Almost four years after the project was initially approved by the UVA Board of Visitors, construction on the Ruth Caplin Thrust Theatre began this week. The two-story, $13.5 million addition to UVA’s current drama facilities will connect to the Culbreth Theatre lobby and box office, also slated for renovation and expansion. The Caplin building will offer 300 seats and a stage designed to accomodate dance performances and film events.
While some trees will have to be removed during construction, they will be replaced with mature trees once work is completed. (The projected completion date is May 2012.) UVA Today reports that special measures are being taken to protect one large white oak tree at the top of the hill during the construction process.
And what about protecting the Drama Department’s current production of Evita? Don’t worry; construction noises will not interrupt “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina.” Construction will take place between 6am and 5pm on weekdays, with occasional work on Saturdays.