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Setting the Stage Kent State University Tuscarawas is setting the stage for the next major campus expansion. As the result of more than a year of strategic planning and an independently conducted feasibility study, the campus has identified the need for expanded programming in music, theatre, art and dance. In May, the campus launched a $6 million capital campaign to construct a $13.5 million Fine and Performing Arts Center that will enrich its academic and cultural programs, community cultural organizations and economic development of the Tuscarawas Valley. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held in 2007. The two-story, 55,000-square-foot facility, designed with an elegant glass and brick exterior, will feature a 1,000-seat theatre complete with balcony, orchestra pit and an 85-foot fly space for scenery changes. The center will be equipped with state-of-the-industry lighting, sound system and acoustics; box office and coat check; a green room, wardrobe and cast rooms. A versatile 2,500-square-foot lobby will serve as an art gallery, conference space and reception area. The second floor will feature an art studio with terrace, music practice rooms and classrooms. There will also be additional conference space, serving areas and offices. As part of the academic program expansion, the campus is currently exploring a new degree in entertainment design technology. “A versatile degree in this emerging field can qualify students for career paths in theatre production, advertising, television, film, film sets, animation and theme parks,” says Dr. Gregg L. Andrews, dean of Kent State Tuscarawas. “Our well-respected Department of Engineering Technology offers majors in computer-aided design, electronics and computer design and animation that are valuable components of this new degree and are highly relevant to the entertainment industry.” In addition to expanded academic programming, the Fine and Performing Arts Center will enable Kent State Tuscarawas to enhance the existing Artist/Lecture and Voices of Distinction Feature Speaker events. Upon completion in 2009, the center will be available for use by community cultural organizations and business and professional organizations. According to Andrews, “Local K-12 school districts that do not have rehearsal or performance space for their arts programming will also be able to utilize the dedicated campus facility to meet existing needs and broaden their production and fiscal opportunities.” Community organizations and social-service agencies could also benefit from a larger venue for meeting and conference space. The Fine and Performing Arts Center, which is expected to attract patrons from a seven-county area, will stimulate economic development of the Tuscarawas Valley. Research indicates that arts organizations contribute directly to economic growth through job creation, development of new businesses, increased tourism and patronage of local restaurants and hotels. Regional arts and tourism groups that utilize the proposed Fine and Performing Arts Center will have opportunities to increase the size and quantity of their audiences, thereby expanding revenues. This would create a ripple effect throughout the community. “Whenever we add services and programs, our first priority is to meet the needs of the community, including our students,” says Andrews. “Enhanced programs in music, theater, art and dance have been identified through the campus master planning process and an independent feasibility study. It also ties into the Tuscarawas 2020 Visioning Statement, which identifies a performing arts center as being able to meet many of the cultural needs in our community. Ultimately, it also relates to economic development. As we move forward with creation of the Tuscarawas Regional Technology Park, we anticipate a highly skilled, highly educated work force and the need to attract new companies to our area. Clearly, quality of life issues are important components of satisfaction for this population and for new business recruitment.” Financing for the project is occurring through partnerships with the state of Ohio, the Ohio Board of Regents, Kent State University and benefactors in the private sector. To date, more than $3 million has been raised. Fundraising efforts have resulted in initial gifts of $1 million from the Tuscarawas County University District Board of Trustees, $500,000 from the Reeves Foundation and $250,000 from the Tuscarawas County University Foundation. In addition, one individual anonymously pledged $1 million in support. “I thoroughly enjoy the theatre and look forward to major shows and performances the center will be able to attract to the area,” said the benefactor. Major gifts of $50,000 each have come from Lauren International and the Timken Foundation of Canton. Other community partners include First Federal Community Bank, Dover-Phila Federal Credit Union, the Dominion Foundation, the Jeanne Souers Garcia Foundation and numerous individuals. For more information about the campus and its developments, visit the Kent State Tuscarawas Campus Web site. | ||||||||
