New nonprofit launches to strengthen Rochester’s performing arts ecosystem

Listen to this article

A new nonprofit arts organization has launched with a singular mission: to ensure Rochester’s performing arts community has the financial backing and operational support it needs to grow.  

Performing Arts in Rochester (PAIR) aims to serve as a bridge between local performing arts groups and the community patrons and corporate sponsors eager to champion their work. 

By pairing Rochester’s diverse creative talent — spanning music, dance, comedy and theater — with essential funding, PAIR seeks to fuel innovation on stages across the region. 

“PAIR was founded on a simple, yet powerful, belief — that a thriving arts community requires a strong financial foundation,” said Natalie Fuller, executive director of PAIR. “We streamline the process of presenting shows, allowing artists to spend more time creating, as we provide access to performance space, production assistance and visibility to a wider demographic of patrons.” 

The nonprofit’s first major initiative, The Five Star Bank Series presented by PAIR, marks a significant early partnership. Five Star Bank is the inaugural corporate sponsor, enabling the presentation of multiple performing arts productions at The Theater at Innovation Square beginning in 2026. Applications for the first series are open through Dec. 31. 

“We are thrilled to support PAIR and the inspiring artists who will share their talents with our Rochester community,” said Martin Birmingham, Five Star Bank president and CEO. “As a community bank, we are committed to supporting cultural initiatives and creating opportunities for the communities we serve.” 

Applications are encouraged from both established and emerging groups—including theater companies, dance organizations, musical ensembles and collaborative artists—throughout the region. Submissions may be made at PAIRochester.org. 

PAIR will assist productions with essential needs such as venue rental, staffing, marketing and technical support. Participating groups will also retain profits from their ticket sales, a significant benefit. 

The nonprofit’s formation is rooted in the lived experience of Fuller and her husband, Karl Stabnau, who opened the 700-seat Theater at Innovation Square in 2021.  

Through their work presenting local and national productions, they observed the financial and logistical barriers that prevent many Rochester-area arts organizations from bringing their work to the stage. A shortage of accessible performance spaces has compounded those challenges. 

Fuller, an internationally recognized trumpeter and educator, holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Eastman School of Music and teaches at SUNY Brockport, Rochester Institute of Technology and Eastman Community Music School. She is joined on PAIR’s board by jazz musician Mike Cottone and Marc Iacona, CEO and president of Simcona Electronics Corp. 

[email protected] / (585) 653-4021