News Summary

The University of Alabama has commenced construction on the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, a $50 million investment aimed at enhancing educational facilities for performing arts. Funded primarily by a $20 million donation from the Smith family, the center will consolidate various performance spaces and academic functions into one location. Featuring four performance spaces and state-of-the-art equipment, the Smith Center is expected to be completed by November 2026 and aims to elevate the university’s performing arts program significantly.

Construction Begins on $50 Million Smith Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Alabama

Construction has officially begun on the east and west wings of the Smith Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Alabama. The new facility, which will cover 130,088 square feet and is estimated to cost approximately $50 million, represents a significant investment in the university’s dedication to the arts.

The ambitious project is largely funded by a $20 million donation from the Smith family, with the contribution made in memory of Mark Smith, co-founder of the telecommunications company ADTRAN. The donation was presented by Clay Smith, a University of Alabama alumnus, along with his wife Cameron and his mother Linda in 2022. During the groundbreaking ceremony held in 2023, Clay Smith highlighted his family’s enduring passion for the arts.

The Smith Center will be located behind the Randall Welcome Center and is part of the recently renovated Bryce Campus. This state-of-the-art facility aims to consolidate all of the university’s performance and academic functions into a centralized location, ensuring that the Department of Theatre and Dance, currently spread across spaces like the English Building and Rowand-Johnson Hall, can operate under one roof.

Design and Performance Spaces

The center will feature four performance spaces and a Performing Arts Academic Center, with amenities designed to support various forms of performance art. Among these features are:

• A black box theatre with seating for 175-275 guests.
• A 350-seat theatre.
• A 450-seat venue specifically designed for dance performances.
• An intimate dance studio theatre.

Construction is anticipated to be completed by November 2026.

Impact on the University and the Community

The chief goal of the Smith Center project is to enhance the educational framework for students and faculty involved in the performing arts. The new center will allow for the centralization of student performance spaces for dance, theatre, and opera. As a result, other academic needs will be met as the current performance spaces in the English Building and Rowand-Johnson Hall become available for repurposing.

The President of the university, Stuart Bell, indicated that the Smith Center will establish a new standard of excellence for the students and faculty at the university. Dr. Joseph P. Messina, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, noted that the construction of the center would significantly elevate the university’s nationally recognized performing arts program.

Future Developments

Pending final approval from the University of Alabama System Board of Trustees, the Smith Center is set to replace previous primary student performance venues, including the Marian Gallaway Theatre, Bryant-Jordan Hall, and The Dance Theatre. Designed with state-of-the-art equipment to aid in arts education and performances, the Smith Center stands as a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community.

As construction progresses, the University of Alabama community awaits what will undoubtedly be a transformative addition to its campus, enhancing both the educational experience and opportunities for student engagement in the performing arts.

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Additional Resources

• Tuscaloosa News: Work Continues on New University of Alabama Performing Arts Center
• Tuscaloosa News: Construction Moves Forward on Key University of Alabama Project
• The Bama Buzz: University of Alabama New Performing Arts Center
• Wikipedia: Performing Arts
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Performing Arts

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