Over the past two years there has been a transition in the Arts Department from the old monicker “Jesuit Theater” to “Jesuit Stage and Film.” Along with the change in name came a vast change in funding, funding that led to the purchase of elite film shooting and editing equipment as well as an upgrade in space. The film program has soared into national recognition. Now, in addition to the new film equipment, the “Stage” part of the new name is receiving some new additions. The Lecture Hall is being renovated so as to improve audience and performer experience.
The improvement on the Lecture Hall means that all of the old seats and outdated equipment will be done away with and replaced with updated, more modern equipment and seats. Garrett Aldridge 16′ said that the renovations mean that “the program is expanding and getting more respect from the wider Jesuit community.” After the mass rebuilding of the baseball stadium, Jesuit decided that the Stage & Film program could now be focused on and improved upon greatly. Joseph Duebner 16′ said that he “can’t wait for what it will bring to our program.”
The Lecture Hall is being redesigned completely, with the stage increasing 26 feet horizontally and 5 feet vertically. This increase in space will allow for more elaborate sets by the stagecraft class and for more space backstage for performers. In addition to the expansion, Mr. Myers, the Arts department Co-Chair, said that the stage will be lit by “robotic LED stage lighting, thrusting us to the cutting edge of lighting tech.” Moreover, new chairs in the audience will be put in as well as a new sound system as opposed to the portable one currently in place. Nick Dart ’16 said that “the renovations will provide the future program a much needed upgrade and allow for future students to work creatively in a more professional environment.”
The biggest change of them all will be the new lobby and rotunda being added. The new lobby “will connect the performance space to the main hallway of the school” according to Mr. Myers. There will be a rotunda in the courtyard, giving the audience and casts a new and spacious gathering space. These new additions will make the experience of going to a show more enjoyable as there will be better integration between the stage and the staging area. Joseph Duebner ’16 said that “it allows us to have much more professional shows…. It definitely expands out capabilities.” The new additions have long been needed but now that the wants of the program are being met, recognition in the community for it’s greatness is not far behind. The Jesuit Roundup’s source Colton Hart 16′ assures us that he is “confident that it will turn out nicely.”
Though the quality of the shows has always been well above average, the Jesuit Stage and Film program can now add that its facilities are among the best around, furthering the program’s and the school’s prestige.
