When Cavod hosts an open house and ribbon cutting for its Manheim location, executive director and founder Connie Dienner expects a reaction from the public.

"I think the community will be very surprised and shocked when they see it all," she said of the 6,000-square-foot addition to the performing arts facility. "One of our values is to do things with excellence, and that plays a lot into what we've done here. It's very unique and creative and trendy."

The open house and ribbon cutting will be held on Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cavod's Manheim location, 1223 Lancaster Road. Registration is not required to attend the event.

"The ribbon cutting is the grand opening of our additional space next door," Dienner said. "We've taken the wall out so it flows nicely between the two spaces, and we've added another big classroom and three private lessons rooms for piano, guitar, drums and voice. We've also added a playroom for parents to hang out with their kids while their other children are taking classes."

Dienner is most excited for the public to see the center's new black box theater.

"Our black box is multifunctional," she said, noting that state-of-the-art risers (complete with padded seats and seat backs) can be moved to accommodate whatever's happening in the space. The black box features performances at floor level, providing a unique and intimate experience, she said, adding that the space can seat about 120 people.

"This is a dream for us to be able to have something like this as well as for us to be able to offer it to the community to rent out for parties, events, theater shows or anything else," Dienner said.

The open house will feature free food, including hot dogs, popcorn and soda. Ice cream from Lickety Split will be available for purchase, but if people enroll in classes on-site or if they've already enrolled, the ice cream will be free.

WJTL will broadcast its "Kids Cookie Break" program live on-site, and a variety of kids activities, including a bounce house and yard games, will be available.

Students will perform every 20 minutes in the new black box theater as well.

The event is also designed to be a "meet the teacher" open house, where prospective families can interact with the professional staff, ask questions and learn more about Cavod.

With a name that means "the glory of God" in Hebrew, the nonprofit Cavod opened its first facility in New Holland 21 years ago. The Manheim facility opened in 2023.

"Our goal is to represent the Lord in the arts and really glorify Him and also to create with purpose," Dienner said. "We want to be a place for the community, to really bring people together. We're a place where our kids are celebrated and they find their purpose and their identity. Everyone is welcome at Cavod. We celebrate our students and make sure everyone is seen and valued."

Cavod features classes for people age 3 through adult and hosts more than 150 classes a week between its two locations.

Classes are offered in dance, theater, music and acrobatics. Fall classes will begin in Monday, Aug. 24.

Dienner said opening the Manheim facility and then completing the expansion has been a dream come true.

"We're still in the process of fundraising," she said, noting that $240,000 has been raised so far toward the total cost of $930,000. "We've had a number of businesses and people who believe in the mission and the vision who have come together to help us do this. We're still seeking donations."

To learn more about Cavod or to donate, visit https://cavod.org.