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Auburn Readies New Performing Arts Center for Opening By Cindy Riley CEG CORRESPONDENT
The curtain will soon be rising on Auburn University’s $70 million Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center as construction crews add their finishing touches to the new structure. The state-of-the-art facility encompasses more than 85,000 sq. ft. of space with several multipurpose venues designed to host a variety of events. “The university, its students, faculty, alumni and supporters, and the community have dreamed of bringing a performing arts center of this magnitude to east Alabama for decades,” said Jonathan Osborne, director of marketing and communications for the Gogue Center. “When it comes to the design of performing arts centers, size really does matter. Elaborate shows often require a vast amount of production space, and we simply haven’t had a venue large enough to host certain shows in our area. The Gogue Center will be able to accommodate productions never before seen in the area, and many favorite artists and performances that frequently tour through Atlanta, Birmingham and Jacksonville will now have a place to visit in Auburn.” The Gogue Performing Arts Center is located directly across the street from the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Osborne believes the pairing couldn’t be better. Auburn University Facilities Management photo
Heavy equipment used on the project has included a number of cranes, as well as typical dozers, excavators, rollers, etc.
“Together, the two institutions will anchor Auburn’s new arts district and enable the university to present a more robust and comprehensive schedule of performances, exhibitions and programs,” he said. “Not only for students, but for the community, the state of Alabama and beyond.” The Walter Stanley and Katharyne Virginia Evans Woltosz Theatre will welcome guests for all season performances. The 1,200-seat performance hall will offer orchestra
Wilson Butler Architects photo
Rendering of what the finished Gogue Center will look like once completed.
and balcony seating with opera boxes on both levels, advanced acoustics and lighting and an adjustable orchestra pit, proscenium and symphony shell. Outdoor concerts and festivals will be held at the Amphitheatre at the City of Auburn Lawn and Porch, which can accommodate up to 3,500 guests. Osborne said a number of events will take place once the building officially opens. “For our inaugural season, we’ll present an eclectic mix of 27 headlining acts spanning nine diverse series, including Americana Roots, Broadway, Celebrity Concerts, Chamber Arts, Dance, Family, Global Stage, Jazz and Vocal Songbook. It’s a distinct and diverse first season packed with stellar performances and world-renowned artists, from the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis and banjo virtuoso Béla Fleck to acclaimed choreographer Camille A. Brown and legendary soprano Renée Fleming. We’ll present three hit Broadway musicals during the inaugural season — Escape to Margaritaville, RENT: 20th Anniversary Tour and Waitress. “We’re also dedicated to connecting world-class artists with the community through dynamic artist talks, master classes and demonstrations,” Osborne said. “Our K-12 School Show program is expected to impact 7,000 local schoolchildren, providing unprecedented opportunities to see AUBURN page 8