Coming in the Summer of 2019, Auburn University will be introducing the new Performing Arts Center to both the school and community of Auburn. Something that has been missing from Auburn’s landscape, the Performing Arts Center will enrich Auburn within the arts and realign it with other major universities.
Vice President for Development and President of the Auburn University Foundation Jane DiFoloco Parker opens up about the process leading into the new building. “Approximately 15 months ago, we engaged AMS Planning & Research, a firm that helps its clients and their communities define, refine, and develop successful ventures in the arts” Parker said.
As a means of increasing the arts within the area, Parker and her team met with numerous members of the University community, local community, and a few hundred others. Through doing this “it became clear that there is indeed a significant interest in expanded performing arts offerings in the community” Parker said.
The expected building will include a performance hall seating approximately 1,200 seats. “[The hall] will accommodate theatre, dance and music performances in addition too such events as TED talks, etc.” Parker said.
Recognizing the purpose of the facility, the design team has brought in an acoustician to collaborate with during the design process. The design team has also taken versatility into account “through lighting and adjustments to the acoustics, the hall also will be suitable for smaller audiences” Parker said. “This is vitally important since some performances, including those by students and faculty, likely will attract audiences of 200-600.”
Building on versatility, the design team has incorporated a multifunctional lobby that will accommodate receptions and lectures with the stairs serving as a platform. Parker reassures the PAC will of course include a box office, concessions, restrooms, dressing rooms and office space.
A particularly exciting feature of the upcoming building is the lawn, an outdoor gathering/performance space. “There will be a porch overlooking the lawn on which artists will perform” Parker said. The team believes this will be particularly attractive to the community.
The Performing Arts Center is both a University and community facility. Students and faculty are expected to perform within the center with addition to touring companies and shows. The official ground breaking for the PAC will occur April 1st of this year and construction is expected to begin soon after.
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