Academic Performance Hall

This year, the State of Florida committed $12.6 million to Florida Gulf Coast University to build an academic performance hall. FGCU seeks additional dollars to enhance this facility to accommodate the expected growth of the Bower School of Music and the theatre department and the expected popularity of its programming. The opportunity is now while the State will double every donation made in support of this building. Through the Alec P. Courtelis Facilities Enhancement Challenge Grant Program, the State of Florida will match every gift made before the end of the year. Community gifts, supplemented by their State matching funds and the appropriated $12.6 million will provide and equip a facility worthy of quality academic and public programming.
To this end, Florida Gulf Coast University offers commemorative opportunities for the facility, its spaces and equipment. With community support, this building will be a landmark facility for performing arts instruction and quality public performances, enriching the lives of individuals in Southwest Florida and beyond. The Center, which will be built next to the Arts Complex on FGCU’s campus, will become the central component of the University’s growing visual and performing arts space. It will be an important destination site for the region’s residents and visitors as well as for FGCU’s students.

The desired facility will boast three main performance spaces: a 400-seat Concert Hall; a 200-seat Choral Rehearsal/Recital Hall; and a 200-seat Experimental Theater. The academic core of the facility will be enhanced with additional classrooms, laboratories, practice rooms, studios, public conference rooms, and the like. The lobby will be used for pre-performance gatherings and intermission receptions. This facility will be designed acoustically for superior sound and for the audience’s comfort.

Within this hall, in addition to academic instruction and performances, FGCU also will be able to offer a variety of activities for the public’s enrichment and appreciation, including classes, summer camps, tours, workshops, plays, discussion groups, educator workshops, and outreach programs.