Amphitheatre: 'an oval or circular building with rising tiers of seats about an open space called the arena.' ArtStreet amphitheatre: 'UD's newest hub for the creative experience through the art of music.'

This new outdoor facility is more than just a structure; rather it's a gateway to the arts.

This facility will provide endless opportunities for creative expression. Among the many anticipated uses are musical performances, lectures, poetry readings, film showings and gatherings of an artistic nature.

Students, staff and faculty will have access to the facility. The stage measures approximately 16 by 24 feet, which is perfect for a small scale performance. Whether it's an intimate poetry reading or the annual Battle of the Bands, the amphitheatre can cater to a wide range of audiences as seating and lawn area can accommodate anywhere from 10 to 1,000 people.

Finished just two weeks ago, the amphitheatre is part of Phase two of the 'ArtStreet vision.' Through funding from a private donor, Mr. Jerome Epstein, the project was started last spring. Mr. Epstein's estate was divided among ten different institutions, with UD being one of the fortunate. The amphitheatre is part of the ArtStreet vision to benefit the UD community though the arts.

Since its inception, Adrienne Niess, Assistant to the Director of ArtStreet, has played a vital role in the plans for the amphitheatre.

As an undergraduate student at UD in 2004, she was a member of the ArtStreet planning committee. Niess was so enthusiastic about the project it became the topic for her honors thesis paper. After graduating in August 2004, she assumed her current position and now works with new director Susan Byrnes in the ArtStreet office. Niess is confident about the success of the amphitheatre.

'I have been passionate about this place and its goals since before construction even began,' Niess said. 'It has been such a great opportunity to help bring ideas to fruition.'

Director Susan Byrnes is just as passionate about this endeavor. Byrnes has a vision of building a closer community through ArtStreet.

'Performing arts events will create a visual and audible ambiance in the neighborhood which will draw the community together in support of the arts.'

Byrnes believes an open and easily accessible location will remove potential barriers to the arts. Furthermore, strategic and creative use of the facilities is an important factor in the success of ArtStreet.

Byrnes and Niess hope to see students benefit from the amphitheatre through exploring new and exciting art forms, finding inspiration and, perhaps, developing a deeper appreciation for the arts.

Although the actual construction has been completed, the directors are still in the process of working with logistics, such as purchasing and installing additional equipment. Policies regarding lighting and sound, technical assistance and public safety procedures are still being discussed.

Events are already scheduled for the amphitheatre. As part of the second annual ArtBeat Festival on Friday Sept. 23, you can jam with campus bands in ArtStreet Plaza. Food, live music, cornhole and art are a part of the celebration. The event is free and starts at 3 p.m.

For more information about how to schedule the amphitheatre for an event, you can contact Adrienne Niess in the ArtStreet Office at x95101 or e-mail artstreet@udayton.edu. Don't forget to check out the official ArtStreet website: http://artstreet.udayton.edu.