by Jeff Fox
There’s an old show biz saying, that the show must go on. However sometimes it must be postponed for just a little while, when the theatre is being remodeled. Later this year aficionados of the performing arts will be able to enjoy the newly remodeled theatre on WVU Parkersburg’s main campus.
Years ago the theatre wasn’t even a theatre … it was originally a large lecture hall. Over the years the room slowly went through a metamorphosis and became the home of WVU Parkersburg performing arts. As one can imagine, by virtue of its design origins, the room wasn’t exactly suited for theatrical or musical performance.
In May 2011, area construction contractors began demolition of the old theatre interior. This process essentially left the room stripped down to the basics, but gave the workers a clean slate on which to invent a new room specifically designed for the performing arts. The existing theatre seats are about the only items being reused, they are being reinstalled after being reupholstered.
With an empty canvas to work upon, the workers began upgrading the vast array of electrical wiring, and piecing together the new ceiling, which was designed to enhance the acoustical properties of the venue. “We did a lot to enhance the acoustics of the room,” WVU Parkersburg’s Facilities Director Dave White said. What were once hard wall surfaces of wood and concrete block, have been replaced with modern wall covering and strategically located acoustical panels. The walls also play host to highly energy efficient L.E.D. sconce lighting, and the ceiling lights are also the latest energy efficient fluorescent lights.
Of course the real test will be an actual live performance. As with any complex project, there will inevitably be a few issues to work through before an actual theatrical performance is undertaken. “I’m curious to see how it all works … I really don’t plan on doing anything in there this semester until we get all the bugs worked out,” WVU Parkersburg Theatre Department head Jeffrey Byrd said. “I don’t want to have pressures of trying to get the theatre to work and the production at the same time,” Byrd added.
A good bit of work is still planned for phase two of the renovation, which will pertain to the actual theatre lighting and additional upgrading of the lighting electrical systems to power and control this very important component for any performance. Byrd foresees using a flexible mix of different stage lighting types, from the tried and true incandescent par cans to newer L.E.D. stage lighting. “Lights change for every show that you will ever do, you can’t just throw lights up and say there it is,” Byrd said.
So what grade would the theatre instructor give the renovations thus far? “I’m 90% pleased with everything that was done, the other 10% I’m reserving judgment to see what it does in a shakedown,” Byrd said. 90% … so far, with more credit available … sounds like an “A” rated venue for the fans of the performing arts to soon enjoy.
There’s an old show biz saying, that the show must go on. However sometimes it must be postponed for just a little while, when the theatre is being remodeled. Later this year aficionados of the performing arts will be able to enjoy the newly remodeled theatre on WVU Parkersburg’s main campus.
Years ago the theatre wasn’t even a theatre … it was originally a large lecture hall. Over the years the room slowly went through a metamorphosis and became the home of WVU Parkersburg performing arts. As one can imagine, by virtue of its design origins, the room wasn’t exactly suited for theatrical or musical performance.
In May 2011, area construction contractors began demolition of the old theatre interior. This process essentially left the room stripped down to the basics, but gave the workers a clean slate on which to invent a new room specifically designed for the performing arts. The existing theatre seats are about the only items being reused, they are being reinstalled after being reupholstered.
With an empty canvas to work upon, the workers began upgrading the vast array of electrical wiring, and piecing together the new ceiling, which was designed to enhance the acoustical properties of the venue. “We did a lot to enhance the acoustics of the room,” WVU Parkersburg’s Facilities Director Dave White said. What were once hard wall surfaces of wood and concrete block, have been replaced with modern wall covering and strategically located acoustical panels. The walls also play host to highly energy efficient L.E.D. sconce lighting, and the ceiling lights are also the latest energy efficient fluorescent lights.
Of course the real test will be an actual live performance. As with any complex project, there will inevitably be a few issues to work through before an actual theatrical performance is undertaken. “I’m curious to see how it all works … I really don’t plan on doing anything in there this semester until we get all the bugs worked out,” WVU Parkersburg Theatre Department head Jeffrey Byrd said. “I don’t want to have pressures of trying to get the theatre to work and the production at the same time,” Byrd added.
A good bit of work is still planned for phase two of the renovation, which will pertain to the actual theatre lighting and additional upgrading of the lighting electrical systems to power and control this very important component for any performance. Byrd foresees using a flexible mix of different stage lighting types, from the tried and true incandescent par cans to newer L.E.D. stage lighting. “Lights change for every show that you will ever do, you can’t just throw lights up and say there it is,” Byrd said.
So what grade would the theatre instructor give the renovations thus far? “I’m 90% pleased with everything that was done, the other 10% I’m reserving judgment to see what it does in a shakedown,” Byrd said. 90% … so far, with more credit available … sounds like an “A” rated venue for the fans of the performing arts to soon enjoy.