Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

Ohio University Plans $8M Theatre Renovation

  • By Matt Jones
  • 09/15/21

Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, announced this week that it is planning an $8-million theatre renovation project. The Gates-Abegglen Theatre, a traditional proscenium theatre that serves as one of two major performance spaces for the university, has not seen any major improvements since its construction in 1969. A local news outlet reports that the 385-seat venue will be updated to be able to provide a wider variety of performance types and instructional use.

“It’s definitely time to be renovated, just in terms of its age,” said Robert Bell, university architect and director of planning, architecture and engineering. “But we’re taking the opportunity to make it more functional for a broader user group.”

Renovations will include reconstructing audience seating, a new forward stage configuration, new lighting, new curtain systems, a new control booth and the potential addition of a balcony. Part of the renovation process also involves creating a dedicated rehearsal space equal to the size of the theatre’s stage.

According to the university website, the Gates-Abegglen Theatre is equipped with a 35 line fly system, a spiral-drive pit lift and wing space. The space hosts two or three major theatre productions per year directed by faculty or guest artists. The space is managed by the Miami University Department of Theatre.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • TCU Marks Campus Expansion Milestone

    Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas, recently held a topping-out ceremony to mark progress on a major campus expansion effort including four new residential facilities and a five-story parking garage, according to a news release.

  • Hawaii Elementary School Reopens Following $25M Campus Modernization

    Haʻaheo Elementary School in Hilo, Hawaii, has reopened to students following a three-year, $25-million campus modernization and expansion project that significantly increases the school's instructional space while preserving one of the island's oldest educational institutions, according to local news.

  • Wold Architects & Engineers Announces Acquisition of JJCA

    Wold Architects & Engineers, based in Minneapolis, Minn., recently announced that it has acquired JJCA, an architecture firm based in Nashville, Tenn., according to a press release. JJCA specializes in healthcare and education design; the partnership allows both firms to expand their presence across the country while building on existing strengths.

  • Rowan University, HPE Partner on New Learning Initiative

    Rowan University in Glassboro, N.J., recently announced that it has expanded its partnership with enterprise technology provider HPE to improve research capabilities and hands-on learning opportunities, according to a news release.