Kutztown University celebrated the grand reopening of the newly renovated Schaeffer Auditorium Sept. 10. State Sen. Judith L. Schwank joined KU officials in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The ceremony drew a crowd of approximately 400 people that included faculty, employees, students, retirees, donors and community members.
The $20 millionrenovation, which took approximately 18 months to complete, preserved the stately beauty and historic integrity of the original building. New features include a 23,000 square foot expansion, enhanced seating, stage lighting, music classrooms, dressing rooms and reception space. The main auditorium has 826 seats, a high-tech enclosed sound and lighting room and a new entryway.
The L-shaped expansion features two large rehearsal halls, a 90-seat ‘smart’ classroom and an elevator connecting all levels. Performers will also benefit from a load-dock and elevators that lift equipment.
‘It’s really great to have Schaeffer Auditorium back online,’ said John Green, KU’s vice president of communications, marketing and external affairs. ‘For 75 years, Schaeffer Auditorium has been the center of activities on the KU campus. With this incredible renovation, we are looking forward to another 75.’
At the event, Nick Imbresi, student government president, spoke about how thrilled he was that the university continues to use resources with the goal of enriching its students’ collegiate experience. With the newly renovated Schaeffer Auditorium and the recently expanded Sharadin Art Building, KU now has some of the best art facilities in the country.
‘The newly renovated Schaeffer, with its state-of-the-art sound and light systems and spacious dressing and green room, will be impressive to all artists who perform here,’ said Robin Zaremski, the director for KU Presents!. ‘KU Presents! will be able to attract more notable musicians, dance troupes and theatre events now that we have the capability to present the highest quality of shows.’
Guests at the ribbon cutting ceremony also attended a dedication for the beautiful Sadie Snyder Hippenstiel & Elizabeth Hippenstiel Marcon Platz. The platz, which is an outdoor plaza that features a fountain, is located in between Schaeffer and the Sharadin Art Building. With the addition of comfortable benches in the upcoming months, it will provide a place for students to rest and reflect. All change collected from the fountain will be used to fund a student scholarship.
After the ceremonies and tour of the newly renovated Schaeffer Auditorium, KU Presents! launched its 25th season with a performance by world-renowned dance company, Momix.
