Kent State University

New Performing Arts Center

Category
Higher Education
About This Project

This Performing Arts Center was designed to promote economic development of the Tuscarawas Valley and enrich Kent State University’s academic and cultural programs. The centerpiece of the Tuscarawas Performing Arts Center is a theatre designed for 1,100 seats with a main floor, mezzanine and communicating balcony. It also features an orchestra pit, 75-foot fly tower, multi-purpose rehearsal room, and classrooms. The main lobby seats 280 and can function as an art gallery, conference space, and reception area. An upper-level lobby, with seating for 88, overlooks the lower lobby.

The lobby wall curves to display the facility to the campus and surrounding community. The facility also creates a courtyard between existing buildings. Metal panels resolve the issue. The aluminum lowers costs and creates a contemporary image. Windows frame views into and out of the facility. The university can display signs through a glass opening over the entry. This facility was designed according to LEED sustainable principles.