ArtsGreensboro Celebrates Opening of Van Dyke Performance Space
With final phase of construction completed, opening events scheduled for April
Greensboro, N.C., March 27, 2017 — ArtsGreensboro today announced that work on the interior of the new Van Dyke Performance Space – including the installation of new permanent and flexible seating – has been completed. This milestone heralds the announcement of celebratory events beginning next month, including TEDxGreensboro, Wrangler’s Great American Music Series, and exciting dance events produced by the Dance Project.
The new performing arts, events, and entertainment facility is located in downtown’s Cultural Center, with a seating capacity of 250 to as many as 400 or more under different configurations. The facility was made possible through a collaborative partnership between the City of Greensboro and ArtsGreensboro – thanks to a $1 million gift from renowned choreographer and Dance Project artistic director Jan Van Dyke. Prior to the installation of permanent seating, the space hosted a small number of soft-opening sold-out events, which brought very positive public reaction to the room and its flexibility.
The final phase of construction saw the installation of 211 auditorium-style seats installed as a tiered, retractable structure, giving the space comfortable seating with unimpeded sightlines. Thanks to its retractable feature, the size of the seating unit can be reduced, giving the 7,500 square foot room the flexibility to host a myriad of events, from standing room only performances and receptions to banquets or events with dynamic seating needs. The venue is also available to the public for rent throughout the year.
“Jan would be so excited,” remarked project consultant Bob Thurston, who donated his expertise in technical design of theatrical facilities to help carry-out the creative vision of the late Van Dyke. “Raked seating with perfect sightlines to the dance floor was a requirement for Jan’s participation in this project. We successfully accomplished that, and we’re glad that a dancer’s every move will be visible from these seats in the house,” added Thurston.
Sharing in the excitement of the completed project, District Four City Councilwoman Nany Hoffmann said, “The Van Dyke Performance Space is a beautiful, sleek, contemporary addition to the Cultural Center, the first major change to the building since its renovation in 1989. It fills a much needed “Black Box” venue in the city for a variety of programming requiring capacity for audiences of 250 to 400.” Commenting on the collaborative nature of the project, Hoffmann continued, “It is a fabulous example of a public/private partnership completed with the generous gift from Jan Van Dyke, and we’re grateful that the Public Art Endowment of the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro will add seven exquisite stained-glass windows from famed NC artist Carl Powell.”
With construction and installation projects complete, ArtsGreensboro, the nonprofit managing entity for the space, is looking ahead to a busy calendar for the venue. Opening weekend events in April include TEDxGreensboro on Thursday, April 20, followed on Friday, April 21 by the second concert in Wrangler’s Great American Music Series, an evening of traditional Irish song by iconic Irish musicians John Doyle and John Williams. On Saturday, April 22, Jan Van Dyke’s legacy dance education program, Dance Project: The School at City Arts, hosts a Dance Marathon fundraiser. Opening festivities continue on Saturday, April 29, with concerts by the Greensboro Tarheel Chorus.
Speaking of the Van Dyke Performance Space, TEDxGreensboro Curator, Skip Moore, commented “We are glad that TEDxGreensboro will be one of the first events in the new Van Dyke Performance Space. The venue’s size, accessibility, and accommodations are a great fit for our needs,” adding, “it’s an addition to downtown Greensboro that will benefit the community in many ways.”
For more information on the Van Dyke Performance Space and upcoming events, visit www.thevandyke.org.
Want to go? Add the Van Dyke’s opening events to your calendar.
Thursday, April 20, 2017
TEDxGreensboro 2017: Momentum.
About the event: TEDxGreensboro is an independently organized event which has presented an annual day-long TEDx event since 2013. The program includes a full day of speakers, entertainment, and connection around this year’s theme of “Momentum.”
Tickets and more information: www.thevandyke.org
Friday, April 21, 2017
An evening of Irish song with John Doyle & John Williams, the second event in Wrangler’s Great American Music Series
About the event: The duo of guitarist/singer/songwriter John Doyle and stellar accordion/whistles player John Williams represents the pinnacle in traditional Irish, British Isles folk, and Americana music. This is John Doyle’s first return to Greensboro since his appearance with The Alt at the 2016 National Folk Festival.
Tickets and more information: www.thevandyke.org
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Dance Project’s Dance Marathon 2017
About the event: The Dance Project at City Arts, whose mission is to provide accessible, professional quality dance education to all who seek it, will host a day-long dance marathon and fundraiser. The event is capped off with a grand finale performance at the Van Dyke Performance Space.
More information: www.thevandyke.org
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Greensboro Tarheel Chorus sings Music from the Movies
About the event: The Greensboro Tarheel Chorus will sing favorite songs from the movies in their signature, a capella barbershop harmony style. The Tarheel Chorus welcomes the Weaver Academy Choral Ensemble as their special guests and beneficiaries of a portion of the event’s proceeds. Matinee and evening performance options.
Tickets and more information: www.thevandyke.org
