Name Changes, Quality Live Theatre Remains At CWU

October 20, 2003

ELLENSBURG, Wash.-- The 2003-2004 academic year marks some big changes for the Central Washington University theatre arts department, including name changes and newly-renovated facilities.

While students will continue to study under the theatre arts department, the production company that exists within the department, now operating under the name Central Theatre Ensemble, will present all productions.

In addition, the Tower Theatre will also undergo a name change as to the Milo Smith Tower Theatre. Milo Smith, the former theatre arts chair, will be honored at an upcoming reception highlighting his contributions to the department and Central Washington University. Smith was the driving force behind a previous McConnell Hall renovation that led to the construction of the Tower Theatre.

With all of these name changes comes an upgrade in technology and facilities throughout the entire theatre arts facility. Lydig Construction is now in the final phase of the $2.1 million building overhaul.

"This renovation project was fueled by safety concerns," says George Bellah, CWU theatre arts department chair. "We might have never gotten the funding if it hadn't been for those issues. We all look forward to working in a healthier, safer environment in the years to come and are grateful for the support we have received from Joanne Hillemann (CWU facilities planning and construction manager) and from Lydig Construction, under the supervision of Rudy Ramirez. Everyone has worked very hard to accommodate our performance and classroom needs and schedules throughout the process."

The main focus of the project has been safety upgrades in McConnell Auditorium.

According to Dave Barnett, theatre arts technical director, who is a member of the department's building committee, there are more than three miles of new electrical conduit in the building, primarily in the auditorium. New catwalks have also been added above the stage and in the auditorium.

"Before the catwalks were put in place, students had to climb into the rafters to set lighting instruments in the auditorium," Bellah points out. "While the catwalks do change the look of the theatre somewhat, the safety benefits are immeasurable."

Other McConnell Auditorum upgrades include a new stage floor, conference rooms and acting studio, along with renovations to the costume crafts room and scene shop.

Free public tours of the newly renovated facility will be available during the CWU Open House Saturday, Oct. 25. Tours, beginning at the Milo Smith Tower Theatre box office (located at the west entrance, just off the Barge Courtyard), will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, or for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-1760 or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-2143.