Florala

Issue date: 4/23/09 Section: News

UNA has recently announced plans of building a black box theatre on the backside of Norton Auditorium.

A black box theatre is typically a smaller type of stage in which the seating for the audience generally surrounds

the stage itself. This type of theatre has been said to give the audience

a better sense of connection with the performance.

Dr. Ruebhausen, associate professor

of theatre, has been working on the project for the last 13 years.

"Most people consider Norton Auditorium as [the drama department's]

home, but that isn't necessarily

the case," said Ruebhausen. "We're actually one of many who rent out the m for our own use.

"There have been times where we would have to cancel class due to another organization needing the facility

for whatever the reason might be. This theatre will give us a place to call our home."

The building plans that are being proposed right now are said to seat close to 100 people, as well as include restrooms and perhaps even concessions.

The theatre will also provide UNA with more performances and classes, such as different acting and directing classes. The theatre will be built next to the loading dock behind the auditorium,

and could cost the university anywhere from $850,000 - $900,000.

"There were a few things we had to take out of the building plans in order to fit the theatre into the budget that was given to us, but nothing too drastic.

We looked everywhere for a place to build [the black box theatre]. We even looked at places in Sheffield, but we finally decided on the spot behind Norton." said Ruebhausen.

"The theatre is currently in the bidding

process, but we hope to start construction

by late this summer or early this fall, and plan to have the theatre open by fall of 2010.

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