Center for Performing Arts (Miami University)

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Center for Performing Arts
North facade of the Center for Performing Arts
Map
General information
Architectural styleNew Formalism
LocationOxford, Ohio
CountryUnited States
Coordinates39°30′18″N 84°43′54″W / 39.5050°N 84.7318°W / 39.5050; -84.7318
Inaugurated12 March 1971
Cost$6.8 million
OwnerMiami University
Design and construction
Architect(s)Herbert F. Hilmer
Art Building
Georgian Architecture
LocationOxford, Ohio
CountryUnited States
Coordinates39°30′21″N 84°43′53″W / 39.5057°N 84.7313°W / 39.5057; -84.7313
Construction started1984
Completed1986
Inaugurated14 June 1986
Cost$3.7 million
OwnerMiami University
Design and construction
Architect(s)Steed-Hammond-Paul Architects

The Center for the Performing Arts (CPA) building is the largest building of the Miami University College of Creative Arts. It houses the Miami University Theater, theater department, and music department. Originally these programs were distributed between Fisher Hall and Hall Auditorium, and were moved to CPA after its construction in 1969.[1]

In 1984, funds were approved for a new Art and Art Education building to form a quad with the Center for Performing Arts and Hiestand Hall, amounting to approximately $6.8 million. The governor at the time, Dick Celeste, approved the grants for the building as well as the expansion and improvement of other halls on campus, including Williams Hall (Miami University), Gaskill Hall, and Robertson Hall.[2] Originally these funds had been frozen. $3.7 million was put forth by legislation to compensate for the architectural fees, the construction, and the equipment, and the building itself is worth $3.7 million. One of only two schools in the state of Ohio to be selected, the building was given the distinction of outstanding design in “American School & University.” [3]

Construction

Groundbreaking began on CPA in 1969. On March 12, 1971, a dedication concert took place to open the building to the public after its completion. The president of the university at the time,

Glee Club and the New Music Ensemble, orchestrated by Ronald Herder.[4]

The architects of the Art Building were Steed-Hammond-Paul Architects of

Richard Celeste, the governor who originally signed the monetary funding, participated actively in the groundbreaking for the new art building.[6]
In 1986, the ribbon cutting ceremony for the art building took place as part of the events of the “57 years of art” celebration on Miami’s campus. The cutting was to be the 14th of June 1986, with the Art Building opening that very same day.
graduates traveled to Miami to participate in the event.[3]
The structure was completed later in 1986.

Layout and features

The major performance spaces in the Center for Performing Arts are the theater and the

hydraulically operated platform. Also, the stage area is almost three times the height of the seating area.[8]

Housing the art department, [7] the Art Building has three stories. The main lecture hall holds room enough for 217 seats. Two of the stories are partially taken up by an open gallery. The remainder of the building holds accompanying studios and classrooms.[2][6][7] The building design keeps in theme with the Georgian features of Miami’s architecture through the rest of the campus. There are several architecturally innovative features throughout the building such as light wells and specifically designed window openings to provide more natural lighting. Other areas of the building allow for exhibition space and video recording studios. At the time there were also future plans for a computer lab.[3]

References

  1. ^ Miami University Utilizes Performing Arts Center. Oxford, Ohio: The Oxford Press. 8 December 1969.
  2. ^ a b Miami receives funds for art education building; $6.7 million for renovations. Vol. 3. No. 38. Oxford, Ohio: The Miami University Report. 7 June 1984.
  3. ^ a b c Ribbon cutting held at new art building alumni weekend. The Miami University Report. 3 July 1986.
  4. ^ The Center for the Performing Arts Dedication. A Dedication Concert. Oxford, Ohio. 12 March 1971.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  5. ^ Art Education building bids opened; groundbreaking set. Vol. 5. No. 5. The Miami University Report. 30 August 1984.
  6. ^ a b Governor to participate in groundbreaking Sept. 18. Oxford, Ohio: The Miami University Report. 6 September 1984.
  7. ^ a b c Project Information. Oxford, Ohio: The Miami Report. 3 July 1986.
  8. ^ a b The Center for the Performing Arts. Oxford, Ohio: Miami Alumnus. 11 March 1971.
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