Blackbox Theater Reopens

By: Stacey Axler

Recently, the Avalon Performing Arts Studio located in the Tatem Arts Center which has been closed since last October, re-opened and now can be utilized.

The Avalon Performing Arts Studio is a blackbox theatre utilized by Hood College Theatre (HCT), Hood College Improv Troupe (HCT), and Hood College Student Musical Theatre (HCSMT).  The venue closed after a mold abatement process occurred in the venue.

“I’m happy that HCT now has the possibility to use Avalon.  The abrupt closing of the black box cause some interesting complications in staging different shows, like “Waiting for Godot” last fall,” said head of the theatre program at Hood Joe Brady.

Since the closing of Avalon, the various theatre programs needed to restage several productions.  “Waiting for Godot” premiered in theBroadbeckMusic Hall, after Avalon closed in the middle to that rehearsal process.

Similarly, since the close of Avalon, the theatre department in conjunction with Hood College facilities began to remodel Price Auditorium to use that defunct performance space as a venue for shows and rehearsals.

“I’ve begun to really like Price Auditorium as a performance space.  Both HCT and facilities has been a big help in revamping that space after over 10 years of being under-utilized,” said Brady.

Currently, the theatre program is staging two productions of Samuel Beckett plays in the Price Auditorium: “That Time” and Krapp’s Last Tape.”  The productions will premiere on April 19.

Currently, the theatre program has the option of utilizing both performance spaces for future shows.

“I feel that Avalon will become more of an experimental venue, one where we can do theater in the round, while Price will become our typical proscenium stage.  But it’s great to have the option of both venues,” said Brady.