With the announcement of the 2005 Great Performers Series, The Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall, on the campus of Buffalo State College, is re-opening after eight months and $1.2 million in major technological upgrades and refurbishments. Extensive upgrades to the sound and lighting systems, replacement of the rigging system, curtains and stage floor, makes the Performing Arts Center well equipped to bring world-class performers to Western New York to perform in the intimate setting of Rockwell Hall for years to come.

The largest component of the project was the demolition and replacement of the theatre’s rigging system. The newly installed computer controlled rigging system is a 27 line set Vortek motorized system manufactured by Hoffend of Victor, New York.

The Center upgraded its sound system with industry leading equipment from EAW, Crown, TC Electronic and Midas. The new sound system consists of speakers flown above the stage improving the visual and audio presentation of events in the Center. Installation of an isolated ground power transformer will supply the new sound system with clean power. Upwards of 32,000 watts of amplified power significantly improves the patron’s concert experience.

More than 200 dimmer and control modules were installed with over 200 brand new state of the art lighting fixtures, including Vari-lite moving lights. Brand new stage curtains and acoustic draperies further improve the patron’s performance experience. A $150,000 acoustic orchestra shell is being designed. Finally, the Center’s stage floor was removed and a new resilient oak stage floor was installed, with the addition of a portable dance floor.

Hamilton, Houston, Lownie Architects were the architectural firm and BRD Construction served as the General Contractor. It is believed that with the completion of this project, along with the newly renovated Warren Enters Theatre, Buffalo State College will be home to two of the most technologically advanced theatres in the Western New York area.

Opened in its current configuration in 1987, the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall is an 856-seat multi-purpose theatre that enhances the cultural vitality of the Buffalo State College campus and Western New York community. The Center hosts more than 180 events a year, including a Great Performers Series featuring world-class artists from a wide range of performance genres and the Artsplorations program, a series of performances for schoolchildren. Faculty and students of the Performing Arts Department regularly present concerts in the theatre. The Center is also home to the Buffalo City Ballet, Buffalo Opera Unlimited and numerous other community and campus events.