PVCC Puma Press: March 2004

Alan Tongret, PAC committee chairman and PVCC Fine Arts faculty member, announced that the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Performing Arts Center is scheduled for 11am on March 12.

The chancellor and board members of the Maricopa County Community College District, PVCC's administration, staff and students are all invited to attend the ceremonies, which will be held in the temporary parking lot near the golf course. Tongret praised the cooperation between the district, the administration and the Fine Arts faculty in making this vision a reality after five long years from the planning stages to fruition.

The PAC opening planned for the spring of 2005 has been postponed until the summer of 2005 because of delays in submissions of bids from the various sub-contractors. Tongret says, "The budget problems have been solved," and adds, "It's been a long, long road to here."

In October 2003, various design changes were authorized to lower the proposed costs which were $.975 million over budget. Tongret said that eliminating the grid-iron design for hanging scenery allowed the height of the PAC to be reduced by 50 feet and saved $400,000. The dressing rooms were not eliminated, but one fly floor on the stage, the amphitheatre and various landscape features were deleted from the list.

The new facility will seat between 283-306 patrons depending on whether or not the orchestra pit is in use. Tongret says he looks forward to opening the facility for theatrical performances. The PAC will also be available for other instructional purposes including music classes.