On Thursday, Oct. 16, a ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the Dorothy Dickson Darte Center for the Performing Arts to commemorate the completion of its new $3.3 million renovation project.
The ceremony began with an introduction from Mike Wood, Special Assistant to the President. Wood emphasized the importance of these new additions, “for the first time in its history it [the Darte] is handicap accessible.”
Wood further extended his gratitude towards Charles Cary, “Charlie was the quarterback of this whole thing, and this was his vision.”
In addition to his thanks, Wood also acknowledged Governor Wolf, Governor Shapiro, Senator Flynn, Mayor Brown, Eddie Day Pashinski and the entire Campus Project Team.
Jill Price also played an integral role in this development. Wood pointed out that Price “helped us understand what accessibility meant.”
“You sort of take for granted what you think from your lens what accessibility is and she really opened our eyes to what accessibility should be in a facility like this,” Wood continued.
Of course none of these changes would be possible without the design team. Woods gave warm welcomes to Chris Kresge of Verdantas, Patrick Endler of Endler Architecture & Collaboration and Chris Lacey.
Lacey’s father James Lacey was the original architect of the Dorthy Dickson Darte Center. Lacey’s designs were preserved and utilized throughout this project to ensure that the integrity of the building was protected.
In addition to the new elevator attendees were introduced to further new inventions that push past will be “friendly to autistic individuals.” Wood took a second to highlight the new squiggly lights, screens, and speaker systems in the lobby that will further prevent the overstimulation that can occur with bright, loud performances.
“We haven’t been able to bring in state officials and certain speakers”
Guest of honor Eddie Day Pashinski, class of 67’ shared a few words on what it meant to be a student of music in his time at Wilkes.
He shared that “as a music major many years ago, we weren’t in this building.” Instead Pashinski reminisced on his memories inside Gies Hall.
He continued by explaining that once the building was open to students, “it was like New York!”
“I am so happy, that in some small way, I could play a role in helping to continue that with this incredible building,” he concluded.
Dean Paul Riggs of the College of Arts and Sciences thanked Jon Libetrau for his efforts in aiding the long renovation process.
Cally Williams a musical theater student at the University was chosen as the guest speaker of this ceremony. Williams wrote an article for “The Beacon” back in August which covered the ongoing construction process at the Darte.
Williams led a powerful speech on the importance of the arts and their impact on the community.
“I’d like to consider the Dorthy Dickson Darte Center my second home. I like to say that basically I live in here and I just go home to sleep,” she started.
“So it is really wonderful to see it being renovated so everyone is able to enjoy it as much as I do.”
“I can tell you that I came here because I liked the campus, or because Wilkes is one of the only schools in area with a BFA in musical theater, which is true. But, there is something more- something less tangible.” Williams recalled being, “pulled here and I was accepted with open arms by my peers into our tight-knit family and our program.”
“I remember sobbing my eyes out during our final show of ‘Between the Lines.’ It was like I was saying goodbye, even though I knew I’d see all my friends the next day. That’s what matters, creating art that is hard to say goodbye to. Art that lingers with you.” Williams concluded by thanking everyone for being “part of the history of keeping the performing arts alive which is so important.”
Anthony Kehs was able to interview Williams during the reception. Her interview faced frequent interruption because the speech was such a hit! These fragmented quotes of Williams’ passion don’t even do enough justice to her love of theater.
Williams explained that it was “really awesome” and she was “really honored” to be the student representative of the theater department.
She explained that she was “happy that people can come see our shows and not have to go through what I refer to as the spooky tunnel and instead use the elevator and get to seating.”
President Greg Cant concluded the ceremony where he explained the arts through the idea of a “lived experience.”
Cant stated that the Darte is home to “all of the elements of what it takes to put on a performance that enlivens our lives.”
A special matinee performance of their musical “I Love You Because” will take place on Nov. 16. As Williams explained, “picture Pride and Prejudice, but modern-day New York City.” The 60th anniversary dedication ceremony of the Darte Center will take place the same day where attendees will be able to admire all the new renovations of the Darte Center.
