What will happen to the 35,000 square feet of space soon to be available in New South Cafeteria? A pub? A quiet study area? Based on the strong representation of students who participate in performing arts at Wednesday’s student forum, part of the new space will likely go to drama, dance and music.
New South Dining Hall will close upon completion of the Southwest Quadrangle Project, which will house a new dining facility. The Quadrangle is expected to be finished by fall 2003 and will also house a dormitory, a new Jesuit residence and a parking garage.
The student forum, initiated by the University’s Core Planning Team, held two meetings this week to discuss students’ ideas for the space available in New South. Student groups represented at Wednesday’s meeting included Mask & Bauble, the Nomadic Theatre, GU Band, GU TV, Outdoor Ed and Interhall.
Students expresseed the most interest in providing performing arts space.
Drew Courtney, executive producer of Mask & Bauble, said that he felt performing arts representation at the meetings is important.
“The performing arts as a whole agree that the space is needed and want to make sure we have continued representation,” Courtney said.
President of GU Band Jennifer Phillips, expressed concern that students interested in music and theater are not coming to Georgetown due to its lack of performing arts space.
“Music and theater are a growing academic department and we need space for them,” Phillips said. “People in these areas want to do serious academic work.”
Phillips said that she hopes the available space will provide performing arts students with an area to practice and perform.
Students involved in the performing arts support each other in what Courtney called a “one for all” fashion. However, the needs of dance programs were highlighted, as they are now “homeless,” according to Phillips. The new proposal includes 3,000 square feet for a dance studio including a spring floor, bars and mirrors.
Rebecca Ende (CAS ‘03,) associate producer of Nomadic Theatre, said, “There is probably enough performing arts to fill the whole space. But additional space could be used for other clubs.”
Tomasina Lucia, technical administrator of Mask & Bauble, said that the forum also discussed the idea of a new student lounge.
Lucia wants a place with “an interesting dynamic where students can sit for hours.” Students agreed the lounge should have a social atmosphere, including an arcade, pool tables, displays of student artwork and a cappella performances. The possibility of an Internet lounge was also suggested, but some feared it would make the new lounge too much like Sellinger, which recently received several new computers.
Students also strongly supported the idea of a restaurant in New South.
Prior to pre-registration for next semester, students will have to fill out a survey on the use of the New South space, respresentatives of the Core Planning Team said. This will help the team gain an understanding of what students want.
The representatives said a formal decision probably will be made in the spring
