McCarter Theatre is growing up, and out, thanks to The Next Stage Campaign, a multimillion-dollar expansion project.
Workers have recently begun constructing the steel frame for McCarter's addition, which will feature a new theater, rehearsal halls and classrooms that will benefit the University and community alike.
Construction of the Berlind Theatre, a second performance space, is one of the plan's most noteworthy features.
For student use
Built for Princeton student group productions and outside acts, the theater is expected to accommodate 350 people.
The addition will also include two rehearsal halls and several classrooms available to undergraduates in the University's theater and dance program.
The final $14.1 million construction cost has almost doubled the amount originally announced. Jointly funded by the University, McCarter and 1,500 private benefactors, the enterprise had collected most of the needed capital by last year.
New spaces impact
The impact of the increased rehearsal space for the University's performance groups will be significant. Not only will more practice rooms alleviate some stress associated with booking the limited space, but it will also enable the groups to dedicate more time to improving their technique and creativity.
Since the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Next Stage on Sept. 20, construction has progressed smoothly.
Tom Muza, the general manager of McCarter said he and administrators did not anticipate any major roadblocks, and were very happy with Next Stage's progress.
Jeff Woodward, the managing director of McCarter, said he expected the theater to open for use in June 2003, several months sooner than the original Fall 2003 date.
Both Muza and Woodward confirmed that work is still expected to end in Spring 2003.
Despite the noise and rubble that the construction has brought to University Place, community residents do not seem to be complaining.
McCarter offices said no audience members have voiced discontent with the project.
"It hasn't been affecting performances at all," said Kim Hurdman, web manager at McCarter.
Catering to needs
A Princeton resident purchasing tickets for the Mozarteum Orchestra — McCarter's current performance — said clouds of dirt have not deterred her from attending shows at McCarter.
She added that the lack of aesthetic appeal was a small price to pay for the additional performance opportunities.
Her only concern was that the theater would cater to seniors more in the future.
In fact, the theater will do just that, Woodward said. Including an elevator and ramps, the new theater will be "very accessible" to seniors and other people with limited mobility, he said.
Students involved in the performing arts say they are looking forward to the completion of the project.
Kemesha Delisser, a member of the Black Arts Company, said the additional space would cut down on some of the "bartering and trading" that she said often transpires between groups to secure practice time and space in the beginning of the year.
Marianne Yip '03, artistic director of BodyHype, agreed that shortage of rehearsal space poses a problem for all dance troupes.
The increasing number of performing arts groups on campus has made space more of an issue in recent years, she said.
"I think [the McCarter addition] will really improve the quality of arts on campus," Yip said.
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