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Gibson Center for the Arts
The Theatres
The Alonzo G. and Virginia Gent Decker Theatre
By downsizing the cavernous Tawes Theatre, architects have made this performance/lecture space more functional and user-friendly. A new entrance and guest parking enhances public access for major events traditionally held here. The Decker Theatre offers seating capacity for 450 audience members.
The Experimental Theatre
This type of performance space is ideal because of its versatility and size, as well as its lighting and sound capabilities. Modeled after the Greek amphitheaters, the experimental black box theater has steeply raked horseshoe-shaped seating that brings all audience members close to the action onstage. Audiences will enter directly from the main lobby area and through a covered passageway. A gallery around the space provides crew access to the control booth and to the three overhead lighting catwalks; the gallery will also provide additional lighting positions.
The control booth will contain state-of-the-art lighting and sound control and designated projection positions. It will be wired for network and broadcast capabilities. For the first time, students will be able to rehearse their productions in the performance space. The space will also serve as a lighting and design lab. We anticipate that acting and directing classes will regularly use the space.
With seating for 120-150 people, the new little theatre will allow drama students to direct, design, and act in an intimate relationship with their audience. We anticipate that the majority of senior thesis productions—12-15 each year—will be performed here.