Plans begin after groundbreaking
Posted by The Skyliner on October 28th, 2009Kyra Alexander
Staff Writer
Right before fall break began, the school of Theater building had its groundbreaking ceremony to introduce the new building.
This structure actually used to be the Tigerville Elementary School building. The building was donated to North Greenville University about four years ago. It ended up having to be moved and it was then decided to make it the new Theater facility.
Ted Thomas, theatre technical director at NGU, was hired four years ago and has been working on this project ever since. He will manage and maintain the Theater facility.
When asked what has been done to the building so far, Thomas had much to say.
“Andrew Turner, Christy Burer and some of my practicum classes helped gut the building of five rooms, all the fixtures (such as sinks and tiles), the carpet and the walls,” Thomas said. “We had restored the windows, made three rooms, set up theater walls, arches in the lobby, installed bathrooms, more doors, closet doors for an entrance to the new design lab and a kitchen.”
NGU President Jimmy Epting has also approved all of the designs and décor.
Three of the newest things people can expect out of this new building are a modular facility, a bigger shop, and fly space. First, the facility will be completely changeable. This consists of moving everything around, including the stage and the seats for different aspects of theatre. Students will start with a blank palate every time they start a new project. The second is the difference in the shop.
“This shop will be 3,000 square feet, as opposed to the 12-by-12 scene shop that we have now,” Thomas said. “This shop will be as good as most professional theatre’s shops and other than Bob Jones University, the shop will be the biggest in town.”
The third newest device will be the fly space. This will be a place for students to move ceiling pieces and for rigging space.
“There will also be a wire tension grid for safety,” Thomas said.
The building is set to open for next semester. It needs to be finished on the inside and “Larry Barnwell and matinence are really working hard to get it finished,” Thomas said.
This facility will not only be used by the Theatre but it will also be used to house a couple of general education classes.
“I’ve been excited about working on this project since I started working here,” Thomas said. “This will give our students the best experience and technology for them to use.”
Tags: Fall 2009, Vol. 109 - Issue 7