Scarmazzi Homes announced as founding name sponsor for Canon Theatre
Longtime Canonsburg business Scarmazzi Homes has committed to a 15-year naming rights donation for the upcoming Canon Theatre, according to an announcement from the Canonsburg Educational and Cultural Institute.
This “landmark” donation will name the newly renovated theater after the noted Canonsburg-based property developer from its grand opening this fall until 2041.
Paul and Lisa Scarmazzi incorporated the company as Hawthorne Partners Inc. in 1999, eventually growing the company into a regional leader in patio and townhome construction across Western Pennsylvania.
The Canonsburg Educational and Cultural Institute (CECI) purchased the former Canonsburg Middle School property for $500,000 in early 2025 with the goal of transforming the space into a premier destination for the performing arts.
“My wife and I love our hometown, and supporting the Canon Theatre is simply our way of giving back to the community,” Paul Scarmazzi, owner of Scarmazzi Homes and Vice President of the CECI Board of Directors, said in a statement. “When we considered this opportunity, we saw it as an investment not only in a theater, but in the future of Canonsburg.”
Scarmazzi Homes’ commitment represents one of the most significant private investments in the Canon Theatre project to date, providing important momentum as fundraising continues toward the theatre’s anticipated fall opening, according to the statement from CECI.
Scarmazzi said, “We believe the Canon Theatre will become a source of pride for our region, support local businesses, attract new visitors and help ensure that Canonsburg continues to grow as a vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family.”
The revitalized theater could drive up to about $250 million in total economic impact over the next two decades, according to a recent economic analysis of the project commissioned by CECI.
Following this milestone commitment from Scarmazzi homes and the recent appointment of veteran musical theater performer and nonprofit leader Blair Trunzo to lead the theater’s day-to-day operations, the Canon Theatre is on track for a pioneering inaugural season this fall.
Renowned Pittsburgh band The Clarks will headline the theater’s debut performance on Oct. 24, with ticket and sponsorship information available online at goceci.org