The new black box theater and dance studio offer state-of-the-art facilities and new opportunities for the Auburn department of theatre.
The two-story addition department consists of a production space, which holds up to 150 patrons, and a new dance studio that will also serve as an event space.
The 10,471-square foot space cost $3.9 million.
Robin Jaffe serves as an associate professor of theatre for design and technology.
"This is one of the most exciting things for the department in a long time," Jaffe said. "We can do anything in a black box theater."
According to Jaffe, the department made do with the old space. The black box adds solid black walls, a tension grid and a larger dance studio, which is as big as the main stage of the Telfair Peet Theatre.
The department can seat people in any location throughout the room, actors can perform in any place in the room and the tension grid allows for lights to be hung in a variety of ways for the best performance experience possible.
"It just lets your imagination flow," Jaffe said.
Jaffe compared the new theater and dance studio to the lab of a biologist or scientist.
"That is where we do our work," Jaffe said. "It gives us space to work in both directions and not have to do everything in one space."
Jaffe said he believes the new space will better prepare and educate students for the real world.
"I am excited beyond belief," Jaffe said. "This is something we have been waiting for a long time."
Nora Brown, junior in theatre performance, shared Jaffe's excitement for the new theater and dance studio.
"It is so nice and has got so many cool things," Brown said. "It's nice to know they invested in this resource with us."
Brown said she realizes the effect this new facility will have on her education and is excited for the future.
"It is great especially for student productions," Brown said.
Brown said she believes the new theater and dance studio will add to the diversity of what Auburn theater students can do and the performances the department can hold.
Brown also said she is excited for the opportunities the new space will provide.
"Before, we had to make a big deal about reserving a ticket, but now we don't have to," Brown said.
According to the chair of the department of theater Scott Phillips, the additions improve the department's facilities.
"We made do with what was supposed to be a costume shop," Phillips said. "If we taught ballet in there, we could not do lifts."
The new space solves that problem, according to Phillips.
"It's wonderful," Phillips said. "One of the things about a black box space is that it is so flexible."
Phillips said he is confident the new space will enable the faculty to successfully train actors, designers and technicians, as well as draw in new students.
"Our majors are thrilled about it," Phillips said. "I think there is widespread excitement all the way around."
The theater department will utilize the new space in its October production of the musical comedy "Nunsense." The department hopes to bring in crowds with a popular play.
The department encourages students to attend productions, which are free with identification.
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