Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Missouri State University Breaks Ground on Amphitheater, Arts Park

  • By Matt Jones
  • 04/21/21

Missouri State University broke ground recently on a new, $6.4-million amphitheater and arts park. The open-air John Goodman Amphitheatre, named after the St. Louis alum and famous comedian, will feature a permanent stage and 350 removeable seats. Slated to be built in a campus plaza adjacent to Craig Hall, the outdoor space will transform into the Judith Enyeart Reynolds Arts Park.

“This new arts park and permanent amphitheater are much-welcome additions to our historic Tent Theatre,” said Missouri State President Clif Smart of the longtime campus theater company. “Our campus and larger community will have a vibrant and comfortable space to enjoy not only Tent Theatre and other productions, but also many special events for years to come.”

The structure will have a tension membrane roof and cover 7,700 square feet. Construction is scheduled to finish in 2022. The project also involves renovations to the landscaping and hardscape surrounding the area.

John Goodman himself serves as a campaign chair for the project. He’s an MSU and Tent Theater alumnus who happily reflected on his college days. “The nights in Springfield, in the summer doing Tent Theatre, for me are unmatched anywhere else on Earth,” he said in a campaign letter. Fundraising for the project is still in progress, although $3 million has come through private gifts.

“This infrastructure that started as B Blackwood’s dream will evolve into a real structural centerpiece designed to serve everyone,” said Dean of the Judith Enyeart Reynolds College of Arts and Letters, Dr. Shawn Wahl. “This structure and surrounding arts park will help support student learning across all academic programs.”

Patterhn Ives is the design architect and architect of record on the project. The contractor is Carson-Mitchell, Inc., based in Springfield, Mo.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Full Sail University Announces First Student Housing Facility

    Full Sail University in Winter Park, Fla., recently announced that development has begun on its first student housing community, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Nvision Development for construction and long-term management of the facility, which will stand five stories and have the capacity for more than 570 beds.

  • Academy of Classical Education Breaks Ground in Louisiana

    Charter Schools USA (CSUSA) recently announced the groundbreaking of a new public charter school in Covington, La., according to a news release. The Academy of Classical Education at Covington will enroll students in grades K–8 and is scheduled for completion in August 2026, just in time for the new school year.

  • Arizona District Breaks Ground on Community Training, Learning Center

    The Tolleson Union High School District (TUHSD) in Tolleson, Ariz., recently broke ground on a new Training & Learning Center (TLC) for both district professionals and the community at large, according to a news release. The 90,000-square-foot facility has an estimated completion date of spring 2027.

  • University of Pittsburgh to Build New Residence Hall

    The Board of Trustees from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Penn., recently approved the construction of a new residence hall for first-year students, according to university news.