 Fort Hays State University received an $80,000 challenge grant from the Ross and Marianna Beach Foundation to upgrade the lighting and fly systems in Felten Start Theatre; roughly half the cost of replacement. To realize this grant, the FHSU Foundation must raise an equal amount.
The success of every program is influenced by the quality of instruction and the equipment required. In recent years Felten Start Theatre has been updated with new seating, multi-media equipment for academic use, and an updated sound system. One major area of need remains: replacement of the lighting and fly systems. The circuitry is dated and does not support the needs of most productions. As of today, the department rents a light board for performances. FHSU facilities management estimates a new light system will save the university an estimated $21,000 in rental costs and utilities.
Theatrical performance has been a part of education at Fort Hays State University from its earliest days. The first major production was Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Mikado” in 1910. Stages in Sheridan Coliseum and Picken Hall served the growing university well until Malloy Hall was constructed in 1963.
Felten Start Theatre serves more than 1,000 students each year as a performance theatre and classroom and is home to FHSU Theatre productions, the Fringe Theatre student group, numerous musical performances, and is one of only three campus spaces that will accommodate more than 50 people. It is an intimate space for smaller productions and is used weekly for university classes.
A gift to the Felten Start Theatre fund will enhance music and theatre education, provide the University with a substantial cost savings in utilities, and return Felten Start Theatre to a reliable performance standard.
For more information contact Cathy Van Doren, Development Director, College of Arts and Science, FHSU Foundation, cvandore@fhsu.edu.
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