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YORK, Neb. (AP) — York College has announced plans to construct a $3.5 million performing arts center on its southeast Nebraska campus.
The college has already received $2.2 million in gifts and pledges to go toward the project, the York News-Times reported (http://bit.ly/1jibk3T ).
A 350-seat, 5,000 square-foot theater will be the centerpiece of the facility. Other features include an atrium, a dedicated rehearsal hall for the Concert Choir, a green room, costume room and practice rooms for music majors.
Construction of the 12,000 square-foot facility is set to begin in the fall.
The performing arts center will be focused on the day-to-day needs of students involved in York College's music and communication programs, officials said.
"Reaching out to our community has been a hallmark of our programs and a new performing arts center will help us do this better than before," York College President Steve Eckman said. "Our arts patrons will enjoy the additional space and comfort, while our students enjoy more opportunities to learn and grow."
The project was kick-started late last year by a $2 million anonymous gift.
Other major commitments include a grant from the York Community Foundation and a gift from RL Craft Roofing Co. of Harlan, Iowa.
Music professor and performing arts chair Clark Roush said he expects the new center to help the school recruit music majors.
"We have such a fine reputation for what we produce musically," Roush said. "It will be great to have a facility that represents the caliber of our arts program."
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Information from: York News-Times, http://www.yorknewstimes.com
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