Theatre Celebrates 100 Years with Major Transformation

The renovation of the Robinson Theatre is now complete, just in time for the 100th anniversary of the UO theatre arts program in 2009.

Around the World in 80 Days debuted on Jan. 23 to kick off the year-long centennial celebration, which will culminate in an alumni reunion in the fall.

Besides the remodel of the venerable Robinson Theatre, the $8.6 million construction project included a new black box theatre called the Hope Theatre, plus an expansion of the scenery shop, an airy and naturally lit costume shop, a larger lobby and redesigned outdoor area. Together, these spaces are now known as the Miller Theatre Complex, in recognition of one of the major donors to the project.

"It's a transformation of the whole space," said John Schmor, head of the theatre arts department.

Discussions of an overhaul started in 1998, and the project kicked into high gear in 2001, when the James F. and Marion L. Miller Foundation of Portland donated a $1.5 million matching grant. Subsequent fundraising campaigns helped bring in the rest of the funding, and construction began in the fall of 2007.

Among the most noticeable changes are the improvements to the Robinson Theatre, which originally opened 60 years ago and had never been signifi- cantly updated. The seating area has been reconfigured stadium-style, which has reduced the number of seats from around 375 to 300. However, the sightlines and acoustics are much improved, creating a better experience for the audience.

The new 150-seat Hope Theatre replaces the old Arena Theatre as the venue for Second Season shows, which are usually more experimental. The old Arena Theatre will continue to be used for rehearsals, adding valuable extra room. Schmor said that students previously used every available space for practice -- hallways, foyers and even the downstairs restroom of Villard Hall.

As You Like It brought Shakespeare to the Hope Theatre Feb. 27-March 14. Two more shows will round out the season in the Robinson Theatre: Ovid's Metamorphoses will run from May 1-16, and Earth Matters Onstage: EcoDrama Festival of New Plays from May 17-30.