Ball State announces Brown Family Amphitheater
MUNCIE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — A nearly $3 million gift to Ball State University from Charles Brown will fund an outdoor performance space at the university. The board of trustees approved the additional funding and the naming of the Brown Family Amphitheater during its last board meeting.
“The beauty of our campus is one of the many reasons students choose Ball State University,” said President Geoffrey Mearns. “The Brown Family Amphitheater will strengthen that appeal. It will also deepen our commitment to inspiring students by providing a variety of performances as well as a gathering space for outdoor activities, which will encourage innovation.”
The university says the building will be constructed between Park and Pruis Halls and between Noyer and Woodworth Complexes on the Muncie campus.
“The Brown Family Amphitheater will be a wonderful addition to the heart of our campus,” said Board Chair Renae Conley. “We deeply appreciate Charlie’s continued support of our institution, and we look forward to the many experiences this facility will provide our students, faculty and staff and the community.”
The $2.8 million gift is the second from Brown concerning the new amphitheater, who initially funded the design of the building with a $250,000 gift. The university says Brown has supported the school in other ways since his graduation from Ball State in 1971, including the Charlie Brown BOLD Celebration Scholarship and being the lead donor for the Charles W. Brown Planetarium.
“All of us in the College of Fine Arts are excited,” said Dean Seth Beckman. “In collaboration with our many campus and community partners, the Brown Family Amphitheater will enable our art, music, theatre and dance programs to come together as never before. This new space will spark creativity and inspire partnerships for generations to come.”
The university says the new facility will include dressing rooms, a green room, storage space, control room and a booth/mix station for various productions. A timeline for completing construction has not been disclosed.