Rock Valley College Studio Theatre Explained

Stadium Name:Rock Valley College Studio Theatre
Nickname:Studio Theatre
Opened:1985
Owner:Rock Valley College
Seating Capacity:172
Publictransit: RMTD

The Rock Valley College Studio Theatre was an indoor community theater located on the Rock Valley College campus in Rockford, Illinois; its operational status has been put on hold indefinitely,[1] a casualty of the Illinois Budget crisis (see: Bruce Rauner#Governor of Illinois). It is often conflated with the Rock Valley College Starlight Theatre, which operates in the nearby Bengt Sjostrom Theatre,[2] an award-winning[3] outdoor complex known as Starlight Theatre by local residents. Confusion exists as both theatres are operated by the RVC Theatre Department and stand in close proximity to one another.[4] [5]

Theatre History

The 172-seat, three-quarter thrust theatre is housed in a converted barn, along with the RVC Theatre Department offices and costume storage facilities. The building and its accompanying 217 acres were purchased by the college in 1965 from Dr. J.J. Rogers.[6] The structure has undergone several renovations and served multiple purposes since its initial purchase, at certain times housing the college cafeteria, library and admissions offices. As the campus grew, new buildings were assigned to serve these purposes. By 1985, an unnamed student theatre group had taken up residence in the building. This group would eventually be folded into the existing RVC Theatre Department.[7] Plans to move from "the barn" to a new Arts Instructional Center with modern amenities has been tabled by the college's board of Trustees.[8]

Production history

According to local newspaper records,[9] more than 130 productions have taken place in Studio Theatre.[10]

Original Works Program

Since before its official formation, Studio Theatre has performed original plays by local playwrights.

References

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Notes and References

  1. Web site: Wolf . Sarah . 2016-05-06 . Rock Valley College halts indoor Studio Theatre productions in wake of budget cuts . Rockford Register Star.
  2. Web site: AIA Illinois . Illinoisgreatplaces.com . 2014-01-25.
  3. Web site: Studio Gang Architects . Studio Gang Architects | Bengt Sjostrom Starlight Theatre . Studiogang.net . 2014-01-25.
  4. Web site: RVC Theatre Department website . Rockvalleycollege.edu . 2013-04-16 . 2014-01-25.
  5. Web site: Starlight Theatre at Rock Valley College | Rockford, IL 61114 | Rockford Area Arts, Culture & Theatre . Gorockford.com . 2013-04-19 . 2014-01-25.
  6. Web site: Rockford History: 1965 . Rockfordillinois.com . 2014-01-25.
  7. Web site: Rockford History website . Rockfordillinois.com . 2014-01-25.
  8. Web site: Guerrero . Isaac . 2012-11-18 . Rock Valley might abandon star architect's arts center designs . 2014-01-25 . Rockford Register Star .
  9. Web site: Rockford Register Star - Rockford, IL . Rrstar.com . 2014-01-25.
  10. Web site: RVC Theatre website . Rockvalleycollege.edu . 2014-01-25.
  11. Web site: 2011-01-31 . Studio Theatre kicks off season with 'Grey Gardens' . 2014-01-25 . Rockford Register Star.

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