MJC's spacious and state-of-the-art new complex 'exceeds expectations'

By LISA MILLEGAN
lmillegan@modbee.com

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Modesto Junior College has completed a $32 million makeover of its auditorium complex that doubles it in size.

The new 54,000-square-foot Performing and Media Arts Center features:

An overhauled main auditorium and Little Theater

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State-of-the-art TV, radio and recording studios

A dance studio and costume workshop

"It's greatly exceeded our expectations," said Mike Sundquist, dean of the Arts, Humanities and Communications Division. "It's going to be an inviting and exciting space to perform in."

The lavish complex will be unveiled to the public Aug. 23 in a free open house. Festivities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, entertainment, appearances by Broadway legend Carol Channing and MJC alum and film actor Jeremy Renner ("28 Weeks Later," "North Country"), family activities, refreshments and more.

"I never thought I'd see this in my career lifetime," said Jim Johnson, professor emeritus and former dean of the Arts, Humanities and Communications Division. "To come here and look around, it's spectacular."

Designed by Modesto architect and MJC alum Dennis Smith, the project was a long time coming. Planning began in 1993, with funding coming from state bond money and Measure E funds, approved by voters in 2004. (Measure E was a $326 million Yosemite Community College District bond measure.) The last performance in the auditorium was in October 2005.

The renovated auditorium has double the lobby space, double the restrooms (10 stalls in the women's bathroom), a new concession area and ticket office. The college also bought software that will allow online ticket sales for the first time.

Seating in the theater was reduced from 940 to 820 to allow for more legroom and easier wheelchair access. For the same reason, the Little Theater reduced its seats from 94 to 74.

Both theaters now have flat-screen TV monitors, like those in the Gallo Center for the Arts, which allow latecomers to watch performances. New seats and carpeting were installed, and the theater was painted bronze. Sound, lighting and rigging systems were improved, and dressing rooms, lockers, showers and a green room in which performers can relax between shows were added.

"The students deserve it," Johnson said. "We're providing them with a first-rate venue for arts education."

A new second floor houses staff offices and radio, television and recording studios, as well as a computer classroom, dance studio and costume workshop.

The television studio includes high- definition cameras and will be available for public access television work.

"We're not aware of a studio between Fresno and Sacramento that has our facilities," Sundquist said.

The dance studio and costume workshop have windows that provide views of tall trees.

"It's great to be in here," said architect Smith. "It's relaxing. There's hardly a bad view on the second floor."

Johnson said the complex will be available for use by the community, whether to rent the theaters or to attend classes. He said he hopes it will enhance appreciation of the arts.

"Part of our job is cultivating audiences of the future," he said.

A free open house and ribbon cutting is scheduled Aug. 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Modesto Junior College's Performing and Media Arts Center, 435 College Ave. For more information, call 575-6776.

Bee arts writer Lisa Millegan can be reached at 578-2313 or lmillegan@modbee.com.