For Immediate Release: November 12, 2007
HGA Designs New Performing Arts Center for Carthage College
Milwaukee, WI - HGA Architects and Engineers (HGA), a full-service architecture, engineering and planning firms, has completed schematic designs for a new Performing Arts Center for Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Theater arts is central to Carthage's Liberal Arts curriculum. In recent years, growth in theater, theater production, musical theater and technical theater classes has increased the need for updated and expanded theater and theater-support spaces at the college.
An interactive design process between Carthage administration, theater faculty, college supporters and HGA has lead to a building design that will place the Carthage Theater Department in the top tier of regional Liberal Arts Colleges. The 62,000-square-foot complex will include two performance spaces. An intimate 400-seat proscenium theater will include a full fly loft, orchestra pit and trap space. This theater will support all the theater departments' drama, theater dance and musical productions. The expanded capabilities also will improve the quality of visiting productions. These will include professional touring groups, guest speakers and simulcasts events like "Live from Lincoln Center."
Complementing the main theater, a 150-seat black-box theater will provide students with flexible space for experimental work. Technical theater training will be accomplished in separate shops for set design and production, custom design and construction, make-up art and lighting design.
All of these spaces are open to the main circulation "spine," giving the causal passersby a view into the artistry of theater production. A third-level rehearsal hall is sized for blocking out a main stage production. With a view of Lake Michigan, the rehearsal hall will double as a campus-wide special events space. Front-of-house spaces will provide the audience, students and visitors a welcome lobby, reception area, box office, and concession area.
"Carthage College recognizes the importance of the performing arts to the overall educational experience," says Scott Georgeson, Theater Designer with HGA's Arts, Community and Education practice group in Milwaukee. "Their theater and performing arts program is expanding, and the new Arts Center reflects their commitment to offering a high-quality, state-of-the-art facility while continuing its collaborative approach to arts education and performance."
Classrooms and faculty offices for Carthage's innovative Heritage Studies Program are located throughout the Performing Arts Center. These multidisciplinary seminars form the core of Carthage's liberal-arts education, ensuring every student has contact with the performing arts.
Located on a pivotal site, the Performing Arts Center will become a gateway at the main campus entry. The selected site is covered with mature Oak trees and slopes down toward the Pike River nature preserve. Reinforcing both Carthage College and HGA's commitment to the environment, no trees will be removed. The building is being designed as a truly "Green Theatre," with sustainable materials, high-efficiency mechanical systems, and alternative energy sources.
The project is scheduled to open for the 2011 academic year.
:: View Carthage College Performing Arts Center
HGA Contact: Julie Luers (612) 758-4000 e-mail JLuers@hga.com
Media Contact: Susan Evans, Evans Larson (612) 338-6999 e-mail susan@evanslarson.com