Economic downturn delays theater renovations

Close to the heart of campus, a National Historic Landmark sits shuttered and dark.

And the Historic Playmakers Theatre — once home to the University’s undergraduate dramatic productions — will remain closed, unless a change comes in either federal policy or UNC’s financial situation.

A delayed renovation and lingering questions of the structure’s compliance with the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act makes the theater’s future uncertain.

The building, built in 1850 as a library and later transformed into a lecture hall and theater, has been undergoing repairs and an extensive renovation since 2006.

In a two-part renovation, the exterior of the structure was funded and completed through the Carolina First Campaign in the first half of the decade, said Emil Kang, executive director for the arts. Kang’s office took jurisdiction over the Playmakers Theatre in 2004 when his position was created.

During external construction, the condition of the building’s interior was allowed to decay with the understanding that renovation would shortly begin inside.

“Then the bottom fell out of the economy,” Kang said. The economic crisis of 2008 hit the University hard, forcing desired but unessential cosmetic projects like Playmakers Theatre to take the backseat as administrators dealt with severe budget cuts across campus.

Kang estimates that complete renovation would cost about $4 million or $5 million, but $100,000 would be enough to make the space usable again.

“We don’t know the exact cost, but it’s enough for us to know that we don’t have the money,” said Ron Strauss, executive associate provost. As the University prepares to draft a new academic plan, Strauss has expressed his desire to draw attention to the campus’ artistic needs.

For the building to open even under minimal repairs, it would have to comply with the federal ADA policies, which state that all public buildings provide accessible rest rooms and entrances, among other requirements.

Strauss’ office has explored the possibility of using facilities in the nearby Campus Y and Gerrard Hall, but that would require someone to open and guard those buildings during performances in Playmakers Theatre.

“We’re looking for affordable solutions for the short term,” Strauss said.

Kang envisions the newly opened space as a home for undergraduate productions.

“If anyone knows about the need for space on this campus, it’s me,” Kang said.

Meanwhile, student groups are waiting for those solutions to appear. For many groups, the loss of Playmakers is particularly acute.

“Financially, the loss of the building has hurt us,” said senior Aaron Salley, publicity administrator for Pauper Players, a student musical theater group that performed regularly in Playmakers Theatre.

Now they are forced to use spaces not designed for theater, such as the Student Union Cabaret.

“It makes it extremely difficult artistically,” Salley said. “I just want to be able to use Playmakers again.”



Contact the Arts Editor at artsdesk@unc.edu.