The Observer, February 17, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 17
Case students in dire need of a performing arts center
Last weekend's Eldred Opening of Look Back in Anger drew an almost sold-out crowd. Tuesday's Case Symphonic Orchestra performance drew nearly 200 people. The program for the evening's show included almost 70 Case students names, and also listed the variety of majors and interests of the student performers. Footlighters, Case's musical theatre troupe, finds it easy to fill roles as well as bring in the crowds, and expects to prove it in this spring's presentation of Footloose. These examples make it obvious that the performing arts – whether singing, dancing, playing music, or acting – serve as an important resource, as well as a constructive and creative outlet, for the Case community. The arts better the quality of life for students regardless of their academic pursuits. This substantial interdisciplinary interest in the arts does, however, draw attention to a sore spot for Case: the lack of a performing arts facility on campus.
Those who don't see the dire need for a center of this nature should consider some of the facts. Currently, most musical performance rehearsals are held in Denison, a small inadequate room attached to Wade Commons. The space is also vied for by multiple campus groups because it is the only real practice room on campus.
The actual events are then held – depending on the size of the ensemble – in one of two locations. Thwing Ballroom, which held Tuesday evening's orchestra performance, is nothing like an auditorium. Guests are seated at tables throughout the room, and for larger musical events the floor space is shared by guests and performers alike. Harkness Chapel is used by both Case and CIM students, and is not conducive to performances by large groups. Theatrical performances held there suffer from a lack of off-stage wings, forcing all activity to be held on stage. Eldred Theater, a renovated gymnasium, is scarcely sufficient for Case's theater program and does not lend itself to use by other student organizations.
When important speakers, such as Stephen Hawking or Steven Pinker, are brought to campus, the university shells out the necessary money to rent Severance Hall. However, when student groups sponsor a guest speaker, the most they can hope for is Strosacker Auditorium. That building – to say the least – doesn't even impress students, much less those who visit "the world's most powerful learning environment."
Severance is also out of the question for other groups. While the Symphonic Winds and Wind Ensemble can sometimes scrounge up the funds to play a dynamite show there, it seems that until we get a performing arts center, our campus arts groups will be confined to their overcrowded and sub-par facilities.
It's no secret that Case is currently suffering a massive fund shortage, but when we finally have the opportunity to partake in new architectural endeavors, a facility of this type should be first on the list. The Master Plan has already seen a multitude of changes in recent years, and providing something that students actually need should take precedent over other, less-urgent tasks.
