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.
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The CCA provides high quality programs, performances, and third spaces in theater, visual arts, music, film, youth/teen development, and more.
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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.
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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.
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Meet Our Team
Executive Director - Lauren Cochran (she/her)
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.
Rental and Events Coordinator - Timmy Chase (he/him)
Timmy Chase is a proud alumnus of Chelmsford High School and Southern New Hampshire University, where he earned a degree in Creative Writing & English. With a passion for the arts, Timmy finds it fitting to work in a building with an immense amount of diverse creativity. Currently, he coordinates events and manages rentals at the CCA, where he takes pride in witnessing the center's growth and expansion. Timmy encourages everyone to engage with the incredible talent showcased at the CCA every day.
Concessions Manager - Sebastian Hoffman (he/they)
Sebastian Hoffman graduated MCC with a degree in Theater and has been an active performer in theater companies/venues all over new England since the age of 5! Sebastian has also spent 7+ years during (and after) his college years in the service industry at a multitude of coffee shops, and restaurants where he learned the gold standard for organized food and drink practices. Being a jack of all trades (and a master of some) allows him to fit into the many roles and needs of the CCA to keep it running smoothly. You can find him mixing a cocktail at almost any CCA event (perhaps even putting on a performance at one), or about any room in the building making sure things are up to snuff! One little known fact: if you hear a piano echoing throughout the halls of the building during his off hours, he’s probably playing it.
Technical Director - Tim Rose (he/him)
Tim Rose has been a fixture in the Eastern Massachusetts Community theater for over 20 years. He has a degree in Theater form the University of Maryland, Frostburg, and has received numerous awards and nominations for acting, production, lights and sound. He is a member of the Screen Actors Guild and teaches guitar and theater. In addition to his skill as a lighting and sound designer, Tim is also a foley artist and voice actor. He regularly publishes his songwriting and performing podcast, The Tim Tunes Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts. He is pleased to be a part of the Chelmsford Center of the Arts team and looks forward to contributing to the success of the arts in Chelmsford.
Marketing Manager - Emma DeWitt (she/they)
Emma DeWitt is a proud Chelmsford High alum and a graduate of the University of Hartford, where they received a BFA in Acting. Emma's love for the performing arts has connected them to the CCA ever since they were a child. Outside of their love for performance, they also enjoy graphic design and the internet, with several successful social media campaigns under their belt. Both of these passions make them a perfect fit for the position of Marketing Manager. Some responsibilities include designing online ad campaigns for CCA events, engaging with local organizations to further promote programing, managing direct community engagement, and much more!
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.
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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.​
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Enhance Wellbeing
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Encourage Empathy
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Build Resilience
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Support Creativity
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Create Connection