The centennial is not the only big news at UNCG Theatre.
Taylor Theatre, which opened in 1967 and was named for William Raymond Taylor, has never had a significant renovation. Now it will.
When it was built, of course, there was no internet; there was no wireless; no cell phones or laptops. Americans with Disability Act standards also were decades away.
Over the next 18-24 months and with funding as part of the state budget, Taylor will receive infrastructure modernization in many ways:
- Accessibility enhancements
- New plumbing
- Renovation of restrooms (including more stalls)
- Fire curtain
- New HVAC (heating/air conditioning)
If budget allows, an enhancement to the lobby and new seating will be part of the project.
“This only brushes the surface of the theater’s needs – for the needs of our outstanding School of Theatre and the talented students, said Natalie Sowell, director of the school. “It’s important we bring our spaces up to industry standards for 21st-century theatre practices, particularly for our graduate students immediately going out into the field.”
100 years at UNCG Theatre
1922 “Antigone” 
1963 “The Suspect” 
2019 “Pippin”
In 1921, theatrical arts on this campus leapt forward with the hiring of William Raymond Taylor. Within a year, “Teach” Taylor created new classes in playwriting and theatre production, and he established The Dramatic Association of the North Carolina College for Women – eventually known as The Play-Likers.
This year, the School of Theatre celebrates this milestone. A kickoff event earlier in April, with tours of Sprinkle Theatre and Taylor Theatre, marked the launch.
Centennial events are planned for Homecoming 2022 on Oct. 14.
Want to be a part? See updates at vpa.uncg.edu/theatre/centennial.