ABOUT THE CCA

The Chelmsford Center for the Arts (CCA) is a community center that focuses on connection, cultural expression, healing, storytelling, and play through the arts.

The CCA provides high quality programs, performances, and third spaces in theater, visual arts, music, film, youth/teen development, and more.

At the CCA, we prioritize mental health, wellness, art, creativity, diversity, and community.

The CCA enhances the quality of life of Merrimack Valley residents and visitors.

Location + History:

Nestled in Chelmsford's historic Town Hall, the Chelmsford Center for the Arts is proud to be the town's only public art institution. The heart of the Merrimack Valley town's government from 1879-1981, the Old Town Hall was used as a community center and even as a charter school until November 8, 2009, when it became the home for inspiring arts & cultural experiences.

Accessibility:

Our building is fully accessible with an elevator to carry guests to all levels, as well as to the stage itself. The CCA is proud to have a Hearing Loop assistive listening system in our Veterans Memorial Auditorium. Guests may enter at ground level at our new main entrance from the parking lot or by way of the Ceremonial Entry, taking the grand double staircase to Veterans Memorial Auditorium.

Meet Our Team

Executive Director - Lauren Cochran (she/her)
Hometown: Chelmsford, MA
Why the CCA is so important to you personally: What excites me most about the Center for the Arts! The Arts of course. I am passionate about music, theatre, dance, art…I am excited to continue the journey of the former directors, Lexy Lattimore and Susan Gates.
BIO: Lauren Cochran worked at the Chelmsford Public School System for 26 years as a music and theatre teacher. With well over 100 directing credits, her plays received many awards from both the Massachusetts High School Theatre Guild as well as the Theatre At The Mount (TAMY). Lauren has studied acting, play production, musical theatre and more at Emerson College, American Repertory Theatre and Suffolk University. Lauren holds a Masters in Education and a Bachelors in Music Education in voice. She has worked as an improvisational actor at Nick’s Comedy Stop and worked in improv in a traveling improv group throughout New England. For years Lauren was involved in many community theatres including Arlington Friends of the Drama, The Jamaica Plain Footlight Club, Quannapowitt Players, Hovey Players and The Vokes Theatre. Having performed for years in community theatre, Lauren fell in love with teaching high school theatre. She is honored to be a member of the Chelmsford High School Hall of Fame. She is looking forward to this new venture in helping to bring the arts to the entire community of Chelmsford.

Our Mission

At the CCA, our mission is to use the arts to increase the quality of life for Merrimack Valley residents and visitors.

Our Vision

Through the arts, we build a vibrant, sustainable quality of life for all. We envision a healthy, inclusive, diverse, welcoming, and multigenerational community. We utilize the arts at every intersection to be adaptive and responsive to our dynamic environment.

Note on Vision Statement: Our Vision statement is derived directly from the Town of Chelmsford’s vision and values. Town vision and values

In everything we do, we ask ourselves, does this W.E.R.C.C. (pronounced “work”)?

Does this collective action, program, workshop, performance, etc.

Enhance Wellbeing
Encourage Empathy
Build Resilience
Support Creativity
Create Connection