ARTS CENTER RENOVATIONS 2008

9-19-08: Senator Jim Alesi Secures $4 Million
to Fully Fund Nazareth College
Arts Center Renovations

About the Arts Center

The Nazareth College Arts Center is Rochester, N.Y.’s premier venue for world-class dance, children’s theatre and international entertainment.  Since its opening in 1967, the Arts Center has entertained almost three million people; its Arthur J. and Marie M. Callahan Theater welcomes approximately 75,000 people annually, including more than 25,000 children at school performances.

A revitalized Nazareth College Arts Center allows the College to renew its commitment to bringing the best in performing and visual arts to the Rochester community, to strengthening our students’ cultural and educational experiences, and to developing summer dance programs that will attract people to our region.

Renovation Facts and Highlights

• Complete renovation of 41-year-old Callahan Theater to transform stage from thrust style (i.e. extends into the audience on three sides) to a hybrid between thrust and proscenium or “picture frame” stage.
• Installation of  fly system to allow technical crews to move sets, lights, and other stage materials quickly on and off stage. 
• Installation of sprung floor, which absorbs the shocks of dancers' and actors’ movements and provides extra traction to reduce slipping.
• Replacement of lighting, temperature and air circulation systems.
• Revamping of seats for better sight lines and greater accessibility.  The renovated theater will have more than 900 seats.
• Creation of more welcoming, formal entrance.
• Construction of larger, secure art gallery space to complement Colacino Gallery.
• Elegant patrons lounge off lobby.

Renovation Images and Schematics

For more information, contact:

Rachel Deguzman
Marketing & Publicity Manager
Arts Center Operations
rdeguzm2@naz.edu
Phone: 585-389-2488
Cell: 585-314-8585