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Theater gets a 'brand new' look
The Advocate
As Mt. Hood Community College welcomes new and returning faces to campus, it is also showcasing many renovations courtesy of the economic stimulus — and specifically an almost entirely redone College Theater.
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Technical Director Daryl Harrison-Carson’s classes were given a sneak peek this week at the renovation process with a guided tour from the Theater Manager John Rourke.
Rourke explained many of the pieces they have been working to replace, which was shown to be nearly everything.
Plans for renovating the theater began in May when meetings were held to discuss allocation of the economic stimulus funds.
Seeing a golden opportunity, both Rourke and Harrison-Carson put in their bids to make sure the performing arts area received a share of the money.
“When I started working here 10 years ago, the rigging we had was almost scary,” said Harrison-Carson. “We did our best to repair what we had, but it was only a matter of time before we needed to replace all of the equipment.”
Among the new features being implemented in the theater include six new line sets, new curtains, a new laminate stage floor, new loft-blocks, as well as a new outer layer and frame for the movie screen.
One change that everyone seemed to be especially excited about was a new lighting system to rid them of “that pesky double-dimmer” when controlling lights on stage.
Rourke said all old rigging and equipment was recycled if possible.
“Honestly, it’s like you are getting a brand new theater,” Rourke said after showcasing the work that has been done. “But this isn’t it. The renovations in the theater are just a small slice of a big pie.”
The renovations began Aug. 16 and Rourke said work is on schedule, due to be finished by Oct. 9.
At that time the crew has about a week of work to finish the laminate stage floor and the theater should be ready again for use.
“It’s only about every 30-50 years that a chance like this comes along,” said Rourke. “I’m really glad and excited to be a part of it.”
Harrison-Carson said the first show will be the Nov. 9 Children’s Theater show, “The Emperor’s Dragon.”
A tour of the College Theater will be held Monday, Sept. 29 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. The tour is open to the public.
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