No building on Southwestern University's campus has undergone as many structural evolutions as the Alma Thomas Fine Arts Center, whose beginning dates back to 1956. Capping an 18,000 square foot addition to the center in 1999, which provided a secure gallery and space for the study of music and the visual arts, Southwestern next plans to extensively rejuvenate the Alma Thomas Theater, which seats 800, with upgrades and acoustical treatments given to the stage, fly-system and sound and lighting. The University also is considering other proposals for the renovation, including adding a new recital hall that will seat 200, music ensemble rehearsal spaces, support spaces for theatre and visual arts, and music practice rooms for students.
Architectural planning is still underway.
Construction is scheduled to begin by February 2002. The son of a wealthy Egyptian family, Sarofim came to the United States in 1946. Our goal is to create a fine arts center with some of the finest academic spaces and performance venues at a college of our type and size. The performance hall will be the major piece of a fine arts center presenting the arts that will enrich and enhance the lives of students, faculty, staff and the larger Georgetown and central Texas communities. This new facility will be an elegant and exciting performance space that will enable us to present the peforming arts of the highest quality.