After Chip Rohrbach died, his wife Jeannine wanted to create something that would honor how meaningful theater had been to him throughout his life.

In March 2023, she founded the Chip Rohrbach Foundation, designed to provide opportunities for youth to participate in theater programs.

A fundraiser in memory of the local theater icon, the “Chip Rohrbach Foundation Choir Sing-Along,” is 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16, Pennsylvania Playhouse, Bethlehem.

“Chip always talked about how important theater was to him when he was young, in junior high school,” says Jeannine Rohrbach.

Chip Rohrbach died Feb. 26, 2023, one day before his birthday, Feb. 27. He was 54.

“He said it built confidence and relationships and helped him in every other area of his life.

“I knew what that early exposure to the arts meant to him and wanted to give students the opportunity to have similar experiences in his honor.”

The foundation gives scholarships to students for summer theater camps.

She hopes for the foundation to offer a Freddy Awards scholarship, named in honor of Chip Rohrbach.

The sing-along will feature a “pop-up” choir, directed by Lucille Kincaid and Sebastian Paff. Participants of all singing abilities are welcome to join and sing family-friendly songs. The choir is open to anyone age 8 and up who can read.

“It will be like a choir-in-training experience,” says Jeannine Rohrbach.

In addition to the music entertainment, guests will enjoy light refreshments, participate in a raffle, and bid on silent auction items, including baskets filled with tickets for entertainment events, and several week-long vacation condo stays and more.

“We are thrilled to bring the community together for this special evening in Chip’s honor,” says Jeannine Rohrbach.

“Every ticket sold will help us create more opportunities for kids to explore their creativity and confidence through the arts.”

Chip Rohrbach was on The Pennsylvania Playhouse board of directors for many years, including as president and vice-president.

He appeared in numerous playhouse productions, including “The Full Monty” and “1940’s Radio Hour.” His portrayal of Aldolpho in “The Drowsy Chaperone” was one of his favorite roles. He directed many shows at the Playhouse, including “White Christmas” and “Sister Act.”

He also performed in musicals at Munopco Music Theatre, Allentown, where he served as president of the board. His portrayal of Franz Liebkind in Munopco’s “The Producers” was memorable. He also appeared in Reading’s Genesius Theatre shows, including “Spamalot” and “Company.”

Information: chiprohrbachfoundation.org

“Curtain Rises” is a column about the theater, stage shows, the actors in them and the directors and artists who make them happen. To request coverage, email: Paul Willistein, Focus editor, pwillistein@tnonline.com