Texas State University dedicates new Performing Arts Center

By Matt Flores
University News Service
February 28, 2014

Texas State University on Thursday, Feb. 27, dedicated its newest building, a Performing Arts Center which features new venues for musical and theatrical performances and provides a new cultural gateway between the university and the community.

The $40.9 million building covers 69,122 square feet and includes a 397-seat theatre and 312-seat recital hall, as well as classrooms and production support facilities.

The Texas State University System Board of Regents officially dedicated the center during a special ceremony on Thursday afternoon.

“We are thrilled to provide this magnificent home for our performing artists, who for years have demonstrated their outstanding talents and brought national prominence to Texas State,” President Denise Trauth said. “Now, these fine performing artists have a superior facility that complements their talents.

“Beyond what this building does for our students, faculty, and staff, it also provides a new front door for the community into the university, creating a stronger cultural connection between Texas State and the surrounding area,” Trauth added.

Funding for the building came from a combination of state appropriations and philanthropic gifts, including a lead gift of $8 million from Dr. Patti Strickel Harrison, a longtime donor to the university. The center’s theatre bears her name.

Industry-standard production, rehearsal and performance spaces will serve faculty and students, and instructional and studio areas were added for new graduate programs in theatre.

“These extraordinary venues give students valuable stage experience, provide opportunities for them to work behind the scenes and discover how audiences respond to their work, and help them form their own professional identity,” said Timothy Mottet, dean of Texas State’s College of Fine Arts and Communication.

The building is the centerpiece of a performing arts construction project that includes a parking garage, utilities, landscaping, sidewalks and roadways.

The architect on the project was Morris Architects and the building was constructed by Hunt Construction Group.