In an effort to enrich the University's fine arts community, Student Council plans to set up new lighting systems at the amphitheater and the Student Activities Building.
Funding for the project will come from class contributions, a donation from Newcomb Hall and the University Bookstore surplus.
"Our emphasis is to save students money and encourage a high level of programming in spaces that have been previously unavailable," Student Council President Abby Fifer said.
Currently, no one can perform at the amphitheater at night without paying hundreds to thousands of dollars for lighting, Fifer said. Also, the lighting at the Student Activities Buildingis inadequate for high quality stage performances, she added.
Plans now call for installing two twin towers on either side of the amphitheater stage and an internal light system on a grid at the Student Activities Building, she said.
With such changes, students using these performance buildings only will have to pay a nominal fee.
"We anticipate the space becoming more dynamic," Fifer said.
The seeds for this project began several years ago. Director of Alumni Programs Wayne Cozart said the class of 1992 raised $32,000 for improvements to the amphitheater as their class gift.
University Bookstore Director John Kates said the University Bookstore was able to donate $50,000 to "areas of greatest need."
Part of the bookstore gift went to buy a new van for Escort Service, and the remainder of the money was set aside for the lighting improvements.
A consulting committee started meeting early last summer to draw up plans. Although officials rejected original plans for the lighting project, the new plans have received University approval.
Architectural consultant David Weiss said that officials will finalize the plans for the new lighting equipment this Thursday.
"We've been really successful," Fifer said. "The lights will definitely be in place by June, but we hope they will be up for the spring performances"
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