Father Fessio Spearheads Drive to Build Theater
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Published on Thursday, 04 December 2008 16:04
"I may not be able to sing, dance or play an instrument myself," says Ave Maria University's Theologian in Residence, "but I can build a theater that will showcase the talents of all the students who can." So these days, in addition to his roles at AMU and Ignatius Press, Fr. Fessio can often be seen poring over architectural plans and planning a campaign to raise money for a theater on campus. (Above, an architectural drawing shows a view from the fountain.)
Plans for the theater grew out of Fr. Fessio's involvement with Theater of the Word, a partnership of Ignatius Press and Upstage Productions of St. Louis. Initially, Theater of the Word looked to build a theater off-campus in the town of Ave Maria but it now is planned to be built on the University Mall, across the fountain from the library. Hopes originally were to build something resembling the Sugden Theater in Naples, but that was scaled back.
The main part of the building will be what's known as a "black box" theater. This type of forum gained popularity in the 1980s and features a relatively small, flexible space that can be configured for many different types of performances. This one will seat about 200 people in seven rows and will feature "state of the art lighting and sound," Father Fessio said.
In fact, the lighting and sound may be in use even before the theater is built. Part of an initial donation of $500,000 from local philanthropist Jack Donahue is being used to procure the lighting and sound systems so that they can be used in the university's current facilities before being installed in the permanent structure.
Lillian Bouchey, (right) an AMU senior who recently co-starred in the school drama department's production of I Do! I Do!, is enthusiastic about the benefits the theater will bring. "I believe Ave Maria is a place where the fine arts should be fostered," she said, "and the black box theater will provide the right kind of space for higher-quality performances."
"Building a beautiful stage will greatly benefit the community and the number of talented performers in the student body, which is already incredible, will multiply."
Fr. Fessio counts Lillian and her I Do! I Do! co-star Dan Bielinski among the most talented students and regrets that they will both graduate before the theater is constructed. "But I'll find a way to bring them back to perform once it opens," he said.
The building will also house classrooms and will feature a gelateria open to the public.
Although Fr. Fessio hopes to have the lights and sound system in time for the performance of Oklahoma! at the Festival of the Arts in March, there is no timetable yet for constructing the theater.
The project currently is out for bid. "Construction will start once we've raised the money," estimated at about $3 million, Fr. Fessio said.
If you are interested in donating specifically to support this project, contact the university Stewardship Coordinator at 239-280-2574 or
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