It began with a herald of trumpets and marks the culmination of years of fundraising, planning and construction. Thursday was the dedication of the Beverly Taylor Sorenson Center for the Arts at Southern Utah University.
The six-acre, 40-million dollar complex features the Southern Utah Museum of Art, the Englestad (outdoor) Shakepeare Theater, the Anes Studio Theater, Festival administrative offices and other supporting facilities—all newly built on beautifully manicured grounds to the north and east of the existing Randall L. Jones (indoor) Theater.
Ken Verdoia was master of the dedication ceremonies, and is chair of the Utah Arts Council.
“Oh, this is an extraordinary achievement - not just for Southern Utah University or even the state or the West – this is an incredible performing arts center that’s going to bring people from all around the world, and it’s going to [have] the beautiful purpose of sharing art. So, it’s a great reflection on the vision of Southern Utah University. Great for the people of southern Utah.”
The grand opening events continue through Saturday with seminars, celebratory activities and, of course, the works of Shakespeare.