Design and Technical

Janet Roney, M.F.A. and Full-Professor at Wayne State College, heads the design and technical components of Wayne State College’s Theatre program. Students benefit from ample opportunity to hone their technical skills through the production of four plays per academic year. The WSC Theatre program utilizes 3 different types of stages for its productions, thereby giving students valuable hands-on experience in designing and constructing for different performance venues.

The Lied Performing Arts Center

Opened in December 2002, the Lied Performing Arts Center is a new addition to the existing Val Peterson Fine Arts Hall. The $3 million project renovated the existing Ramsey Theatre and added a 10,800 square-foot addition. The Lied Performing Arts Center accommodates the renovated Ramsey Theatre, and several new spaces including the Scene shop, Green Room, Design Studio, Costume shop, loading dock area, and the Black Box Theatre. The project was funded in part by a $547,000 grant from the Lied Foundation Trust and in recognition of that gift, the west portion of the building encompassing the foyer, Ramsey Theatre and the new addition in the Val Peterson Fine Arts Hall was named The Lied Performing Arts Center.

Scene Shop
The spacious new scene shop with over-sized garage style doors allows for direct load-in of pre-built scenery to the stage.

Design Studio
The Design Studio gives students the opportunity to design set and lighting with CADD software.

In contrast to larger universities, undergraduate theatre design students at Wayne State College receive the opportunity to see their creativity come to life on the stage! Many of our productions highlight the costume, lighting, and set designs of our undergraduate students.

The Crucible
October 2004
Ramsey Theatre
Set and Lighting designed by student Adam Nathan

The Diary of Anne Frank
Ley Theatre
November 2003
Costumes designed by student Matt Haschke

Ramsey Theatre  

If you have not been on campus for some time, or have never visited our campus, a tour of the newly renovated Ramsey Theatre is a must. Renovation and expansion, completed in December 2002 includes:

• A new addition that houses a Scene shop, Design Studio, Green Room, Costume shop, and Black Box Theatre (The Lied Performing Arts Center)
• A reconstructed stage floor and apron
• New stage rigging
• New stage curtains and scrim
• New lighting and sound control systems
• New auditorium seating
• New auditorium carpeting
• Improved acoustics

Ramsey Theatre, housed in the Lied Performing Arts Center, is the main performance venue. With a 52’ X 32’ stage, the space accommodates our larger productions seating up to 675 spectators. Recent renovations now allow students to work with state-of-the-art lighting, sound, and rigging systems. Ramsey Theatre is the “home” of the annual Children’s Show, a mainstay of the program, which draws audiences of 4,000+.

Green Room

Our spacious Green Room, located on Ramsey stage level, behind stage left, provides comfort and convenience for performers. Access to stage is immediate and the cozy atmosphere facilitates relaxation and focus. Equipped with makeup mirrors, stage audio, and a unisex bathroom, the Green Room allows performers to make the most of their off-stage time.

Black Box Theatre

Now that the addition of the Theatre Annex is complete, WSC possesses a Black Box Theatre, located on the lower level of the Lied Performing Arts Center. Equipped with rigging for lighting, the Black Box is a versatile space that allows for innovative and unique designs and constructions. Seating approximately 70, the Black Box is a valuable addition to the WSC Theatre program.

Ley Theatre

Furthermore, the WSC Theatre program utilizes Ley Theatre, housed in the Brandenberg Education Building. This early twentieth-century space was renovated in 1982. With its modifiable thrust stage, Ley Theatre lends a classic atmosphere to productions. Seating space can vary depending on the production, but the venue seats no more than 312. With its intimate environment, Ley Theatre provides a warm and inviting space for performance.

Auditorium Specs
Seating varies from a maximum of 312 to 235 depending on the thrust arrangement.

Contact Information
For more information, please contact:
Janet Roney , M.F.A.
Professor, Technical Director, and Designer
Dept. of Comm. Arts
FA 110A
Wayne , NE 68787
(402) 375-7354
FAX: (402) 375-7130
jaroney1@wsc.edu

Gwen Jensen , Ph.D.
Professor and Director
Dept. of Comm. Arts
FA 111A
Wayne, NE 68787
(402) 375-7422
FAX: (402 375-7130
gwjense1@wsc.edu