About Us
Honoring a legacy of music and education, the Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center brings arts and culture to life in Auburn. A space where creativity, performance, and community come together.
Our History
The Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center was established as a hub for arts, culture, and education in Auburn. Named in honor of Donald M. Gay (May 29, 1913 - April 9, 2012), the center pays tribute to a man whose impact on the Auburn School System and its students continues to resonate today.
Mr. Gay served as the Supervisor of Music for the Auburn School System and directed both the Edward Little High School Band and Chorus from 1944 to 1959. Under his leadership, these programs flourished, earning recognition as some of the most prestigious high school ensembles in New England. His departure in 1959 was so profound that local newspapers dedicated more than two full pages to honoring his legacy. Reflecting on his time at ELHS, Mr. Gay once said, “I look back at my days at Edward Little not only with fondness but as one of, if not the best, teaching experiences of my life.”
Changing Lives
Improving lives one step at a time with our non-profit organization.
Building Futures
Creating opportunities and a better future with our non-profit organization.
In 1997, the ELHS Class of 1951 established a scholarship in his name, awarding over $100,000 to 21 recipients. In 2022, they decided to leave a lasting legacy by donating the remaining $400,000 to name the new Performing Arts Center in Mr. Gay’s honor—marking the largest private financial gift in ELHS history. This incredible gesture reflects the enduring impact Mr. Gay had on his students and the Auburn community.
The Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center officially opened to the school on December 19, 2023, hosting its first event for the Edward Little High School community. The center initially operated under the supervision of Bill Buzza, the high school’s music director, until the hiring of its first dedicated Managing Director, Lilly Gardiner, in October 2024.
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Prove every project
Our Non-profit Organisation delivers transparent and accountable results for every project we undertake.
02.
Open book
We firmly believe in transparency and strive to maintain an open book approach with all stakeholders.
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Local partnerships
Building strong relationships with the community is vital and we work closely with local partners.
Make a Difference Today
Our Mission & Vision
The Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center is dedicated to promoting arts, culture, and education while providing a professional space for both student and community performances.
As the home of the ELHS Drama & Music Department, the center also welcomes local and statewide organizations, including:
- Maine State Music Theater
- Miss Maine Scholarship Program
- Odyssey of the Mind Maine
- Special Olympics Maine
- Auburn Community Band
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Take Center Stage Dance Challenge
One Beat Dance Challenge
Maine's Got Talent
Midcoast Symphony Orchestra
Maine Dance Company - Maine College of Health Professions
- University of Maine Augusta
- The Grace Center of Movement
- The Dance Center
- L/A Ballet
Our Team
Our dedicated team ensures that the DMG Performing Arts Center remains a premier venue for performances and events. For inquiries about hosting an event at The Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center, contact us today!
Justin Moriarty
Managing Director
Justin Moriarty serves as Managing Director of the Donald M Gay Performing Arts Center, where he leads with a focus on artistic clarity, organizational integrity, and community engagement. His work is grounded in the belief that our shared humanity and our shared stories function as both mirror and message. And that those messages often act as a reminder of how we can coexist.
He brings a practice shaped by live performance, production leadership, and collaborative creation, supporting environments where artists and audiences can meet in meaningful exchange. Across his work, he prioritizes structure that serves creativity, and creativity that remains accountable to shared human experience.
Visit the Donald M. Gay Performance Arts Center at Edward Little High School