Berry dedicates new Sisters Theatre
The addition to Blackstone Hall will include a black-box stage and adjustable seating.
Berry College’s new Sisters Theatre was dedicated this past week and will include a black-box stage with adjustable seating for up to 276, depending on the needs of a particular production.
“There is such an opportunity in the new space for students and faculty to learn and grow while practicing our craft,” said Anna Filippo, Berry Director of Theatre. “With the new technology, the ability to configure the theater seating and the fresh new look, Berry College Theatre can offer students valuable training to take them to their first jobs, and through their careers.
We are truly grateful to everyone who has helped make this happen.”
The addition to Blackstone Hall is 9,226 square feet. It was project champion Audrey Morgan’s $1 million challenge gift that initiated fundraising for the now-completed $6.7 million Berry
theater campaign in fall 2015.
A year later, at the project groundbreaking, Morgan announced a second $1 million commitment, this one from the foundation of her late sister, M. Bobbie Bailey.
“Over the years I’ve volunteered and supported a lot of great causes, and
standing right by my side and supporting me in all of my endeavors was my sister and business partner, Bobbie Bailey,” Morgan said. “The Berry project was no different.”
The campaign also funded upgrades to Blackstone Hall, which together with the new theater essentially double
the amount of functional space available for Berry College’s theater students.
It was one of two major fine arts priorities of the LifeReady Campaign and fundraising is underway for renovation of Ford Auditorium, Berry’s primary performance space for music.