As a proud graduate of Bridgewater State University, class of 2014, and a longtime resident of neighboring West Bridgewater, I speak for both the student and residential population when I say that Bridgewater lacks the "college town" feel. By this I mean that there is nothing that reflects the culture of the area.

This stems from a lack of entertainment for students. For students to be entertained, they must go to somewhat extreme, and expensive, lengths. One story that was shared with me involved a group of freshmen walking for over an hour along Route 18 to the East Bridgewater movie theater. For those looking for music or theater, they must drive, or take the train, to Boston or Providence. Neither option is cheap, and neither option keeps them in Bridgewater. Therefore, Friday nights for Bridgewater students consist of food shopping and late-night burger runs. This is not appealing to the locals, let alone to incoming freshmen. Perhaps this is why more than half of Bridgewater�s students commute, like I did, and locals go elsewhere for a night out.

Without something to keep students and residents in Bridgewater, students will keep commuting, and Bridgewater will continue being another stop on the way to the city. However, with an upcoming downtown revitalization, both Bridgewater and the university have the opportunity to provide entertainment for all while developing its own culture.

During the revitalization process, I propose that Bridgewater State and the town partner to construct a small entertainment venue. Ideally, it would be one large room that is fitted to show films, both second run and classics, but that would also have a stage to show musical and theatrical acts, such as stand up comedy and improv acts. This venue will give both students and locals cost-effective entertainment that keeps them in Bridgewater. This also gives students, and other entertainers, a platform to showcase their musical and theatrical talents, providing us with nightlife without the city prices and hassle of travel. Events could also be tailored to different groups in our community, such as shows for children on certain days or a film followed by a discussion for adults.

Some say opening a theater in this economy is ludicrous. To that I say if the venue works to sell a Bridgewater-themed experience, it could not only be sustainable, but also act as a catalyst for the local economy. Where else would one be able to watch Bridgewater State students perform while noshing on Jay�s Flying Pizza, or catch a Sunday matinee while sipping on a Better Bean coffee? By having a venue that showcases these homegrown flavors, students, residents and hopefully out-of-towners, can have a night out while finding out what the town has to offer.

This is not simply about finding easy entertainment, but rather about making Bridgewater a hub for bright minds and local flavors, all while giving something back to its citizens. However, this is a collaborative effort. Therefore, if you have any feedback or ideas, please send them to theaterinbridgewater@gmail.com.

Chris Porazzo

West Bridgewater

Bridgewater State University, class of 2014