"The large dance studio is a showpiece of the new building"
Millikin University's new Center for Theatre & Dance will be opening in fall 2020, and as that target date grows closer, the unique aspects of the venue are taking shape on Millikin's campus.
We recently caught up with Mary Black, director of the School of Theatre & Dance, to provide us a tour of the large dance studio located inside the new Center.
"The large dance studio is a showpiece of the new building. The space provides a beautiful overlook of our campus quad," said Black.
Black says one of the most exciting features about the dance studio is its size. "We work in Kirkland Fine Arts Center for at least one of our shows every year and it has a very large stage – larger than what most college students are able to work on, and we've never had a space large enough to fully rehearse for musicals we produce there, and this studio will give us the opportunity to do that."
Another great aspect of the large dance studio is the lighting.
"Our students will be able to work, dance and perform in this space with beautiful natural light overlooking the entire campus," said Black.
Center for Theatre & Dance
Millikin officially broke ground on its new Center for Theatre & Dance during a ceremony held on May 18, 2018. The new Center promises to be a centralized location for creativity to be cultivated, fostered and displayed, and will also provide a new venue for Millikin performing arts to delight, inform and inspire audiences.
The $29 million project will feature a 260-seat flexible theatre which includes an orchestra pit, balcony and tech gallery with a tension wire grid. The new building will also feature lighting and sound labs, a costume studio, a costume classroom, collaboration spaces, and offices and support facilities for current staff with room for growth.
Located at the former site of the Richards Treat University Center, Millikin's new Center for Theatre & Dance will also incorporate four acting studios, two dance studios, two design classrooms and practice rooms as well as all-new modern theatre equipment and LED lights.
Gifts have been made to support fundraising efforts by a community of generous alumni, community leaders and Board of Trustees. Fundraising efforts are ongoing. To learn more, visit millikin.edu/cftad.