The new center features a courtyard for musical events and community gatherings. (photo courtesy of the Ruskin Group Theatre)

The new Ruskin Group Theatre Arts Center in Santa Monica presents “Honour,” the inaugural production in its new space, running through March 22.

The transformative new hub for arts and culture recently opened, completing an expansion of space for professional live theater, music events, spoken word, acting training and visual arts at the new center, located at 2800 Airport Ave.

For more than 23 years, the Ruskin Group Theatre presented many productions, but by 2021, audiences and arts programming had grown beyond the original space at 3000 Airport Ave. The building needed extensive repairs, making long-term sustainability impractical.

The center’s new historic space – once home to the Museum of Flying and originally an armory during World War II – had more recently served as a satellite campus for Santa Monica College and was temporarily used during renovations of the main theater. With a determined group of actors, designers and producing partner Michael Myers, the building has transformed into a thriving cultural destination.

Myers had direct, ongoing conversations with airport director Stellio Makrides, who valued the Ruskin’s presence on the airport campus. Makrides encouraged the group to think long-term but was also clear that a permanent future for the Ruskin Group Theatre was only possible through a public-private partnership. To support the ambitious expansion, the Ruskin Group Theatre launched a major capital campaign and raised the necessary funds.

The new center features the Kaplan Family Stage, which will host top-tier revivals and new works. The Audre, a more intimate 65-seat venue, will serve as a space for smaller plays and live music.

“Honour,” which is written by Joanna Murray-Smith, directed by Max Mayer and stars Marcia Cross and Matthew Letscher, offers a sharp and authentic examination of love, betrayal and the fragile agreements that hold marriages together. Showtimes are at 8 p.m., Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m., Sunday. For information, visit ruskingrouptheatre.com.