The University of Wyoming is going to renovate and expand their 41-year old Fine Arts building.

The Fine Arts building will turn into a full modern Performing Arts Center. A groundbreaking ceremony for the Performing Arts Center project is set for Friday, May 10th at 11:30 a.m. near the southeast corner of the facility. The event is open for the public to attend. UW President Tom Buchanan, UW Board of Trustees President Dave Bostrom and College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dean Oliver Walter will all speak briefly at the ceremony.

"Courtesy of the University of Wyoming"
"Courtesy of the University of Wyoming"
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According to the University, they hope with the renovation of the facility that it will attract more of the community to come enjoy performances such as dance, music, and theater productions.

“I am very excited about the expansion and renovation, and am simply thankful that I will be around to enjoy it for a year or two,” says Stephen Wadsack, a sophomore who’s a member of the award-winning Wyoming Jazz Ensemble and a drum major with the UW Western Thunder Marching Band. “When the project is complete, we will have new additions that are considered standard in most top-tier performing arts schools. It will definitely improve students’ overall experience, as well as the value and reputation of their degrees when they graduate.”

According to the UW release, the Performing Arts Center renovation project will be funded

"Courtesy of the University of Wyoming"
"Courtesy of the University of Wyoming"
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by a combination of bond proceeds, a 14.2 million legislative appropriation, private donations, and other sources of funds. The project will include about 120,000 gross square feet of space in the facility to be renovated along with 50,000 square feet of new construction. All the new space will make ground for the 256-seat Thrust Theatre and 100-seat Recital Hall added to the east side of the existing building. The facilities will also include a new box office, band and choral rehearsal halls, and a second dance studio.

According to the University, they hope the new Performing Arts Center will attract prospective students and give the current group of scholars a better learning experience as well.

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