Utah Shakespearean Festival requests $10 million for theatre
Dana Bell
Issue date: 3/3/08 Section: News
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SUU President Michael T. Benson said $5 million apiece was requested through the Capital Facilities and Economic Development committees.
"If all goes well we get $10 million, but worse case scenario we only get $5 million, but that still allows us to get started on the project," he said.
R. Scott Phillips, Utah Shakespearean Festival executive director, said the total amount the festival will receive has not been determined.
Phillips said the festival is ranked high for priority for Economic Development.
"So, we are certainly hopeful of receiving the $5 million but we are hoping in the big scheme to get the full $10 million," he said.
If the festival does not receive the full $10 million, Phillips said it would go back to the legislature next year and request it again.
He said anything regarding the funds would not be finalized until after the session ends on March 5.
Amanda Caraway, Utah Shakespearean Festival media and public relations director, said the theatre built from the funds would be located east of the Randall L. Jones Theatre and should be completed in the next five years.
Caraway said festival officials hope the theatre will be done so SUU can reclaim the property the Adams Memorial Theatre currently occupies.
Caraway said SUU will use the space to build a new performing arts center.
The new USF theatre will be similar to the Adams Memorial Theatre, but with some improvements, Caraway said.
Plans for the new building include an enclosed lobby where audience members could visit prior to the show and during intermission, Caraway said.
Phillips said one of the primary differences would be that the theatre would have a retractable roof.
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