\u201cMr. V\u201d would surely appreciate the school\u2019s commitment to the musical and theatrical arts that the 450-seat auditorium brings to town.<\/p>\n
Audiences will soon enjoy concert and jazz bands, symphonies, choirs, live theater, comedy acts and musicals, films and more.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe acoustics are really amazing, and the auditorium was professionally engineered to create a full, rich sound with no echo,\u201d said MCHS band director Rodney Ritthaler.<\/p>\n
The large stage, tapered high ceiling and baffled walls are a performers\u2019 dream, and allow for every audience member to experience excellent sound quality as they relax in cushioned seats.<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course, it depends on me getting students to play the right notes, which is my main mission,\u201d said Ritthaler. \u201cOur first performance will be the Christmas concert.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speakers, rows of stage lighting, and a drop-down viewing screen and video projection equipment are all monitored and controlled from an enclosed booth in the back.<\/p>\n
The sound system features two large speakers that each contain 24 smaller speakers that can be fine-tuned and adjusted directionally. A bass speaker is positioned on the ceiling.<\/p>\n
To dedicate the auditorium, the San Juan Symphony will perform an inaugural concert on Oct. 4, put on by Southwest Colorado Concerts.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are really looking forward to it. The auditorium is made for them, and the venue is the only one in town that can support that type of concert,\u201d said Joyce Stevenson, president of SWCC. \u201cThe dedication concert features an internationally renown cello soloist.\u201d<\/p>\n
Southwest Colorado Concerts will put on a series of yearly performances at the venue.<\/p>\n
The auditorium will improve student theater productions as well, said MCHS theater director Nicholas Sandner.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a gorgeous space and top of the line compared to what we had before,\u201d he said. \u201cThe seats are more comfortable, the acoustics are great \u2013 it is something you would expect at a large university.\u201d<\/p>\n
The theater department\u2019s first performance will be in November and feature the 1936 comedy \u201cYou Can\u2019t Take it With You.\u201d<\/p>\n
The drama department\u2019s separate classroom is also a \u201cBlack Box\u201d theater with curtains, sound and modern lighting. The smaller venue is perfect for one-act comedy shows, experimental theater, improv and puppet shows.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is more intimate and interactive because the actors will be much closer to the audience,\u201d Sandner said. \u201cThe main stage is also much closer to the audience than the old theater.\u201d<\/p>\n
Designated dressing rooms for actors and performers are an upgrade as well. And the curtain system on the stage allows for backstage to be closed off during performances, making set changes more convenient and productions more professional.<\/p>\n
Sandner said the banks of lighting and huge drop-down screen will enhance performances with creative video and light shows.<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope our new facility will attract more theater students,\u201d Sandner said. \u201cWe can train them in a more complete way, and if they decide to go into the profession of the performing arts, they will have a good foundation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tickets for the Oct. 4 Southwest Colorado Concerts dedication show will be sold at the auditorium 20 minutes before the show. To guarantee a ticket, you must buy a season pass for $45, which includes four concerts and local performances.<\/p>\n
For a season pass, contact Jim West at (970) 882-0120.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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