Construction begins on $5.5m LIU theater.

The Brooklyn Campus of Long Island University has begun construction on the Kumble Theater, the centerpiece of the Campus' new $5.5 million Performing Arts Complex.

"Our Performing Arts Complex will be a brilliant jewel in the crown of the community's cultural scene," Provost Gale Stevens Haynes proudly notes.

"The sparkling new facility, with its top-notch technical design, will be an outstanding resource, showcasing the vibrant dance, music and theater groups that make our neighborhood such a unique cultural haven.

"It will serve not only our students, but the entire community, providing audiences with access to prominent and emerging local artists."

Construction is underway and is expected to be completed in time for the Fall 2004 season. The 320-seat Kumble Theater, designed by Mitchell/Giurgola Architects, LLP, will boast a nearly 1,500-square foot stage.

The lobby area will include a 960-square foot, glass-enclosed art gallery, and the lower level will feature a black box theater space for rehearsals and smaller productions in addition to dressing rooms, music practice rooms and classrooms.

"Technically sophisticated, the theatre will be flexible enough to accommodate the Campus music, drama and dance departments as well as a wide range of touring production companies. It will feature top-of-the-line video and projection equipment, an advanced electro-acoustic system and flexible rigging capability," according to John Doherty, the project architect.

The Kumble Theater is named for Steven Kumble, the Long Island University trustee whose generous gift launched the project, making it possible for the University to address student and community needs for quality rehearsal and performance space.

"I like to think this project, when completed, will truly touch the lives of talented young people and allow them to pursue their dreams and reach their goals," Mr. Kumble explains.

"I hope that my support, along with the support of others to come, will awaken, enlighten and expand the minds of many." The wood-paneled performance space that will bear his name will occupy the renovated ground floor of the Arnold & Marie Schwartz Hall of Arts and Humanities. A lower level will be added to the building to house other facets of the Complex.

"The Kumble Theater and the entire Complex will benefit the community of artists that has made downtown Brooklyn an important source of inspiration and an avant-garde entertainment destination," adds Rodney Hurley, who will serve as the theater manager.

Located within downtown Brooklyn's burgeoning cultural district, which includes the Brooklyn Academy of Music, BAM LDC, Mark Morris Dance Group, 651 ARTS and the future home of the Brooklyn Public Library's Visual and Performing Arts Library, the venue will present both student productions and the work of world-class talents.

Popular Campus series, including jazz clinics and concerts, "Afternoons at LIU," and "Voices of the Rainbow," will move to the new facility and continue to draw top guest artists to Brooklyn.

"This is an exciting project for us," declares Provost Haynes. "It will position the Campus as a driving force in shaping downtown Brooklyn's continually evolving artistic landscape."