Student performing groups will have another location to showcase their work next year when Lutkin Hall becomes available at a reduced cost on a trial basis.
The School of Music will save one date during both Fall Quarter 2001 and Winter Quarter 2002 for student groups to use Lutkin, its highly popular venue at 700 University Place.
Space will probably fill up on a “first come, first served” basis, said ASG Executive Vice President Jordan Heinz.
The Education junior worked with administrators after ASG passed a bill Fall Quarter supporting the lowering of rental prices for many campus performing facilities.
During the trial period, student groups will pay less than $100 for seven hours in the hall to offset operating costs such as workers’ salaries and lighting, said Molly Gholson, operations manager for Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, which operates the hall.
Currently, there is a $475 rental fee for a student group to rent Lutkin for a night, Gholson said.
“The big thing is there isn’t a venue rental cost,” said Heinz.
The trial period will be an opportunity for student groups to use a venue that they normally would not have access to, Heinz said.
“Lutkin is a great venue,” Heinz said. “Whenever you have something like that on campus, I don’t think it’s in the best interest of the student body not to (make it available).”
Because the School of Music uses Lutkin for many of its student ensemble performances, workshops and other events, it is difficult for student groups to book time in the venue.
“They’re our laboratories, and they’re used extensively,” said Rene Machado, associate dean of the School of Music. “The number of times we can (let student groups use it) is limited.”
It is unlikely that Lutkin Hall would be made available to student groups much more often than once a quarter, Machado said. But he said he is optimistic that Lutkin will be available to student groups once or twice a
quarter.
“We want to show our support for the student groups,” Machado said. “Barring any unforeseen problems, I don’t see any reason not to continue it at (the trial) rate.”
Making Lutkin available to student groups will help alleviate the “space crunch” on campus, Heinz said.
Currently, many student groups perform in places such as Shanley Pavilion, the Jones Great Room at Jones Fine and Performing Arts Residential College and McCormick Auditorium.
Although Heinz also is working on a similar plan for Pick-Staiger, he said he does not think it will “realistically” happen.
“The demand for that is so high, it’s unbelievable,” he said.
ASG also helped eliminate rental costs Winter Quarter for most student groups at Patten Gym. Larger events, however, such as A&O Productions’ big name concerts, still need to pay a rental fee, Heinz said.
