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Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts Opens July 18 with Idina Menzel with the Eastern Festival Orchestra

by Madison V. Fisler 

July 18, 2013. The highly anticipated Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts at Appalachian State University’s campus in Boone will celebrate its grand opening with Idina Menzel with the Eastern Festival Orchestra on July 18. 

This opening date is consistent with their initial goal of having the center open for An Appalachian Summer Festival. 

“It is much better than any of us could have imagined,” said Megan Stage, marketing manager for Arts and Cultural Programs.

“All of the updates are a tremendous upgrade, from the accessibility to patrons to the new bathrooms and redone lobby, and that’s just scratching the surface.”

imgres-2The transformation of Farthing Auditorium to the new Schaeffer Center for the performing arts included much needed updates to the facility including new bathrooms, better accessibility to guests, a remodeled front lobby, audio and acoustic renovations, seating changes, a new sound system and more. 

“We can already tell that the upgrades are going to be awesome,” Stage said. “Everything is the very top of the line. Everything in there from now on will be even better than before.”

The Schaefer Center for the Performing Arts is currently open for those who wish to buy tickets for shows in An Appalachian Summer Festival at the box office, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, including the Fourth of July. 

“The box office is open and we are moving in and getting oriented,” Stage said. “Things are being tweaked on the interior and the exterior, but right now everything is all nearly complete.”