July 15, 2014. Lees-McRae is proud to host the Lauritsen Technical Theatre and Design Studio dedication 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 faculty, staff, 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 the staff of the Summer Theatre for their anticipated lineup 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 and Design program as well as other majors.
“This unique classroom is the result of the generosity of many performing arts enthusiasts,” said Carolina 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 this important call for support.”
The primary use of the 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 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.
Members of the media are welcome and encouraged to attend the dedication. If you are a member of the media, please RSVP to Megan Hall, director of communications, no later than Tuesday, July 15, to reserve your seat.
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 in leadership and service. For more information, please visit www.lmc.edu or call 800.280.4562.
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