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Lauritsen Technical Theatre and Design Studio Dedication Held July 17; Facility to be Open for Summer Theatre

June 6, 2014. Lees-McRae is proud to announce the Lauritsen Technical Theatre and Design Studio dedication will be held on Thursday, July 17 on the site of the newly constructed building. The dedication will be free and open to the public. Following the dedication will be an invitation-only luncheon for donors and special guests.

The College broke ground on this newest addition in November 2013 and with construction still on schedule, the building will be ready for use by staff of Summer Theatre for their anticipated line-up of musicals.

Thanks to a very generous lead donation from friends of the College, Kay and Jim Lauritsen, whose name the building will bear, this long-awaited dream is now a reality. The building will be used primarily by the Performing Arts Department and Summer Theatre but will also have secondary uses for the Communication Arts & Design program as well as other majors.

“This unique classroom is a result of the generosity of many performing arts enthusiasts,” said Caroline Hart, vice president of Advancement.

“The College’s Performing Arts and SUmmer Theatre programs have been applauded for many years and once again, College alumni and friends have answered the important call for support.”

The primary use of this building will be to build sets for use in productions by the College and the Summer Theatre program. Additionally, it will provide much needed storage and work space. For this very purpose the second floor will be named “Doc’s Attic” in honor of faculty emeritus, Dr. Janet Speer, better known as Doc. Doc has always had an affinity for props and furnishings, and finding unique and creative ways to use discarded items for production work. This space is a perfect way to commemorate her impact on performing arts at Lees-McRae.

“Our students are so excited for the new studio to open,” said Danielle Curtis, interim chair of the Division of Creative and Fine Arts. “Right now, platforms and flats for scenes must be broken down and recreated each show, which increases the costs and resources necessary for each production. The current space also restricts faculty from using industry standard tools such as table saws and drill presses to allow students to widen their skill sets. This new space will allow us to better prepare our students for their future careers.”

The studio will also create opportunities to focus on other skills students do not have the opportunity to learn now such as stretching canvas, welding, teaching proper and effective use of power tools, using different mediums on sets and so much more.

For more information about the dedication, please contact the Office of Advancement at 828-898-8777. For more information about performing arts at Lees-McRae, visit lmc.edu/pa or call 828-898-5241.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina, Lees-McRae College is a private, four-year college offering diverse baccalaureate degrees, strong athletic programs and outstanding faculty. With 900 students hailing from 35 states and more than 10 countries, Lees-McRae’s broad core curriculum is enhanced by field-specific career preparation and experiential learning with an emphasis on leadership and service.