Lipscomb University has repurposed a former steam plant, turning it into a cutting-edge scene shop for its theatre department, providing a space for students to craft sets and store props, according to a report from the institution. The steam plant, which functioned for over six decades, was retired last summer in favor of more modern HVAC systems across the campus. Now, it serves a new purpose as a hub for the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts to bring theatre production in-house, Andy Bleiler, an assistant professor at Lipscomb, told the university's news outlet.
The new Scene Shop, located near the theatre department's base in Sewell Hall, allows for improved daily operations and collaboration among faculty and students, a notable change from the off-campus facility that was used previously, and the shop's proximity to its theatrical home enhances the hands-on experience. "Being on campus has improved day-to-day operations and has made our collaboration process so much easier because we are all near each other and can easily see the progress of the work we are all doing," Bleiler emphasized in the university's release. The facility, named "Steam Plant Dream Plant" by the department, debuted in the fall and has been credited with improving efficiency and streamlining design processes.
Among its features, the shop boasts high ceilings that accommodate the construction of large set pieces, ensuring actor safety and fit before moving them to stage settings, Hendrick Shelton, the Technical Director, highlighted the upgrade in the same release. "The space offers tremendous height, which allows us to mock up tall pieces of scenery in the shop to make sure they fit together properly and will be safe for the actors," he explained, adding that the old shop's low ceilings presented challenges now overcome. Moreover, shelving units and a new loading dock have simplified prop management and the receiving of materials such as lumber and steel.
Aligning with the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) standards, the shop marks a significant forward step for future accreditation, catering to the training needs of students with current technology, proper hardware, and improved educational space, Shelton further expounded. The transformation took a rapid two months to complete, earning accolades from within the university for its swift execution and support of sustainability principles, proving to be a "shining example" of the institution's student-first philosophy, as Bleiler highlighted in a statement.
