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Kristin Bradford
Stewart Theatre is located on the third floor of the Talley Student Union. Despite its "youth," the theatre has already hosted multiple performances, including the vertical dance performers of BANDALOOP and The University Theatre program's 2015-2016 season opening of the classic musical "Fiddler on the Roof."
Stewart Theatre, NC State’s largest performance space, reopened Sept. 17 to unveil an impressive collection of updated features and accommodations to better fit NC State’s ever-improving infrastructure.
“[Stewart Theatre] is one of the finest performance spaces in Raleigh,” said John McIlwee, director of University Theatre. “It’s much more attractive than even the theaters downtown.”
Located on the third floor of the Talley Student Union, the new and improved theater space seats approximately 750 people and features newly renovated seating, improved sound-proof walls, new dressing rooms, a European-style theater layout and handicap accessibility in all areas.
The space has added plush, red seats that curve in an elevated, panoramic style, facing a black, ground-level stage and a thick, red main drape, to remain true to the iconic red curtain image of a classical theater.
McIlwee said that along with University Theatre performances, Stewart Theatre “also houses programs from NC State LIVE, the music department, the dance program and anybody who wants to engage Stewart Theatre,” putting students’ organizations as a priority.
Students can reserve Stewart Theatre for various events and performances free of charge. However, because theater reservations tend to fill up fast, McIlwee urges students to reserve the theater far in advance to ensure a spot.
“Stewart Theatre is used almost every day of the year,” McIlwee said. “There’s almost always something going on there.”
NC State LIVE has a full schedule of shows through the spring semester that includes musicians, a circus dancing troupe, a Japanese percussion group and many more.
University Theatre just finished up its run of “Fiddler on the Roof” Sunday, which was its first performance held exclusively in the newly renovated Stewart Theatre.
The next play coming up for University Theatre is “Duck Hunter Shoots Angel,” a comedy based on a National Inquirer headline. Other upcoming plays for the semester include a modern retelling of “The Odyssey” called “Anon(ymous),” a comedy called “Leading Ladies” and “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.”
*Editor’s Note: The Technician originally reported that the Stewart Theatre is on the second floor of the Talley Student Union. This is incorrect. The Stewart Theatre is located on the third floor.