For over forty years, a theatre located at the east end of College Hall (formerly the Administration Building) has served Gonzaga’s drama activities. Now, thanks to the generosity of individual and private foundation benefactors, the theatre has been renovated to reflect the quality of the performances and teaching that the facility hosts and to serve as a cultural asset for the Gonzaga and Spokane communities.
Wear and tear was becoming obvious on a Gonzaga theatre space that was not designed for this purpose. Originally the space was a gym! Renovations included a total redesign of the lobby and its entrances to create a welcoming and attractive gathering space for theatre-goers as well as a space suitable for social gatherings hosted by the University. The west entrance from College Hall was rebuilt and the ticket booth relocated to improve traffic flow. Now, furnishings and trim are appropriate to the era of the turn of the century, when the building was constructed. The west entrance features a drop-ceiling with period light fixtures and a 4-foot door with marquee and transom. Lobby upgrades included a painted tin ceiling, gas fireplace and alabaster bowl lighting.
Inside the theatre, all new seating was installed (increasing seating from 194 to 213), as well as new tiers for the seats, new lighting and safety features. Backstage, the costume studio, dressing rooms, workshop, and other support areas were updated as well. Less glamorous but extremely necessary was a new HVAC system which has significantly enhanced the comfort level of the theatre for audiences, cast members, and crew. An extension to the catwalk provides greater flexibility with lighting and scenery. In addition to theatrical performances, now, the renovated theatre is appropriate for special lecture and small ensemble music presentations.
The main performance season at Gonzaga University includes three major theatrical productions and one dance performance each year. Numerous small, student-directed performances also are performed in the theatre. Approximately 20 majors, plus another 200 students and 3,000 audience members are involved each year.
Gifts to the theatre renovation included a donation by longtime Gonzaga benefactors Harry and Colleen Magnuson of Wallace, Idaho, to name it as “The Harry and Colleen Magnuson Theatre.” The Frost and Margaret Snyder Foundation, Johnston-Fix Foundation, Ben B. Cheney Foundation and anonymous benefactors also provided support.
Thank you to the donors to the renovation project. If you need additional information, please contact the University Relations, Development Office at Gonzaga University (509) 313-5944 or visit www.gonzaga.edu/makeagift.