Shakespeare once wrote, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players”. If Shakespeare had been alive to see Thompson Theatre’s renovations, he would have added “technology” to the list of players, since it plays a major role in theater.

The theatre, designed by Hobart Upjohn in 1925, has been undergoing a revampment for the past two years. Originally used as a gymnasium, the building now houses a theatre and the Crafts Center. After beginning construction in October 2007, it is scheduled to be completed for a grand opening in August 2009. Much of the money is going toward implementing new technology in order to make upcoming programs more efficient and exciting.

John McIlwee, Director of University Theatre, said that there will be “state-of-the-art LED in both theaters”. This makes lighting much “greener”, and each of the bulbs will eventually be interchangeable with those in Stewart Theatre.

“I have worked on projects at Duke and UNC, but I haven’t worked on a project this big”, Ronald Faulker, site supervisor, said. Faulker is responsible for putting all new electrical wiring into the building. His crew has strung up the many lights hanging in both theatres, as well as the fluorescent lights for the classrooms.

The technology also makes its presence known within the classrooms and backstage. The classrooms will have cameras for in-class demonstrations where a close-up viewing is needed, such as applying stage makeup. Instead of crowding around the instructor, students will be able to sit at their desks and observe the process on a television screen while the instructor demonstrates at the front of the classroom.

The library will also get a timely technological update. In addition to housing books on theatre craft, there will be a television and DVD player so that students may view past theatrical performances.

Backstage, the womens’ dressing room walls will be paneled with mirrors, all of which will be lined on three sides by lightbulbs. The “green room”, where actors generally wait before appearing onstage, will have a television showing the in-progress performance so that actors can check when they are needed to go on. McIlwee said that there will be communication between all rooms throughout the theatre for the shows via television.

There have also been changes in the “shop” aspect of theatre. The costume shop now has a laundry room, complete with washer and dryer, useful for washing costumes after a performance. It also employs a dye vat so that the color of a garment can be easily changed as per the director’s specifications. A special floor has also been put in which has “give” for the workers spending long hours in the shop.

In the main lobby, the Thompson box office will be connected to the main box office in Talley, facilitating easier communication between the two. Outside, there will be electric signs telling theater patrons where to go once inside.

Accessibility has also been a primary concern for the improvements. There is a ramp leading the main entrance of the building off the left side. Hallways have been widened, and many areas on the second floor, such as the costume shop, have now been made accessible by widening areas and adding in elevators linking together floors.

So how much are all of these improvements costing?

“The entire cost of the Thompson renovation, including construction, purchase of equipment and furniture, etc, is $16.6 million” Alex Miller, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, said. “Of that amount, students will pay just over $13.7 million, private donors will pay $2.6 million, and the university is covering additional costs of about $300,000.”