, honoring the school’s rich legacy of achievement in the visual and performing arts while inspiring future generations. The Arts Hall of Fame will recognize the significant contributions of alumni, faculty, and community members who have shaped NYA’s cultural life. Hall Thompson, a former trustee, and Debbie Thompson, a former faculty member, established the Arts Hall of Fame to “support the important updates to the Safford Center while also honoring the artists who have helped define NYA’s community and to ensure that the arts continue to thrive here.”
Submit a Nomination: Nominate a talented artist in the NYA community for induction into the Deborah and Hall Thompson P’88, ’90, GP’23, ’24 Arts Hall of Fame.
“NYA is profoundly grateful to the benefactors whose leadership, generosity, and belief in our mission are making the transformative renovation of the Safford Center possible. Their philanthropic support will enhance daily student life, strengthen our commitment to celebrating the arts, and allow us to thoughtfully restore this historic space into a vibrant venue that will serve and inspire future generations,” said Head of School Ben Jackson.
