who we are
Mission Statement
In residence at SUNY Potsdam since 1989, the Community Performance Series is a college-community partnership that presents distinctive and renowned performing arts events in Northern New York.
The mission of the Community Performance Series (CPS) is to be a leader toward a vibrant arts culture at SUNY Potsdam and the surrounding Northern New York region by offering a robust and distinct annual, public performing arts season of exceptional artists and musicians. CPS also enhances educational experiences through high-quality masterclasses, internships, workshops, artistic collaborations, and performing arts programming for students and community members at every learning stage.
Our History
CPS was founded in 1989 by Salvatore Cania, who recognized the need for excellent performing arts opportunities at the Crane School of Music and in the North Country. To demonstrate the new organization’s potential and foster its continued success, CPS was organized as a college-community partnership: it would present world-class entertainment and engage community members in the performing arts. In its 36 year history, the organization has presented artists from across the world and provided inspiring arts education to countless youth and adults in our region.