As audience members filed into Shanley Pavilion on Thursday night to see “The Apple Tree,” many failed to notice the new fluorescent lights on the theater ceiling.

But to the play’s cast and crew, the renovations Northwestern made to Shanley this summer are worthy of applause.

“I know that every theater group will really appreciate the improvements,” said Molly Kramer, director of “The Apple Tree,” the first show to open in Shanley since the renovations.

The theater also showcases new stage curtains, a revamped men’s bathroom and a full-length mirror hanging in the backstage corridor.

Shanley, located behind Lunt Hall, is a popular space for smaller student productions. But many people noticed the space could benefit from improvements.

Joel Richlin, Associated Student Government Arts Alliance senator, in February 2001 introduced the resolution and bill to the Senate, calling for a Shanley renovation.

“It just wasn’t bright enough,” said Richlin, who also is Arts Alliance co-chairman.

NU approved funding for the project through the president’s office last October, and crews began working on lighting and plumbing this past summer.

Steve Guinta, who stepped in to supervise renovations as assistant director of Norris University Center, said he does not know the exact cost of improvements because receipts still are being collected.

Construction is complete for now, but Guinta said crews hope to improve the women’s bathroom over Winter Break. Landscaping will have to wait until next summer, he said.

In the future, NU plans to construct two black box theaters as part of Norris renovations. If this happens, Shanley will be torn down. Still, Guinta supports the current improvements, which he said will upgrade the facilities while preserving Shanley’s unique atmosphere.

“We want to make the students happy with what they have but keep the original funkiness,” Guinta said.

NU also purchased a set of risers to keep in Shanley permanently, so performing groups no longer have to rent them for each show. The risers did not arrive in time for the opening of “The Apple Tree” but should be coming any day, Richlin said.

Other than lighting, the largest investment was the theatrical blacks, which can be configured to meet the needs of each show.

“It’s very versatile, which is the whole point,” Richlin said.

Kramer said theater groups used to have to hunt down and rent matching curtains for shows at Shanley. The new set will save groups time and money and improve the atmosphere of the stage, she said.

“I think having the uniform blacks and (poles) makes things look more finished,” said Kramer, a Communication junior. “It makes it look less rag-tag and thrown together.”

“The Apple Tree,” presented by Arts Alliance in its annual Garden Party, runs at 8 and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The three one-act musicals, meant to be performed together, tell the tale of Adam and Eve, a legend of a barbarian princess and a Cinderella story of a chimney sweep who dreams of Hollywood.

Tickets cost $5 for students and $10 for adults, and are available at the Norris Box Office or at the door.

At the premiere Thursday night, the ceiling lights were not turned on, so most audience members were unaware that NU had improved Shanley.

“I can’t really tell any difference,” said Katie Winson, a Music senior. “Most of the time you’re in the dark anyway.”

But Chad Young, Arts Alliance public relations director, said the renovations are worth it.

“The changes they made will make it a much better facility for shows, which will help us put on better productions,” said Young, a Medill junior.