Virginia Tech University Libraries, Special Collections
in collaboration with
the Department of Housing, Interior Design, and Resource Management


The Lyric Theatre: A Look Back at the Beginnings


Virginia Tech and the Lyric Theatre

Virginia Tech and the Lyric Theatre Just as the Lyric provided a focal point for entertainment for the students of Virginia Tech since the turn of the century, so has the University become involved with the current "Bring Back the Lyric movement. The following programs and departments across campus have been involved:

Interior Design


HIDM 2114 Presentation Techniques (spring 1995) used the Lyric as a client for a space planning project. Students were required to rework the Lobby and develop new accessible restroom facilities, concession area, and manager's office.
(Faculty in charge: Eric Wiedegreen)

Special Study (spring 1995), ID Junior Jennifer Wainwright researched the Lyric history and developed alternatives for the lobby and stage areas.
(Faculty in charge: Eric Wiedegreen)

Marketing


A Special Studies class (spring 1995) was set up to study the market viability of reopening the Lyric. One group of students researched similar facilities across the region and sources for film and other entertainment. A second group sent out a survey and created focus groups to ascertain public sentiment about the potential uses for the Lyric.
(Faculty in charge: Ruth Ann Smith and Don Rieley)

Communication Studies


A fall 1995 Communications class divided into four teams and created major fund-raising special events to be held in the spring and fall.
(Faculty in charge: Rachel Holloway

Theatre Arts


Theatre Management students have met to brainstorm ideas for how the department might interface with the Lyric. The potential remains for the Lyric to stand as a continuing laboratory for Theatre Management students. The concept is also being pursued of creating a joint "Town and Gown" performing organization which would use the Lyric as its home stage.
(Faculty in charge: Don Drapeau)
URL: "http//spec.lib.vt.edu/specgen/lyr/collab.htm"
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Send questions or comments to Tamara Kennelly: tjk@vt.edu
Last updated: February 9, 1996