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

  • 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.

  • Construction Begins on New University Research Vessel

    Boat-building company All American Marine recently announced that it has begun construction on a new catamaran research vessel for the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) in Port Aransas, Texas, according to a news release.

  • UCF Modernizes College of Hospitality Management

    The University of Central Florida in Orlando, Fla., recently completed a major renovation effort for the Rosen College of Hospitality Management, according to a news release. The project modernized 77,600 square feet worth of academic classrooms, teaching labs, and collaborative spaces to support both students and faculty.

  • UT-San Antonio Begins Residence Hall Renovations

    The University of Texas at San Antonio recently began a $6-million renovation project to one of its residence halls, according to a news release. Originally completed in 1986, Chisolm Hall measures in at 120,860 square feet and is the oldest and largest residence hall on campus.