Karl C. Bruder Theatre

The Karl C. Bruder Theatre, constructed in 1967, is the primary production home for the University Theatre. A traditional proscenium stage with excellent sight lines and acoustics, the theatre has a seating capacity of 402. A large lobby plus an adjacent art gallery provide a comfortable gathering space for the audience. Box office and restrooms facilities are located off of the lobby.

Production facilities include an adjacent scene shop at the rear of the stage plus dressing rooms, green room, and costume shop on the lower level. Large storage spaces for costumes and props are located on the lower level. The control booth located at the rear of the auditorium provides space for the stage manager plus lighting and sound operators.

The construction shops are very important to the theatre education process.

For more on the shops, click these links:

Scene Shop

Costume Shop

The proscenium arch measures 39'-6" by 18'-0". The stage has a single purchase fly system with the rail located at stage right. There are 28 line sets with a travel distance of 44 feet above the deck. The act curtain is rigged for flying. The stage has a full set of soft goods for masking plus two stage width scrims (black and white), and one sky drop.

The stage lighting system is by ETC with 186 dimmers and an Expression 2X control console. Stage lighting fixtures are primarily ECT Source Fours and Strand ellipsoidal spotlights. The sound system is used primarily for reproduction of background music and sound effects. A 24 channel Heath and Allen mixter is used to control sources that include: microphones, CD, Cassette, Mini-Disc, and computer. Recording and editing is accomplished with computer editing programs. A patch bay is provided between the eight Crown, Micro-Tech 2400, amplifiers and the speakers; 5 permanent speakers plus 4 " rovers" to be used at the 10 speaker jacks located on stage and in the house, Live reinforcement is possible using the 8 microphone jacks located on stage and in the orchestra pit. A stage monitor and intercom is provided.