The Campus Chronicle

Volume 2, No. 28
June 14, 2002

The 1,237-seat theater, located at 32 Abercorn St., will be a venue for special events and SCAD student presentations.
Photo by Chia Chiung Chong

Lucas board votes to donate theater to the college

By Angela Hendrix

The Lucas Theatre Board of Governors announced June 12 their unanimous decision for the theater to become a part of the Savannah College of Art and Design. At a meeting called May 28, the board voted to donate the Lucas to the college in order to preserve the restoration of the theater and ensure its ongoing success.

Although the 2001-2002 season has been successful in many ways, the board of governors saw a need to consider long-term plans and funding for the theater and decided SCAD was the best solution. With a student body of 5,500 representing all states and more than 80 countries, the college offers 52 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and has won numerous awards for historic preservation.

Richard D. Eckburg, president of the Lucas Board of Governors said, "It has been both a joy and challenge bringing this glorious theater back to life. Many wonderful and involved members of our community have dedicated themselves to reestablishing the Lucas as an integral part of our community. We are very proud of our contribution to Savannah, but recognize the need to identify an entity capable of handling the long-term financial responsibilities associated with programming and maintaining this beautiful, but expensive 80-year-old theater. SCAD has been at the forefront of our city’s redevelopment and will engage more students, residents and tourists with this addition."

SCAD President Paula S. Wallace expressed gratitude for the new facility, which adds a significant resource to the college’s award-winning urban campus. "We are grateful that the board of the Lucas Theatre has entrusted the future stewardship of this important cultural icon to the Savannah College of Art and Design. The building is magnificent and will answer an urgent need as our media and performing arts, film and animation programs continue to expand." Wallace said the Savannah Film and Video Festival, Oct. 26-Nov. 2, and the regional American College Theater Festival, Feb. 4-9, are just two examples of additional programming available to the community that the Lucas will accommodate in the near future.

Savannah College of Art and Design President Paula Wallace (left) accepts the donation of the Lucas Theatre to the college from Lucas Board of Governors President Richard D. Eckburg June 12.
Photo by Chia Chiung Chong

"Since reopening the theater 18 months ago, we have presented more than 60 events including Broadway shows, children’s theater, opera, dance, classical, pop and country western concerts," Eckburg said. "I anticipate we will see this quality programming continue far into the future under SCAD’s stewardship."

Wallace echoed that sentiment. "Just as the Trustees Theater offers concerts, plays, lectures, films and other events open to the public, the Lucas will allow us to host even more community programming while still meeting the needs of students, faculty and staff," said Wallace.

The college will broaden the functional use of the Lucas to include additional programming oriented toward students. SCAD also intends to provide programming which interests and entertains the public. Wallace said the college will honor any already scheduled commitments made for rentals and events.

Danny Filson, executive director of the Trustees Theater, will assume direct oversight of the Lucas and said he is excited about the opportunities this opens up for additional programming. "Now we will be able to offer even more of the very best in music, theater and special events," he said.

The Lucas opened in 1921 with a showing of "Camille" and closed in 1976 with a showing of "The Exorcist." Original construction cost was $400,000.

The saving and restoration of the Lucas Theatre began in 1987 with formation of the nonprofit Lucas Theatre for the Arts by Emma and Lee Adler. After extensive restoration, the Lucas Theatre reopened Dec. 1, 2000 with a grand celebration and the showing of "Gone With the Wind" to a full house. The theater seats 1,237.

Angela Hendrix is director of public information.