This multi-purpose Performing Arts Center is a high-profile building that announces the campus and accommodates the College’s programs in theater arts, music, and dance, and provides Alma students with one of the finest performing facilities in the region.
A series of hierarchically organized volumes creates a restrained monumentality. The three main components of the building: The Concert Hall, Flexible Theater, and Dance Studio, are clearly articulated as independent volumes, and are merged to form a coherent whole through use of loggias and a unifying vocabulary of masonry and limestone precast. The spacious lobby and multi-use dance studio allow for large public gatherings and exhibitions. Flexible arrangements of programmed functions are possible. The building also houses a complement of ancillary facilities including Scenery Shop; Costume Rooms; Dressing Rooms; Green Room; and Faculty Offices. This design encourages interaction between theater, dance and music groups.
The 500-seat Presbyterian Hall is the perfect home for choir, orchestra, band and dance groups. The adjoining 200-seat semi-thrust theatre and separate dance studio host various productions by performing arts faculty and students and provides another venue for performance and instruction. Various support rooms include dressing rooms, green room, dance studio, costume shop and scene shop.
The Remick Heritage Center also is used for speakers, political debates, student recitals, school workshops, alumni and prospective student activities, community meetings and Highland Festival events.
The building's masonry and cast stone exterior reflects the vocabulary of the existing campus while introducing distinctive detailing, and a unifying banding that aligns with that of the central church on campus to highlight the significant nature and prominent location of the structure. Located at the entrance to the campus, the Heritage Center for the Performing Arts has become a signature building for Alma College.
The facility opened as the Heritage Center. It was renamed the Oscar E. Remick Heritage Center for the Performing Arts in honor of Dr. Oscar E. Remick, who serve as the 10th president of Alma College.
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