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TWU plans new,
state-of-the-art Redbud Theater
5/19/06
Click
here for model photos of the new Redbud Theater
DENTON —
After more than two years of taking the show on the road,
the Texas Woman’s University Drama Program will
come home next spring to a revitalized section of a historic
campus building.
Construction of
a 19,000-square-foot, 120-seat theater will begin soon in
what was once the Northwest Dining Room of Hubbard Hall. The
theater, which will bear the name Redbud Theater in honor
of TWU’s longtime drama facility, is scheduled to open
with a gala event in spring 2007. The $3.2 million project
was designed by Bottino Grund Architects of New York and Austin.
“We’ve
been fairly resourceful in performing ‘on location’
during the past two and a half years, but for drama to have
a home is a thrill for us,” said Sharon Benge, director
of TWU’s drama program.
A TWU facilities
assessment in 2004 identified the need to retire the original
Redbud Theater, the drama program's home since 1960.
The program then began staging productions at venues in
Denton, Dallas, Fort Worth and even Dublin, Ireland. That
production, titled “The Long March,” was performed
in the Greenwich Street Theatre New York City in March of
this year.
“I loved
(the original) Redbud, but it was built in the 1960s, and
technology has changed over the years,” Ms. Benge said.
“The new theater will be a state-of-the-art facility.”
The theater will
feature practice rooms, a make-up classroom, conference rooms
and faculty offices, as well a scene shop, a costume shop
and laundry, storage and more. A handicapped-accessible entry
to be added at the east end will maintain the historic character
of Hubbard Hall’s exterior. Elements reminiscent of
the original Redbud Theater — including a full-length
undulating wall in the lobby as well as colored glass panels
—also are included in the design.
“The new
theater will have vitality,” Ms. Benge said. “I
give credit to the creative skills of the architects and Harold
Johnson (director of TWU Facilities Management) and his staff.
They listened to the faculty regarding what we need for our
students and designed a space to fit those needs.”
Ms. Benge also
noted the support of TWU Chancellor Dr. Ann Stuart, who suggested
redesigning the Hubbard Hall space for a theater and also
provided university funds for the project. A campaign currently
is under way to raise additional funds for the new theater.
“The drama
program is a strong and vital part of Texas Woman’s
University,” Chancellor Stuart said. “The new
theater will showcase the abundant talent of our students
and faculty while also serving as a classroom in which students
can learn their craft. Its central location will bring theater
patrons to the heart of this beautiful campus.”
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For Further
Information Contact:
Karen Garcia
Senior Copywriter
Tel: (940) 898-3456
e-mail: kgarcia@twu.edu |
