Hippodrome Foundation

Through free outreach and education programs, the Hippodrome Foundation works to introduce Maryland students and community members to the arts and all of the assets of the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center. By exposing young people to new possibilities, we are raising the curtain on opportunity.

The Hippodrome Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3, non profit organization established in Baltimore, Maryland in 1976. Formerly known as the Baltimore Center for the Performing Arts (BCPA), the foundation was originally created to present live theater at the Morris A. Mechanic Theatre. Over the years, HFI has evolved into its present incarnation as the largest presenter of Broadway in Baltimore (and Maryland) working in partnership with Broadway Across America to bring in the very best possible shows. Hippodrome Foundation, Inc. is housed in offices in the spectacular France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, which is made up of more than 160,000 square feet of performance venues, production support spaces, public spaces, rehearsal halls, studios, conference rooms, and administration support spaces.

Broadway Across America manages the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, handling all issues related to customer service, ticketing, rentals and events at the Hippodrome. As BAA’s non-profit partner, HFI is committed to provide outreach and education programs for the community. The Hippodrome is a state building and HFI is committed to share this asset with the people of Maryland.

All HFI programs are free and the foundation has served well over 80,000 people since February 2004 when the theater reopened. Programs include Camp Hippodrome, master classes for every show, in-school literacy programs, special student matinees, historic tours and more. HFI serves as the non-profit Broadway presenter in Baltimore, but the foundation’s primary function is to make the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center accessible for our community.