UST Magazine Spring 2012

University of St. Thomas Unveils Plans for a New Performing Arts Center The University of St. Thomas Fine Arts and Drama Department and Music Department continue to offer a first class education to students of the arts and noteworthy performances to the Houston community. This new Performing Arts Center will not only benefit UST students, but its central location will be a big boost to other performing arts groups in the city. In keeping with St. Thomas’ philosophy that fine and performing arts are essential to its mission of educating leaders of faith and character, the design will include a proscenium theater, flex theater, conference hall, academic classrooms, rehearsal rooms, spacious lobbies, extensive terraces, offices, and additional meeting and support spaces. The new Center is designed by Studio RED Architects, which specializes in performing arts venues. Pete Ed Garrett, founder of Studio RED Architects, was the designer of the Wortham Theater. The new Performing Arts Center will span the entire block of Graustark and West Alabama streets and sit adjacent to the Menil Collection on Sul Ross Street. The building is designed for LEED certification and will occupy 95,000 square feet.

“The performing arts are an essential part of our Catholic, Basilian liberal arts education. They have the power to inspire and enrich the lives of our students forever. We are dedicated to bringing the Performing Arts Center to St. Thomas and to the Houston community,” said, Marianne Ivany, University of St. Thomas first lady, who serves as honorary co-chair of the University’s Performing Arts Society, along with Priscilla Plumb and Jack Doherty.

University President Dr. Robert Ivany unveiled plans for a new Performing Arts Center at the benefit concert in December featuring opera soprano Ana María Martínez.